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Analysis Paralysis on Phone Stage and MC Cartridge

There is so much information to pore over and try to make an informed decision on the purchase of a Phono Stage and MC cartridge. So, I’ll look for this communities help in point me to an informed decision.
Some parameters that may help you with your recommendation. I have a Clearaudio Concept turntable that I will use. It currently have the included MM cartridge that came with the TT. Price I’m willing to spend is $1200 for each. I listen to classical and rock. Not a jazz fan. However, I do like Amy Winehouse’s’ recording’s. If the TT is NOT up to the performance for the amount of $1200 for the phono stage and $1200 for a MC, then please, I’m willing to spend less. :<) Thanks for any input.
old_marantz
sbrown
148 posts
 
Just because your table and combination can be purchased with a MC does not clear it for a glabal recommendation for all MC's. I assume that most of the time this table is sold with Clearaudio cartridges. These are all high compliance which tend to be easier to match with an arm than models with low compliance or those that pump alot of energy back into the arm. Caution is warrented otherwise you can end up with a very unhappy marriage of cartridge and arm.
manitunc
795 posts
 
your amp will accept a high output mc or a mm. Most higher quality mc are not high output, but some are. I would get an outboard phono preamp.
old_marantz OP
19 posts
 
Thanks and Happy Holidays
old_marantz OP
19 posts
 
I was kinda thinking I'd just go with ClearAudio phono stage and MC for just that reason - compliance. Just to be sure though, I'll open a question to them and see which of their products they would recommend for my TT.

Thanks Again.
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
All cartridge companies have a house "sound" that seems to run through their line, for the most part. I think the first step is to determine what type of sound you like and see which manufacturers are more likely to please your ears and preferances.

Then move on to the phono stage and see if the properties of tubes or SS are more to your liking. With tubes you may also need a step-up if the MC cartridge output is too low, so keep that in mind.

Everyone's individual recommendations are just that, their choices, and that may not work for you unless you share their preferance. Staying with brand loyalty just because you own a table by a particular manufacturer may not make total sense in the long run. There are lots of variables.
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