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Upgrading Clearaudio Performance

When I ordered my clearaudio performance turntable I had to compromise and started with their basic Aurum Classic cartridge. It is an OK cartridge but I miss warmth and smoothness. I have my turntable running into the phono pre-stage of a Rotel integrated amp RA1062. In trying to get warmer, rounder sound would you recommend investing in a phono pre-stage or a cartridge upgrade? I've been thinking on getting either the Clearaudio Maestro or a Benz L2. The Benz will probably force me to get a phono pre-stage since the Rotel expects a 2.4mV input. I'm trying to stay around $1000 budget.
herbet
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I use the same turntable with a Sumiko Blackbird, and it sounds stellar.
drummermitchell's avatar
drummermitchell
262 posts
 
I'm using a Clearaudio champII with a basic silver catridge.
I was going thru my AV-8s phono card.Then I purchased a Allnic-1200PH-stage from David(Hammertone audio)she's tube driven.
She has a very relaxed smooth sound,huge sound stage and the
clarity between each instrument is excellent.I wonder what the
1500 would do.The 1200 was a Major upgrade for me,considering I have just the silver catridge in there.Totally satisfied,but can we get more musical emotion out of her.
applebook
13 posts
 
IMO, you should consider upgrading your phono first. Even if you go with a higher class cart, you will eventually need a better phono.

I recommend the Maestro and the Virtuoso for MM, but go with the wood versions for a bit more warmth.

If you get a more flexible phono, then you would have far more choices of MM and MC carts.
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