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Upgrading the stock cartridge on Macintosh’s MT5 turntable

Hi all,

I would like to replace and upgrade the Sumiko Blue Point No. 2 cartridge that was included with my Macintosh MT5 turntable. It sounds like the cartridge has lost some of detail when listening to my recordings.  I have owned the turntable for about seven years.  I clean the stylus after each play.  I am very careful in my cleaning process.  I listen to Classic Rock and Blues music.  I have a Macintosh TT preamp connected to a Krell Illusion preamp.  I have Krell Mono Blocks.  The speakers are Sonus Faber IL Cremonese speakers.  Any cartridge suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.  Thank you
jworth
jworth OP
37 posts
 
Very interesting recommendation...I have been looking at the ClearAudio Charisma V2.  Any thoughts v. The Maestro V2 for this tt? Thank  you for your time.

JW
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Jworth, the Charisma V2 should work perfectly. It is a little stiffer at 17u/mN but it is also three grams heavier than the blue point. So it all cancels out. It has Clearaudio's best stylus in it. I have never heard one but it should be killer. The Maestro is excellent so you would have to assume the Charisma is even better. According to Clearaudio's spec the Charisma will track at 90 uM which is fabulous. Very few cartridges can track that well.
If you get it do let us know how you like it!

Mike
dandydan32
1 posts
 
Does anyone know a good cartridge that would work with the MT5 that is being used with the phono stage on the McIntosh MA252? I really want to upgrade from the Blue Point #2. Thanks!
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