Upgrade from clearaudio maestro mm to $2-3k mc cart?
Hello,
I’m interested in replacing my clearaudio maestro mm cart with an mc cart in the $2-3k range and am looking for advice. I’m due for a retip soon and have been thinking I want to know what the mc world is like. The maestro has been great but I’d like to hear the next level. I’ve had my eye on the clearaudio talisman, partially because I’ve been so happy with my clearaudio gear so far that I’d like to stick with them but also it seems to have good reviews. If anyone can comment on the talisman or other mc carts in the same range, I’d love to hear what you have to say.
Rest of the system: The tt is a cleaudio concept wood w/ satisfy tonearm. Phono stage is a pro-ject tube box ds2. The amp is a Line Magnetic LM219ia. Phono stage and integrated have been tube rolled. Speakers are Klipsch Forte IV’s.
Thanks!
@durte30 , I have the same Clearaudio Wood turntable with carbon fiber Satisfy tonearm. If you should decide to follow the excellent recommendations above for preamp upgrade and are then looking around for matching Lo MC cartridges in the $1k range, I have a couple of suggestions. The Clearaudio Concept MC cartridge is no slouch, and obviously matches up well with this system. Another often recommended pairing is one of the Hana's such as the ML, or other Shibata-tipped MC's. Enjoy. |
I’ll take a look at the fosgate. My research on phono stages has been very casual as I thought I’d be replacing the cart first so I still have a lot of research to do. I tend to prefer tubes to ss (in general) but am not dead set on having a tubed phono. I recently added an audiomirror tubadour III SE DAC to my digital chain which I think is what has had me thinking about analog upgrades... Do you have the moon 310LP paired with that tt? Are you using the concept mc or did you land on something else? Thanks. |
@durte30 - you are correct - you have to remove the top cover, which is very easy HOWEVER - IF you change cartridges frequently - then it becomes more of an issue You can add the external power supply - OR
The cartridge compatability settings are versatile and support a wide range of cartridge types. The noise floor is very low, even if you turn to full volume (i.e. while NOT playing an album) If you are like me - just set it to the cartridge of your choise and forget about it. I settled on a Soundsmith Modified Denon 103 with the O.C. contact line stylus on a Ruby cantilever around 8 years ago and I am extremely happy with the combination - I haven’t looked for anything else since. I have this cartridge mounted in an Audiomods Armm which brings out every tiny detail in the vinyl. YES - There are more "convenient" phono stages out there, i.e. where the jumpers for matching to the cartridge are accessed from the outside . But there are not many phono stages that can match the performance of the MOON products for the price Hope that helps - Steve |
duerte30- I meant to include in my last post a new unit also. Hagerman Trumpet looks to be a popular $1k($1200 price point tube unit if you want new. Your overall setup is about the same level as mine, so just passing some experience to save you the hassle. Audio gear shopping without home trial sucks. Pair the Trumpet with any of the popular $1k LOMC and you should hear what the fuss is all about. Total damage will be under $3K with huge sonic upgrade. Don't get sucked into thinking you need new cables.
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