Upgrade from clearaudio maestro mm to $2-3k mc cart?

@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

• I added very good power and interconnect cables
• the impact is the same - improved details, dynamics and imaging
• Take a look at Zavfino cables for this approach

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.

@williewonka 

Thanks for the extra info. I don’t have an arsenal of carts that I’ll be swapping in and out so I don’t think needing to take the cover off to adjust the settings would prevent me from pulling the trigger on one. Sounds like maybe a bit of a hassle getting it dialed in the first time but then like you said, “set it and forget it.”

@tablejockey 

Thanks for sharing, I’ll take a look at the Trumpet. I couldn’t tell from your post if you have the Trumpet or if the recommendation was based on reviews. If you have it, how does it compare to the other phono stages you mentioned earlier? I know my tube box ds2 is on the upper end of entry level but at $900 it seems hard to believe that the $1200 Trumpet would be a massive sonic improvement. I’ll still look into it though!

duerte30-

Dropped the Hagerman in for the price comparizon to the used Fosgate, which I'm still using. 

Didn't realize the Project increased in cost over the years. Wouldn't know how the 2 compare. You may be right it's not being a justified expense. There may be a thread on hat particular move?

I was very much considering that Moon 310 and also the Southerland Little Loco.
(That later one is only able to do LOMC.)

So some of this becomes a bit of a double whammy as you cannot uprgrade the phonostage and then the cart (e.g. Lil Loco).