2. analog
  3. 1187549488

Clearaudio Master Reference - impressions?

I'm going to be offered this great-looking source at a very nice price soon (it is used), but I know pretty much nothing about it and I've never heard it play. What I know so far is that it's a "complete" setup with the Clearaudio Goldfinger pickup.

Does anybody own this table or have heard it and comment on the sound and what you played it with (e.g. phono stage, pickup and the rest of the system) ? How would it stack up to current stuff in the $10-20k range? (with arm & pickup, but excluding phono stage)

Any input would be most welcome, thanks! :)
osgorth
osgorth OP
109 posts
 
Thanks for your input!

I'm not aware of the details yet, i.e. wrt to the Outer Limit. The player is arriving at my dealer's this week and I'll check everything out then.. Can't wait, hehe.

I'm pretty sure it has the Master arm though, but we'll see soon enough. I'll post again when I've had a chance to see it.
nilthepill
842 posts
 
Third the outer limit. And if you can spring for matching Everest stand then it would take its performance to even higher level. And it looks great.
osgorth OP
109 posts
 
Well, all I had to do was to listen to this table, it turned out.. Wow! I was totally impressed and bought it on the spot. Played on the big MBL Reference setup using the MC input stage module in the 6010D preamp, this is quite easily the best sound I've heard so far.

I made quite a bargain too, paying about 50% of retail, as good as new! :)

Analog, here we go again..

It is the AMG Acrylic I believe, by the way. Of course I forgot to check if it has the Outer Limit mod, we'll see when I get it.. I was wrong about the arm too, it's got the 14" arm and not the Master TQ. In any case, I was stunned by the performance of this table, and that Goldfinger pickup just floored me...
piedpiper
753 posts
 
congratulations! enjoy!
More to discover