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Clearaudio Virtuoso vs. Maestro

The reviews I've seen of the Virtuoso seem to focus on its MC-like resolution without hardness. The Maestro reviews seem to focus on its richness without the last bit of resolution. But I don't know if the Maestro's lack of resolution is only in relation to the best MC, or in relation to most any cartridge. I've not seen much comparing these carts directly. Does the Maestro gain its plum-like like ripeness by mucking up the resolution of the Virtuoso? Or is the Maestro better across the board? Has anyone heard them both in the same system?
honest1
honest1 OP
586 posts
 
Lev - Why are you on your 3d Maestro? Did they wear out / break? Were they defective from the manufacturer? I didn't think the cartridge has been on the market long enough to go through 2 already.
levchappy
64 posts
 
Hi Honest1

The first Maestro was damaged by the stupid factor involving me, the Cardas Sweeper Record and a friend. The second Maestro had about five years on it and again, the stupid factor with myself and the same friend took over and I allowed the cantiler to swing into a tool. The diamond seemed worn. I'm sure the cart had well over 1200 hours on it. I was trying to recalibrate the cartridge and my friend and I were both tired when stupid occured.

The reason I on my third Maestro is that nothing is as satisfying without going into MC units such as Van Den Hul, or Koetsu
maineiac
649 posts
 
I had a Maestro and it was an excellent cartridge which I thought had great detail until I got a ZYX airy 3SB (MC).
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
Dear Honest1: I own the Virtuoso and is a fine cartridge. I can't compare against the Maestro because I never made that real comparison, I heard the Maestro and like me and seems to me a little more " refined ".

These Clearaudio are competitive but if you want something that can/could compete with top LOMC cartridges then IMHO this one is a good alternative:

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=NAGAOKAMP050&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
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