Is Coincident Statement Phono pre-amp an overkill

Let's say the OP buys the Coincident phono preamp. Based upon the go for the best and only purchase once philosophy, what phono cartridge would you recommend?

Good question Onhwy61, but for me more difficult to answer. Phono stages are a fundamental component and a great one has universal appeal and function in many settings. Cartridges are more varied and personal in that they all have an "individual signature" no matter how good they are. So this will really depend on Essrand's taste and overall sonic goal for his system IMHO. Essrand what is your musical/sonic target when all is said and done?
Charles,

Taste may come into it, but the fundamental determining parameters are imposed by the tonearm.

Since the Concept can come with the Clearaudio Concept MC, we could get a line on suitable cartridges from Fremer's review:

The MC weighs 8gm and has a moderately high output of 0.4mV at 5cm/s. Its body is made of an alloy of aluminum and magnesium coated with a layer of ceramic, and its boron cantilever is fitted with a Micro Line stylus. The suggested vertical tracking force (VTF) is 2gm, ±0.2gm; the recommended loading is 100 ohms.

I would imagine that spending more than $1200 on a cartridge for this player may not be cost effective.

Regards,

Essrand, in relation to the point I raised in my earlier post you may find it useful to read the following thread, and also the thread that is linked to in the post in that thread by Thom_Mackris (Galibier turntable designer):

Largest Impact - Arm or Cart?

As you'll see, although opinions are divided there is considerable support among the assembled experts for the notion that the quality and performance of the turntable and tonearm are more important than that of the cartridge.

Regards,
-- Al

onhwy61, That was a good question and I was pondering upon it myself too.
What cartridge would I get, if I go for the coincident.

I know cartridges are a world in itself. I would just start with the most inexpensive MC cartridge that would be compatible with the Concept turnarm.

I do not know what that would be. My best guess right now is Sumiko Bluepoint evo 3. Since the dealer from whom I bought the TT (used), suggested it.

Metralla,
Here is another way I look at my system.
I have been looking and its very hard to find an EAR 834P used (They have come up only 3 times in the 3 months)

Buying one new = $2000 (with taxes)
Sell it down the road -> $1000 loss
OR
sell the Triode ($2000) + $2500 = Coincident Phono
Risk is that Coincident Phono does have a great line stage as stereomojo suggests. And i have to get a line stage down the road for my digital.