If Grado is the Ying, Is a Clearaudio the Yang???


I've a lot of experience with various Grado cartridges (TLZII, Prestige Gold, Sonata Reference) and even a Benz Micro GLider. But have always wanted to try one of the sub $1K Clearaudio cartridges. Can someone who uses a Clearaudio, give me some indication of what to expect sound wise? I'm not sure I know what their "house" sound really is like.....

I like rich, full and lush sounding cartridges. Will something like the Clearaudio (i.e. Aurum, Virtuoso Wood, etc.) be able to scratch that itch?

My table is a Well Tempered Classic with a Coda 03P phono stage. Run into a VAC Standard Pre LE and VAC PA100/100 and new Merlin VSM-M (with all the tweeks).

Any other cartridge recommendations would also be welcome.
tmoran
Well, since you like Grados, you might check out Grado's "The Reference", in either the 4.5 mV or 0.5 mV version. There is a 0.5 mV version for sale right now on Audiogon. I have the 4.5 mV version, and it's glorious!
Second the Grado Reference. Had mine for almost 4 years now and have yet to be enticed to anything "better."
aurum beta-s is a great cart, maybe a lil towards the lowerend of your budget, check with music direct, they have the full line of clearaudio equipment & have great trade-in allowance towards ca carts