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.
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xtmoran
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