Allaerts MC2 Finish

Dear Cmk: If you decide to go for the MC2 you have to look a phono stage that not only can handle at natural output levels ( high gain ) with out noise, you have to look for an accurate RIAA equalization: that's it that the RIAA deviation ( 20 hz to 20 khz ) stay between +,- 0.5 db to 1.0 db, at least.
It is not admisible a bigger deviation ( yes, any one can hear minuscles deviations on the RIAA if we have the resolution on our audio system. Normally the RIAA deviations take place at both frecuency extremes where we usually want " more " not " less " ). when you are working with this kind of top high end products and when you want the best music reproduction, but if your standards are lower then you can have any phono stage.
BTW, the FM Acoustics is a good choice too.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Thanks Tbg and Rauliruegas for your informative replies.

My phono should not have problems with the 0.2mv output of the Finish. The Herron VTPH-1mc is one of the best available, RIAA 1 Hz to beyond 100 kHz, 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.1 dB, S/N ratio 80 dB, A weighted, inputs shorted, AC polarity set.

Rauliruegas, you mentioned the XV-1s too. How does it compare with the MC2 Finish?

Dear Cmk: These two cartridges are a little diferent: the XV 1 has a more up front presentation and the MC 2 has a more ressesed one. I can say that the XV 1 is a little more " alive ". Both are top performers in some recordings I prefer the MC 2 and in others the XV 1. If I have to choose: I buy both.
BTW, I do a mistake with the point and cero about the RIAA deviation it has to read like this: 20hz to 20khz +,- 0.05 db to 0.1 db. Yours it's ok, it's really fine. There are not many phono stages that can have this RIAA deviation. I hope that your phono stage works with out ( internal or external ) stepup transformers.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear Raul
Thanks, I think I know what you mean about the MC2 and XV1.

To complicate matters a little more, there's also the Koetsu RS Plat in the same price range. I've heard the Urushi and liked the sound, but not the RSP. How does the Koetsu RSP compare with these other carts?

Thanks again for the quick replies.
Regards
Cmk

Dear Cmk: I own, too, the RSP. This cartridge is a big improvement to the traditional " Koetsu Sound ". Now we have and extended, clear an open sound on the treble and the bass is tighter, better pitch and more detailed. It is a good performer, and better than the Urushi ( the RSP it is in another league when you are comparing to the Urushi ). If you like the Urushi sound, then your best choice will be the RSP. Buy it! .You will love it.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.