Dear Chopper: The 7000 is a very nice sounding cartridge. Due that you are using the Virtuoso Wood on the TT/tonearm where the Audioquest comes to you and with out any problem then the problem is not at the tonearm conections.
Now, the Clearaudio is a MM cartridge and the 7000 is an MC cartridge: for you can have a decent sound reproduction on your 7000 your preamp has to have a MC position switch or you have to use and external step-up transformer for obtain the required gain. I don't know what you are using about, but maybe the problem was there and not in the cartridge it self. You have to check it and if your electronics are in good shape then the problem is in the 7000 and you have to repair it.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Now, the Clearaudio is a MM cartridge and the 7000 is an MC cartridge: for you can have a decent sound reproduction on your 7000 your preamp has to have a MC position switch or you have to use and external step-up transformer for obtain the required gain. I don't know what you are using about, but maybe the problem was there and not in the cartridge it self. You have to check it and if your electronics are in good shape then the problem is in the 7000 and you have to repair it.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.