Clearaudio Master Reference - impressions?


I'm going to be offered this great-looking source at a very nice price soon (it is used), but I know pretty much nothing about it and I've never heard it play. What I know so far is that it's a "complete" setup with the Clearaudio Goldfinger pickup.

Does anybody own this table or have heard it and comment on the sound and what you played it with (e.g. phono stage, pickup and the rest of the system) ? How would it stack up to current stuff in the $10-20k range? (with arm & pickup, but excluding phono stage)

Any input would be most welcome, thanks! :)
osgorth

Showing 1 response by ca2284

I haven't heard the Master Reference but currently own a Maximum Solution, which others call the little brother of the Master Reference. It has the same 3-motor setup and APG, but only has 2 plinths.

My choices at that time, in addition to the Max Solution, were the Basis Debut, VPI HRX and the SME 20. Overall, I liked the Max Solution AMG most (sound and aesthetics). Current analog setup includes Graham arm, ZYX cart., Steelhead phonostage, and the table sits on a SRA Ohio isolation base.

I would have wanted the Master TQ arm but setup is quite a challenge so I opted for a more user-friendly arm. I'm currently looking to add a second arm -- probably a Dynavector 507/XV1s combo.

BTW, the Outer Limit ring does make a significant improvement in sound. Is the unit you're looking at an AMG wood, AMG acrylic, or pure acrylic?

Hope this helps. Good luck.