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Clearaudio MM specs rolled back?

For those interested in Clearaudio MMs, they've changed the specs once again. When V2 was first released they said stronger magnets gave higher output and Maestro went from 3.6 to 4.1mV. Now they all say 3.6mV, except the two least expensive which are 3.3mV. This difference could be within tolerance because tolerance is anything they want it to be and it's around 10% anyway.

Inductance is now listed as 400mH, down from 420, except the Concept (least expensive) and Maestro which remain at 420. This difference is about 5%- within tolerance?

All the Clearaudio MMs share the same generator. Audio Technica is the OEM. If you're skeptical just pull out the stylus and look at the AT V magnet configuration. It's unmistakable. I always assumed the generator was different from the AT-95, and probably had the OCC wire which the 95 lacks. Now I'm not so sure. All the specs (with the exception of impedance)are identical to the 95. Impedance is complex and takes reactance into account. Clearaudio has changed the specs so many times over the last 4 years or so, I think they put down whatever they want.

I'll measure the DCR of my old Virtuoso and AT-95. If I remember correctly they are slightly different. But that won't prove anything. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Are the stronger magnets of V2 Maestro an illusion, or now abandoned? If one makes a wood top or body for a 95, would it sound identical to a CA? My V1 Virtuoso sounds slightly more refined than my potted 95. Could this be the wood top acting as a damper?
http://clearaudio.de/en/products/cartridges-mm-v2.php
Regards,
fleib

Showing 1 response by banerjba

banerjba
82 posts
 
I run multiple AT95 variants. They all sound different. I currently use the LP Gear version called AT95se in dark green plastic body which replaced the yellow body AT95ce. The move to a elliptical tip from conical means more midrange detail but the top end is not as sweet. The green body AT95se as the high spec version of the normal green body that is made by At95e should be close in sound to the Concept. But they are very different. The cantilever on the Concept is longer and it tracks at higher VTF. The Concept is lighter airier, less warm and a lot more detailed. Concept costs a $100 or so with the Concept table. At $225 it competes with other great budget cartridges like the Atf3III which is sweeter with fuller and more natural tone but a lot less detailed.

Specs not withstanding, the Concept is a differently voiced cartridge, sharing more of the Clearaudio house sound and making an outstanding match for their basic table. Could you DYI something similar? Likely but you really are not saving much as both are budget cartridges. I used to the Linn versions of the AT95 series when I ran that brand of table. They are very close to the LP Gear specified versions.
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