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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 6 responses by fleib

fleib OP
1,124 posts
 
Turns out resistance is the same. According to the latest CA specs and my measurement, the 2 carts have the same output, inductance, and resistance.

What if they just order a big batch of 95 bodies w/stylus, sort them by spec tolerance, pot them? insert in wood housing, and mate with corresponding stylus?

It looks like their styli come from AT also. Stock CA has the same fitting as AT, rather than compliance screw. I haven't seen the Maestro plug, I wonder if that's an ATN150MLX with lower compliance?
Regards
fleib OP
1,124 posts
 
Marco1,
I don't know either, that's the point. I have a Virtuoso V1 (among others) and I've used numerous AT styli. It's a pretty nice cart.
Many people raved about the V2 Maestro with increased output. Most sellers say it's 4.2mV ?

There are numerous HO carts you can get for $1200 including Maestro, Decca, Soundsmith, Grado, Ortofon, Sumiko, AT and I'm sure three's more. If you can use a LO, there's many more. There are also vintage carts, but sometimes finding a stylus is a problem.

I don't know the mass of your arm or your system/taste. Maybe someone will chime in with recommendations, I'm a little reluctant.
Regards,
fleib OP
1,124 posts
 
Petermax,
The 150 has a different generator with a little less inductance. It's a matter of opinion if it's better or not. The CA generator seems a little smoother and flatter. The cantilevers and tip might be the same. The CA has lower compliance - 15cu opposed to 18cu. It seems to be the wood top or body that makes a big difference.
Regards,
fleib OP
1,124 posts
 
Kiddman,
No doubt. I was reading something by John Curl where he said that he couldn't find 2 MCs of the same model that sound alike. Have you tested mass produced ones?

We're able to verify inductance and resistance repeatedly.
Regards,
fleib OP
1,124 posts
 
Compliance? I don't measure compliance.
These aren't MCs, we're comparing specs on Audio Technica MMs. DCR and inductance measured with a meter closely agree with mfg specs. Even though inductance isn't measured at 1KHz, results are very close.

That's about the extent of measuring capability. Impedance figures are somewhat of a mystery and don't seem to jibe on carts of nearly identical design/construction.

Any light you could shed on this subject would be appreciated. I'm sure most of the readers would also be interested if you could elaborate on what you've already said about MC specs/brands.
Regards,
fleib OP
1,124 posts
 
Hi Banerjba,
Interesting.
The 95SE is an AT95 body with an aftermarket .3 x .7 stylus probably made by Jico. The stock stylus is a .4 x .7. The other LpGear styli, the vivid line and shibata are also aftermarket products. You can distinguish the "better" aftermarket styli from those made by AT, by the presence of a compliance screw. This is a small screw on the body side of that rectangular plug that holds the cantilever and plugs into the body. The screw head is painted over.

The styli that AT makes for this series of carts has no compliance screw. Instead they have a fitting that looks like a thin circular piece of metal. If you look at the 95E stylus, it has no screw. The funny thing is, my Virtuoso stylus also had no compliance screw, It had exactly the same fitting as AT made styli. I never measured the length of these various styli. It could be that the aftermarket ones are slightly shorter? Shorter is usually considered better, but as you say the voicing is to your liking.

I believe the Concept came/comes only with the metal top. I suspect that is the main difference in performance you hear, and the stylus is made by AT. AT made some models for Linn and I believe they were all different from the 95.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the sound of these carts.
Regards,
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