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If Grado is the Ying, Is a Clearaudio the Yang???

I've a lot of experience with various Grado cartridges (TLZII, Prestige Gold, Sonata Reference) and even a Benz Micro GLider. But have always wanted to try one of the sub $1K Clearaudio cartridges. Can someone who uses a Clearaudio, give me some indication of what to expect sound wise? I'm not sure I know what their "house" sound really is like.....

I like rich, full and lush sounding cartridges. Will something like the Clearaudio (i.e. Aurum, Virtuoso Wood, etc.) be able to scratch that itch?

My table is a Well Tempered Classic with a Coda 03P phono stage. Run into a VAC Standard Pre LE and VAC PA100/100 and new Merlin VSM-M (with all the tweeks).

Any other cartridge recommendations would also be welcome.
tmoran

Showing 1 response by wrayman

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wrayman
54 posts
 
I compared the Grado Platinum with the Aurum when making my latest cartridge purchase. Having always used Grado, and liked them, I was surprised at how much different I found the Aurum to be sonically.
The Platinum was flat out beaten through the upper frequencies, the Aurum being very open and clear in the mids, more extended and natural in the highs. The Grado had the bottom 'tho, the Aurum being a bit lean and tight in the lows at first. Great improvement there however, after somewhat long break in period.
Rich and lush...no. It is however as neutral and natural a cartridge as I've tried. Hopefully holds true as you go up the line.
Good luck !
Mike
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