Hi, hope you dont mind if I add another wrinkle to the discussion. If you like the clearaudio cart consider the marantz tt-15s. It's basically the clearaudio emotion turntable rebranded and packaged with a virtuoso cart. Now, I realize that you're looking one model up on the cart, but I'd suggest that you read a few reviews that compare the two carts. You might find the differences minimal and cost of the marantz kit ($1500.00) compelling. After all, you can trade the cart in on the maestro if you hate the virtuoso, which I doubt you will.
Good luck
Good luck