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The New Clearaudio Ovation

I started another thread a couple of days ago but no responses, so I’ll ask a little differently. I recently purchased the Clearaudio Ovation and I’m using an Audio Note IQIII cartridge which was carried over from my previous Audio Note TT. I'm noticing some brightness in the new setup that was not there with the AN TT. My new table was professionally set up and I run all tubes so I’m thinking the brightness may be a mismatch with the arm/cartridge combo. Ideally, I would like to smooth things out and warm things up and I’m considering the Clearaudio Maestro or maybe one of the Grado wood bodies, but I’m open to suggestions. Budget is $1k - $2k. I will be buying the cartridge new. Anyone have any experience with these cartridges (ideally with a Clearaudio arm/table) Any help or comments would be very much appreciated.
jaffeassc

Showing 6 responses by jaffeassc

jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
No I have not. Thanks very much for the tip. Like I said the table was professionally set up but of course that does not necessarily guarantee it was set up correctly. I'll have my dealer check it out.
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
Since I'd also like to try something different, any comments regarding a new cartridge with this table would be most appreciated.
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
Thanks Syntax. I'd like to try a Koetsu but currently I can only support a high output cartridge so I'd have to buy a different phono or step-up which will put me well over my budget. Still considering one however, since I just sold my CDP to help finance the purchase. I did note from your system page that you didn't seem to care for the several Koetsu's quite a bit upstream from the Black that you tried. Curious why you are recommending one.
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
Had the table checked today. Everything was set-up correctly.

Picked-up some new tubes for my EAR 834 phono while I was there. Ultron 12AX7's (see another thread ongoing). Brightness GONE!!
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
I heard the same thing about the Black and thought that if I were to try a Koetsu it would be a good "reason" to move up to the Rosewood. Problem is it's hard enough to audition amps, speakers, etc. sometimes. Auditioning cartridges are next to impossible, so you have go with your gut or what you read here and other places. Maybe I will try a Black. I guess the worst that can happen is I'll save a thousand bucks over the Rosewood.

Thanks again.
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
Thanks Nietz..., Using MM cartridge with no loading options in my phono. I originally had the TT on a maple platform with isolation under the wood and no little discs under the spikes. I found the "brightness" present in that set-up as well.

I'm going to take it to my dealer soon to check the set-up and also try adjusting the VTA as suggested above.

I believe its the AN cartridge. Although I didn't hear it with the AN TT, the Clearaudio is giving me much better extension in both the low and high ends. With the extension in the highs comes the brightness:-)
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