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Upgrade from clearaudio maestro mm to $2-3k mc cart?

Hello,

I’m interested in replacing my clearaudio maestro mm cart with an mc cart in the $2-3k range and am looking for advice. I’m due for a retip soon and have been thinking I want to know what the mc world is like. The maestro has been great but I’d like to hear the next level. I’ve had my eye on the clearaudio talisman, partially because I’ve been so happy with my clearaudio gear so far that I’d like to stick with them but also it seems to have good reviews. If anyone can comment on the talisman or other mc carts in the same range, I’d love to hear what you have to say.

Rest of the system: The tt is a cleaudio concept wood w/ satisfy tonearm. Phono stage is a pro-ject tube box ds2. The amp is a Line Magnetic LM219ia. Phono stage and integrated have been tube rolled. Speakers are Klipsch Forte IV’s. 
 

Thanks!

durte30

Showing 2 responses by williewonka

williewonka
3,072 posts
 

+1 for what @dover said

Not sure if retipping is avalable for MM carts, but that might be another avenue to look at?

Try a Simmaudio Moon 310LP phono stage - it will be a big step up from your existing phono stage

  • and it gets better as you add great power and interconnect cables

I used budget oriented phono stages for a long time and then upgraded to a Simaudio Moon LP5,3 RS (replaced by the 310LP) and never regretted the upgrade

  • I also stopped looking for a better phono stage 😎

Hope that helps - Steve

williewonka
3,072 posts
 

@durte30 - you are correct - you have to remove the top cover, which is very easy

HOWEVER - IF you change cartridges frequently - then it becomes more of an issue

You can add the external power supply - OR

  • I added very good power and interconnect cables
  • the impact is the same - improved details, dynamics and imaging
  • Take a look at Zavfino cables for this approach

The cartridge compatability settings are versatile and support a wide range of cartridge types.

The noise floor is very low, even if you turn to full volume (i.e. while NOT playing an album)

If you are like me - just set it to the cartridge of your choise and forget about it.

I settled on a Soundsmith Modified Denon 103 with the O.C. contact line stylus on a Ruby cantilever around 8 years ago and I am extremely happy with the combination - I haven’t looked for anything else since.

I have this cartridge mounted in an Audiomods Armm which brings out every tiny detail in the vinyl.

YES - There are more "convenient" phono stages out there, i.e. where the jumpers for matching to the cartridge are accessed from the outside . But there are not many phono stages that can match the performance of the MOON products for the price

Hope that helps - Steve

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