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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
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rauliruegas
12,851 posts
 

Dear @durte30  : Another +1 for @dover and for the Simmaudio Moon 310LP advise by @williewonka 

 

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

tablejockey
3,796 posts
 

$2-3K MC cart with your table/phono stage is overkill.

$1K MC +$2K phono stage will get you more performance. Spend as much as you can tolerate on the phono stage.

durte30 OP
17 posts
 

Thanks everyone. Upgrading the phono stage first makes sense. I’ve heard good things about the simaudio moon. The Manley Chinook and Aestetix Rhea have also caught my eye but the prices (especially for the Rhea) would require extra time to save up. Any opinions on those stages compared to the moon 310lp? Also, from my brief research into the 310lp it looks like you have to open the case to adjust settings. Is that as big of a pain as it sounds? Lastly, do those of you that recommended the 310LP use the internal power supply or an external psu?

Thanks

tablejockey
3,796 posts
 

Check out US Audiomart. Can't link it here.

If you want a tube phono stage-Chinook $2k Fosgate $1250

I've had both units side by side in my setup. The Fosgate subjectively sounds more convincing/organic BUT not for you if you must have absolute quiet.

It's a true all tube(rectified, active gain for MC) that means tube hiss will be heard in between cuts playing at concert level, or you're that guy who puts his ear against the speaker grill, then posts a thread complaining somethings wrong with his setup.

Pair  a $1K LOMC with either, and you will have a great setup. 

Both units perfect for your next turntable upgrade and the $3K LOMC.

You could likely negotiate price on  both-particularly the Fosgate since it's long out of production. Not sure if Musical Surroundings still supports it. My Foz is 10 years old.

sandstone
358 posts
 

@durte30 ,

I have the same Clearaudio Wood turntable with carbon fiber Satisfy tonearm.

If you should decide to follow the excellent recommendations above for preamp upgrade and are then looking around for matching Lo MC cartridges in the $1k range, I have a couple of suggestions.  The Clearaudio Concept MC cartridge is no slouch, and obviously matches up well with this system.  Another often recommended pairing is one of the Hana's such as the ML, or other Shibata-tipped MC's.

Enjoy.

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