Cartridge suggestions for Clearaudio Concept TT

[Olecranon]

I have a Clearaudio Concept TT w/Concept MM cartridge combo that I bought a couple years ago. It's been a nice trouble free combination. I'm getting the itch to upgrade the cartridge, and I'm looking for suggestions.

Additional information.

The rest of my system is 80's chic Yamaha C-60, Yamaha M-60, Klispch Chorus II's

Mainly listen to Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz, Acoustic, and Big band. So pretty much anything other than country or classical.

Price range is between $400 and $1K. I'd like to be around $600 but will stretch the budget for a super bang for the buck.

So far the suggestions I've gotten are leading me towards the Dynavector 10x5, or the Clearaudio MC. Any other suggestions that I should be looking at for this TT?

 

[grottyash]

I'd add the Benz Micro MCs to your list. I've yet to try mine, but there's also the AT 440 mlb people speak so highly of.

I'm currently running a Goldring 2500 on mine, which would also be a good choice but not the easiest to align.

 

[4-2-7]

Do you have kids, house keeper, anyone around your TT that might not be vary careful?

If not a Sumiko Blue Point EVO III is a very good cart with large dynamics.

 

[savatage1973]

Denon 103R comes to mind, and well within your budget. I also do agree with the Dynavectors as well. I have the Denon 103SA--basically a limited edition of the 103/103R design, and I run an AT440MLa (now replaced by the "b" model, but very similar), and I have been very happy with it as a MM cart. If you want to "wet your feet" in MC carts without diving the whole way in, the Sumiko Blackbird and Denon DL110 are highly regarded HOMC carts.

 

[Olecranon]

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm not a cartridge swapper so I better be happy with whatever I end up with

I don't have any alignment tools to do the job myself (especially with this tonearm). I'm going to road trip a couple hours to Needle Doctor and have them do the install for me with the purchase. In that respect, I'd give up a little in sound quality to have a cartridge that works well with this table.

 

[grottyash]

The Denons are not of the same quality as the Clearaudio, Dynavector or Benz, but that is what you would expect from the price. The safest option is the Clearaudio. I don't know about the Sumiko.

 

[Wildcat]

A few pals of mine really like the Dynavector DV-20X2H (high-output), but it would be near the top end of your price range. If you don't have an MC input or step-up, you'll be limited to only high-output MCs (like the 10X5, 20X2H, Sumiko Blue Point, etc.). But if you are equipped for low-output MCs, that opens up the possibilities. The AT33PTG/II or OC9-III both get good feedback as well. I'm considering the former as a backup cart to my Dynavector XX2.

 

[sqlsavior]

If you want to stay with MM, consider the Clearaudio Virtuoso. To me, it sounds like a DL-103, but with more resolution. A DL-103 might not be the best match with your arm.

Happy hunting!

 

[Wuss]

Myself and a couple of friends use the Nagaoka MP-500. The tables range form Rega to Linn Sondek. Great cart. IMHO about as good as it gets for MM.

 

[Mister Pig]

At 1K I would be looking for a deal on a Dynavector 17D3, if you can run a low output moving coil. If you need high output, I would take the Sumiko Blackbird.

If you want to spend less money and can do your own set up, I would find an Audio Technica 33 SA. But once again its a low output moving coil. Also an Ortofon Quinet Bronze or Black are very nice cartridges. Well worth exploring, the Ortofon that is.

Regards
Mister Pig

 

[twiiii]

Ortofon makes some nice HO moving coil units. But I would choose the Dynavector 20X2 HO. Great smooth sound that has just the right balance. Not bright like clear audio, but not heavy like some older models of Ortofons that can be to muddy with a shill top end. You can listen to the Dynavector for hours without a sign of fatigue that plagues so many esoteric brands. Yet percussive instruments are accurately produced with great definition. What I really like is the quality of sound from 60 to 440 Hz where the fundamentals of so many musical instruments and human voice lies.

 

[for_p1]

I think low output MC type should be a choice. There will be little value from swapping to another MM or even high outout MC cartridge.

 

[Wildcat]

Another coming to mind is one of the wood-bodied Grado carts, if you like that type of sound.

At 1K I would be looking for a deal on a Dynavector 17D3,

I actually preferred the 17D3 to the XX2 Mk. II--I've owned both, and likely will get another 17D3 when I wear out (or decide to sell) the XX2. I find the 17D3 has fewer resonances and a more balanced tonal spectrum. It is a bit outside the OP's budget, unless a used one comes up under the $1k target. And if a step-up is needed, that kills part of the budget also. I know I wouldn't hesitate to get a 17D3 for that table myself.

There will be little value from swapping to another MM or even high outout MC cartridge.

There are improvements to be had over the lower-end Clearaudio, especially with regards to tracking ability on the better MM carts and some of the high-output MCs. I'd trust the Dynavector 20X2H's tracking abilities (and others in its league).

 

[Mister Pig]

Another coming to mind is one of the wood-bodied Grado carts, if you like that type of sound.

I actually preferred the 17D3 to the XX2 Mk. II--I've owned both, and likely will get another 17D3 when I wear out (or decide to sell) the XX2. I find the 17D3 has fewer resonances and a more balanced tonal spectrum. It is a bit outside the OP's budget, unless a used one comes up under the $1k target. And if a step-up is needed, that kills part of the budget also. I know I wouldn't hesitate to get a 17D3 for that table myself.

There are improvements to be had over the lower-end Clearaudio, especially with regards to tracking ability on the better MM carts and some of the high-output MCs. I'd trust the Dynavector 20X2H's tracking abilities (and others in its league).

Well if you look carefully you can find a Canadian dealer who will have a sale, and the exchange rate helps knock the price down a decent amount also. As far as step up's go, there are some low cost options that are a good interim solution. But the 17D series of cartridges are special, and I preferred my 17D2 to an XX II MK II also. I bought the XXII thinking it would be an upgrade, but preferred the dynamics and expressive nature of the Karat actually.

If I had to stay under 1K and had to have high output I would take the 20X2H. But if I could stretch a bit and deal with the skeletal design of the Blackbird, that would be my choice. I found the Blackbird to be uncomfortably close to the performance of my ZYX 4D, but its only $1200 versus $4K.

Regards
Mister Pig

 

[grottyash]

The problem with these type of threads is that people list what they like, or would like to buy which gives a bewildering choice, especially since only one or two people actually know the arm and turntable and are in a position to judge.

Given the choice, you won't go wrong with the Clearaudio MC, or the Benz, while the others are toss-ups.

 

[Wildcat]

But the 17D series of cartridges are special, and I preferred my 17D2 to an XX II MK II also. I bought the XXII thinking it would be an upgrade, but preferred the dynamics and expressive nature of the Karat actually.

I found that myself also--it was an easygoing sound that wasn't at all edgy or bright, which was deceptive as it offered up the finer inner details without the cost of having a boosted high end. The tiny cantilever and micro-ridge stylus also ensured it could track my records properly, and I feel that was part of its ability to capture those details by having that short, rigid cantilever.