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Clearaudio cartridges

G

Gravyfries

Member
Hello all,

I'm thinking about getting a Clearaudio Concept turntable and I was just wondering what are the differences between the Classic, Alpha and Beta cartridges? I just rec'd a Clearaudio nano phono stage. I've heard some nice things about the Classic cartridge being great for the price. I'd like to know how much of an improvement is there stepping up to the Alpha or Beta. I don't see many online reviews. Much appreciated!

Ray
 
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Hi,
I once had a Clearaudio Aurum Beta S it was a good sounding cart but I think and feel the Denon DL110 HOMC is a better cartridge.The Beta S just didn't have that ? I didn't pay the $500 that cost at time 2004 I think now it's like $750 or more for that money I can get 2 Audio Technica AT-33PTG moving coil cartridge.The only MM Clearaudio I'd get now would be the Maestro.All the others cost to much for what you get.
 
The Classic is excellent for the money and I haven't tried the others. The Dynavector 10x5 and Benz cartridges also match up well.
 
I have a Beta Mk II that I'm quite fond of, but I can't really tell you the differences between the various models. In my systems, the Beta has been a very smooth, balanced performer with good extension and definition at both frequency extremes. I would qualify the sound as neutral, with very little coloration that I can detect. This is not a "warm" sounding cartridge, a la the Grado Reference series, but neither is it "cool" or "sterile." I've been very happy with the Beta, and would like to try a Virtuoso or Maestro someday to hear for myself if they are that much better.
 
I have 2 Clearaudio Aurum Beta S carts. Both are on RB300 arms (VPI 19mk-IV and Heybrook TT2)and they sound fantastic. I imagine that on a clearaudio table and phono that as you go up the line things get better. Clearaudio is about as smart a tt company as there is today and is clearly doing all aspects well.

I have had the DL160-110 and now have a DL103 on a Rega P3 and the Beta S carts are far more balanced and refined.

marc mc
 
My Marantz TT15S-1 came with a Virtuoso, which got replaced with a Benz Ace. The Virtuoso is an excellent cartridge, but my downstream system 'piled on' as it were, and the sound was a little too lush. I changed to the Ace to alter the system voice. I have a couple more phono stages to try, and the Virtuoso may find its way back into the system.

Downstream is a SEP EL84 integrated, an Almarro A205, with Almarro M1A speakers. Current phono stage is a Lehmann Black Cube. tonearm wiring is Cardas direct. The rest of the system is Nordost Blue Heaven v2.
 
I really like most of the Clearaudio cartridges I've heard, but the constant posts across the 'net on their spotty quality control has kept me from every purchasing one.
 
slate1 said:
I really like most of the Clearaudio cartridges I've heard, but the constant posts across the 'net on their spotty quality control has kept me from every purchasing one.
Click to expand...

The carts I bought have performed excellently.

The irony is the Shure type IV's I ran 20 years ago I had one that was "DIB" Dead in Box. And the replacement blew a channel in 6 months. And those are the only cart issues I have ever had. I swore I would never buy another Shure .

marc mc
 
slate1 said:
I really like most of the Clearaudio cartridges I've heard, but the constant posts across the 'net on their spotty quality control has kept me from every purchasing one.
Click to expand...

I don't know of any nor have I seen QC issues. I am sure there are some as there are with every company. I wouldn't let that stop me from buying a Clearaudio cart if that's what you want...they sound excellent.
 
Maybe it's simply that there are so many of them out there - but I've seen more than the usual postings concerning Clearaudio cartridges. Most of them are dealing with cantilevers that are out of azimuth or are not perfectly in line with the cartridge body. I've even seen a few Audiogon listings for Clearaudio cartridges that mention it in the ads or it's clearly visible in the pictures.

Do a search around - you'll find them. If I recall correctly there was even a reviewer over at 6 Moons that had a defective higher end Clearaudio.

As with anything, it's luck of the draw I suppose!
 
Thanks for the responses everyone. I didn't realize that there were some QC issues.

There's a part of me that would like to try the Beta and not have the need to upgrade for awhile. It is a bit more than the Classic but Clearaudio is still running their 20% discount on carts. I'm getting back into vinyl and am not ready to make the huge leap into the $1K carts.

Still thinking it over...........:blah:

:scratch2:
 
Hey all, Clearaudio QC is not a concern to me, the audio dealers I speak with are quite open in this regard (very vocal actually).

But anyway, my question;
If you have a Performer (V2), I'd greatly appreciate if you could share your experience.

Looks like it is going to that or a Jico Sas B upgrade for me. :)
 
war2thegrave said:
Get one of these:


And attach it to one of these:

Pardon Our Interruption...

www.ebay.com

Sure, it will not have a tiny aluminum plaque with the 'Clearaudio' brand glued to it, but you get a better stylus and save $300.00.
You can buy alot of records for $300.00.
Click to expand...

I thought Clearaudio picks only well measuring AT's (more likely lets AT do this for them) and then modifies the body?
But no such benefit you say?
 
Clearaudio doesn't seem to be proud of what they are doing, or they would mention it on their site.

It's conceivable that there are VM95 generators that measure better than spec,
but they aren't being used on their low end carts (concept/performer) since the spec on those are exactly the same as what Audio Technica quotes.

The specs don't get better until you hit the $700.00 mark, and even then,
you only get a bonded elliptical.
 
war2thegrave said:
Clearaudio doesn't seem to be proud of what they are doing, or they would mention it on their site.

It's conceivable that there are VM95 generators that measure better than spec,
but they aren't being used on their low end carts (concept/performer) since the spec on those are exactly the same as what Audio Technica quotes.

The specs don't get better until you hit the $700.00 mark, and even then,
you only get a bonded elliptical.
Click to expand...
Gotcha.
Better off with an AT of similar price it seems then.
Wish there'd be someone close (Netherlands or Flanders) who has both a nice AT and a SAS B for a listen and that bottle of good wine I'd bring!
 
war2thegrave said:
Clearaudio doesn't seem to be proud of what they are doing, or they would mention it on their site.

It's conceivable that there are VM95 generators that measure better than spec,
but they aren't being used on their low end carts (concept/performer) since the spec on those are exactly the same as what Audio Technica quotes.

The specs don't get better until you hit the $700.00 mark, and even then,
you only get a bonded elliptical.
Click to expand...

True. Most Clearaudio carts are VM95’s. There were also AT110’s I believe.
 
Gravyfries said:
Hello all,

I'm thinking about getting a Clearaudio Concept turntable and I was just wondering what are the differences between the Classic, Alpha and Beta cartridges? I just rec'd a Clearaudio nano phono stage. I've heard some nice things about the Classic cartridge being great for the price. I'd like to know how much of an improvement is there stepping up to the Alpha or Beta. I don't see many online reviews. Much appreciated!

Ray
Click to expand...
Clearaudio MM cartridges are a 50 dollar Audio Technica AT95E with a body on it.
Chris
 
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