Clearaudio Maestro vs. MC Dilemma

[bluepearl]

I recently purchased a Clearaudio Champion and it came with the Maestro MM cart, I haven't used it yet because I generally prefer MC carts and I was going to sell the Maestro and use the funds toward a MC cart, possibly a Benz L2, Glider, I've even considered the Ace L. In any event I've read the Maestro is very good and comes close to an MC cart, my thought is why come close to an MC, just buy an MC.

Can anyone comment on the Maestro vs. good MC carts? Is it that good?

 

[tomatamot]

BluePearl I would say: d`nt compare MM / MC. It`s a matter of taste.

The Maëstro is a really great sounding cartridge. ( my own experiënce )

Cantilever and tip are the same as the one on the Goldfinger.

Listen yourself and make a decision.

 

[Mr. Lin]

Cantilever and tip are the same as the one on the Goldfinger.

Are you sure about that? I'm just surprised that a $1000 cartridge would share a cantilever and stylus with a $10,000 one.

I haven't heard the Maestro (though I came close to buying one last year), but I also recommend you listen to it first, you might really like it. It has a reputation for being a little dark, in a good way - for anything beyond that I yield to those who have heard it.

So are you asking for good MC cartridge recommendation too, or just what to do in this situation?

 

[Tedrick]

BluePearl I would say: d`nt compare MM / MC. It`s a matter of taste.

The Maëstro is a really great sounding cartridge. ( my own experiënce )

Cantilever and tip are the same as the one on the Goldfinger.

Listen yourself and make a decision.

Not quite. Both use a boron cantilever, but I'd be sure the Goldfinger's is highly modified due to the greater cartridge weight (16 g vs 7 g for the wood-body Maestro). Also, the Maestro uses a Trygon P2 stylus, whereas the Goldfinger is fitted with a Micro HD diamond stylus.

To the OP, here's a link to a review of the Maestro right here on AK. While I've never used a Maestro, I do have an Arum Beta Mk II that I quite like. I find it to have a balanced sound with a slightly warm character that is very easy to listen to and not fatiguing at all. I think you should give the Maestro a listen, and then tell us what you think about it compared to some of the MC cartridges with which you are familiar.

 

[Mr. Lin]

I think you should give the Maestro a listen, and then tell us what you think about it compared to some of the MC cartridges with which you are familiar.

I agree because this cartridge doesn't come up a whole lot around here, and I'm always interested in people's thoughts on it.

 

[bluepearl]

I generally prefer moving coil cartridges, they seem to dig deeper and provide a better window into the music, I find the detail, transparency and texture to be improved also.

I have read that the Maestro comes very close in this regard, my thought is why come close to the performance of an MC, just buy an MC.

My question is whether I would be better off selling the Maestro and use the funds toward a good MC, in a similar price bracket. And yes, a good MC cartridge recommendation would be appreciated also...

 

[the_nines]

I would keep it and still buy a MC down the road if budget allows (however, it is a nice chunk of change).

Great sounding MM cartridge. One of the best buys for the buck IMO.

I am only familiar with the Aurum Classic from Clearaudio so I can only presume the Maestro to be better. I liked the Aurum so much that I kept it when I upgraded from my Clearaudio Emotion TT (it came with it). I have since set it up on my basement system (Technics SL-1200MK2). Sounds just great on that tonearm.

Heck, if your budget allows I would keep it just to have an emergency spare.