Clearaudio performer (ruby cantilever retail) vs Ortofon Black

[Audiochump]

I just received my clearaudio V2 performer back from Sounsmith and I love it. Clear sound, highs seem perfect but we live in the mids. Out of sheer curiosity I'm thinking of purchasing a new Ortofon Black cart. My question is..... Does anyone have a perspective on this. For reference, I'm using a JVC QL-Y5F turntable, Lascala speakers that have the ALK crossover upgrade, playing through a Pioneer SX 1250 that has been thoroughly gone through. The Soundsmith did the Ruby cantilever upgrade.

 

[2FarGone]

I’d be curious to know how effective that ALK crossover upgrade was for you.

 

[Audiochump]

I’d be curious to know how effective that ALK crossover upgrade was for you.

Well, I had the ALK for a year before I decided to install it. My Lascalas had the AL crossover networks that were overly complicated. Before installing, I ordered the CT 120 drivers to replace the original K 77m. First I did just one so I could do a good comparison and yes, the difference was VERY noticable. The highs and mids were not only clearer they were far more pronounced. If I were to give you a percentage comparison I might say that they sounded 30% better. No difference at all in the lows though but the huge difference was definitely in the middle. Amazing really..... I did the second speaker the very next day. I even sold my old AL crossovers on CL for $250

 

[2FarGone]

I’ve heard Cornwalls and Heresies, but never had the opportunity to hear Lascalas. I thought the Cornwalls were pretty good, less so on the Heresies, but a couple of friends (one of whom is an EE) had advised me that the Lacalas were very “shouty”, and nearly unlistenable on transistors at high volume. You, however, seem pretty happy. That’s why I was wondering if it was the ALK crossovers or a really magnificent rebuild on the Pioneer. Or maybe a bit of both. In any case, it sounds like you’re happy so good on ya.

By the way - is this little diversion considered “thread crapping”? Please advise.

 

[Audiochump]

I’ve heard Cornwalls and Heresies, but never had the opportunity to hear Lascalas. I thought the Cornwalls were pretty good, less so on the Heresies, but a couple of friends (one of whom is an EE) had advised me that the Lacalas were very “shouty”, and nearly unlistenable on transistors at high volume. You, however, seem pretty happy. That’s why I was wondering if it was the ALK crossovers or a really magnificent rebuild on the Pioneer. Or maybe a bit of both. In any case, it sounds like you’re happy so good on ya.

By the way - is this little diversion considered “thread crapping”? Please advise.

 

[Audiochump]

I cannot call myself an audiophile. I'm more of an audio junkie. That said, at 63 yrs. of age I have had a long journey through this hobby, over the years I have auditioned, or owned 100's of speakers. I understand why someone may refer to folded horn speakers as "shouty". I do not, I simply feel that the Lascala is the finest speaker that I have ever heard. With the right music, and correct equalization, I personally do not think that there is a better speaker, full stop. Focal, B&W, Galileo, Dahlquist, Pioneer, and dozens of 'High end' brands sound wonderful, just never able to approach the "Live sound" or "Soundstage that the Lascalas do. And by the way, they have never been fatiguing either. All day all night at reasonable volumes (75db) and below.

 

[trinhsman]

I own an Ortofon Black. A very very good cartridge. I have not heard the Clear Audio, but I do also have a SoundSmith Aida. To me they are both very fine cartridges. Both need impeccable set up to sound their best. To me my Aida is just a notch above the Ortofon Black.
IMHO, if you have the funds, give the Ortofon a try.
This is based on the 2M Black and not any of the moving coil black Ortofons.
My 2 cents.

 

[2FarGone]

And that right there is all that matters. You’re happy.

Actually, I probably owe you an apology. You ask a question about cartridges and I end up trashing your speakers. But I’m always trying to learn, so in the future I will be looking much harder at second-hand assessment of the Lascalas, and make more of an effort to actually hear and evaluate them in person. Thank you.