Analysis Paralysis on Phone Stage and MC Cartridge


There is so much information to pore over and try to make an informed decision on the purchase of a Phono Stage and MC cartridge. So, I’ll look for this communities help in point me to an informed decision.
Some parameters that may help you with your recommendation. I have a Clearaudio Concept turntable that I will use. It currently have the included MM cartridge that came with the TT. Price I’m willing to spend is $1200 for each. I listen to classical and rock. Not a jazz fan. However, I do like Amy Winehouse’s’ recording’s. If the TT is NOT up to the performance for the amount of $1200 for the phono stage and $1200 for a MC, then please, I’m willing to spend less. :<) Thanks for any input.
old_marantz

Showing 5 responses by old_marantz

The Clearaudio Concept TT can be purchased with a MC, so I assume the arm is good enough for that type of cartridge. I do appreciate the response.

If my AMP Already has a built in phone stage, is adding a phono stage for a MC needed then? I was getting the impression that a phono stage would still be needed for MC.
I looked at my AMP and it has the following specifacations for the Phono Input RCA jacks:

-Input Sensitivity/Input Impedence
PHONO (1kHz, 100W/8 ohm)............3.5mV/47 kOhm

So do I need the external phono stage?
I was kinda thinking I'd just go with ClearAudio phono stage and MC for just that reason - compliance. Just to be sure though, I'll open a question to them and see which of their products they would recommend for my TT.

Thanks Again.