I use a Clearaudio Concept with the supplied MM cartridge. I am very happy with the table. The sound stage is deep, wide, instrument placement and separation are quite good, and vocals are outstanding. Just to compare, I played the same LP and CD at the same time (Pink Floyd, Momentary Lapse of Reason), and with a couple clicks of the CD search button, I had them pretty much in sync. Then I would simply switch back and forth between phono and CD from the remote. The sound is some what different between the two, all be it minor. And in all honesty, I found the vinyl, with this recording, to have a deeper, more relaxed sound that I quite enjoyed. It wasn't so, in your face, so to speak. Although I wouldn't want all my music on vinyl, as some other recordings I like on CD for the way it sounds. ie. Nickel Back.
In the end, I like the table a lot. I like having a choice on how my music sounds by simply changing sources. And the ritual that accompanies vinyl playback is always fun.
In case your wondering, I run a very simple set up. It consists of a Clearaudio Concept TT, Musical Fidelity A5.5 CD player, Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated amp, Monitor Audio RX8 speakers, XLO Ultra 6 speaker cable, XLO Reference II interconnects, and Acoustic Zen Gargantua power cables. No external DAC's or phono stage. And I'm quite content with the sound of the system.
I would not hesitate to recommend the Clearaudio Concept to anyone. It sounds great to me.
