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Clearaudio Maestro Wood or AT33PTG/II For Rega P5

I know it will be down to taste and listening preferences. Nevertheless, in general which cart will offer a higher level of playback on a Rega P5, the Clearaudio Maestro Wood MM or Audio Technica AT33PTG/II MC? In terms of speed, resolution, detail retrieval, bass punch and dynamics, which cart is superior?

I used to have the original version of AT33PTG on the P5 and liked it a lot. It is a huge upgrade from the Denon DL103 that I previously owned. Due to a mishap I am now looking for a replacement. How does the Clearaudio Maestro Wood compare to the AT33PTG/II?

Any thoughts appreciated.
ryder

Showing 2 responses by jaytea

jaytea
78 posts
 
I have both cartridges: Audio Technica AT33PTG (mounted on a SME 3009, Garrard 301) and Clearaudio Maestro (mounted on a Morch DP-6, Thorens TD-124). Before letting them staying permanently with their matches, I have switched them around a bit, and found that both of them are excellent cartridges. The AT33PTG is a tad smoother, sweeter, more intimate sounding, and the Maestro is fuller body, more powerful in the bass, offer a bit wider and deeper soundstage. Both of them are excellent trackers, also. They are equal in resolution/detail retrieval, with the Maestro offers more solid bass punch, while the AT33PTG is a tad more refine/smoother on high frequencies.

This is my own impression about them. Hope it helps.
jaytea
78 posts
 
Hi Ryder,

In my previous post, I stated that "while the AT33PTG is a tad more refine/smoother on high frequencies", and I meant "on high frequencies" only. To my ears, the Clearaudio Maestro is THE best sounding MM cartridge and it's on par with many many many higher priced MC cartridges. I have owned Koetsu Urushi, Lyra Helikon, Benz Micro Ruby3, Dynavector XX2 MK2, and I also listened to ZYX, higher model of Dynavector..etc...NONE of them make me wanna upgrade/change the combo of Morch DP6 & Clearaudio Maestro hehehe. That combo on my restored Thorens TD-124 gives me everything i could ask for when I listen to music.

Try it out. With MSPR of $1000 (well..it's raised to $1200 now), You'd get it cheaper used, and if you dont like it, sell it back. I dont think you'll lose anything nor it is hard to sell.

Just make sure your arm is a good match for it.

If you can, update me of how you like it.
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