*Ovation levels
Clearaudio Ovation Upgrade
I'm currently running a Clearaudio Concept Wood with a Hana ML, which I'm very pleased with. I'm considering upgrading to the Clearaudio Ovation, I'm just not quite sure what to expect. If I do I'll be going with the Tracer tonearm to move up from my current Satisfy.
If I don't move to the Ovation, I'm considering the Performance DC Wood. Would a step up the the Performance DC Wood be wasted? Go full bore into the Ovation and be done? Any guidance is appreciated.
If I don't move to the Ovation, I'm considering the Performance DC Wood. Would a step up the the Performance DC Wood be wasted? Go full bore into the Ovation and be done? Any guidance is appreciated.
Showing 5 responses by j-wall
Awesome thanks for the reply, I never saw your original response. You're in the same boat as I'm curious about. Do you feel satisfied moving from the Concept to the Ovation? Would you say the upgrade satisfied your needs? I'd like to avoid paying almost double for the Ovation when the DC Wood seems like 75% of the table. I just learned the Ovation uses a different motor than the DC. Also, how do you like the Tracer arm? Major upgrade? |
This is where in headed too, I'd like to be endgame. I think the Ovation is endgame for me. I've seen it in person and it's a beautiful table. I'm interested in learning while moving up the chain that's why I'm so curious about each tier. I'd like to avoid half-step moves if you know what I mean. My biggest complaint is motor noise the the concept. It isn't pronounced when playing records, but it is when music isn't playing. I'd also like to be able to use an outer ring and from what I've read it isn't possible on the DC, but is on the Ovation. My biggest qualm is the $3k price difference and realistic improvement from each. I'm torn. |
@joey54 apparently Musical Surroundings doesn't recommend an outer limit ring on the Performance DC. They told me there's a big possibility for motor strain. I'll have to look into the AMG. I've been looking into Dr Feickert tables and Kuzma arm's as of the last week as well. I'm possibility holding off on the Performance DC and will be moving above that do DC/Feickert levels. |
@wturkey I found a great deal on a used Ovation and it was more than worth the cost coming from my concept. The table really is a massive move upwards from the concept too and I probably should have thought more about the cost of ownership. It came with the Universal Tonearm and I think it could be the last tonearm I need. Cartridge alignment is super easy and the platter just spins for days. I tested out the Linear Power Supply from Clearaudio, but I didn't notice it adding enough of anything I was missing so I've got it shelved up in my closet. I even noticed a lovely upgrade adding butcher block acoustic platform underneath. I'm still running my Hana ML, but I'm getting curious about moving up the chain and trying a Benz Micro. We'll see. |