I have owned both the Blackbird and the Maestro Wood (v1) and preferred the Maestro by a wide margin. The 'bird was only ordinary, about on-par with the Dynavector 10x5 HOMC. The Maestro, on the other hand, was more dynamic, more detailed, and better at both frequency extremes. It took a Dynavector XX2 MK2 to get the Maestro out of my system. I would expect the V2 to be an even better cartridge.
Sumiko Blackbird MC vs. Clearaudio Maestro Wood MM
Finally buying my first turntable after I left the vinyl format in the mid 1980s. Looks like I will be investing in the recently released Pro-Ject Xtension 10. Sumiko offers a package deal that includes the Blackbird MC cartridge. However, I have heard great reviews on the ClearAudio Maestro Wood MM. I understand the science between MC and MM. But has anyone listened to either OR both of these cartridges? I have a modest tube system that includes a Primaluna Dialogue II and Sonus Faber Cremona Monitor speakers. I will be using the dealer installed phono card in the Primaluna to start with and then move up to a separate phono stage in (a while). I listen to Pink Floyd, jazz, female vocals, Louis Armstrong, and Dead Can Dance. Any thoughts? Thank you. Cal.