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Which MM cartridge?

I'm looking to upgrade from my current Dynavector 10x5 MC cartridge and I'd like a high end MM to replace it. With help from A'goners I've been able to improve performance on my TT and now realize just how good the rig actually is.
I'm considering the Clearaudio Viruoso Wood, the Clearaudio Maestro Wood and the Music Maker 3.

Can anyone comment on their relative strengths/limitations or recommend one between them, or even an alternative. I'm looking to purchase used with less than 200 hours.
I will mount the cart on a Rega P25 TT.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
Ag insider logo xs@2xjgiacalo

Showing 2 responses by rauliruegas

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,781 posts
 
Dear Gopher: Agree, the MP-50 is really good:

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=NAGAOKAMP050&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART

as the Clearaudio Maestro that Triode point out but both are higher in price than the Ortofon's.

Anyway, I think that now Jgiacalo has very good alternatives to pull the triger.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,781 posts
 
Dear Jgiacalo: IMHO the phono stage design was not the strongest McIntosh stage in designm, maybe yours is,

Saying that and before you spend 1K+ in a new cartridge my advise is that you go for one of these Ortofon's that are below 200.00 with a quality performance that IMHO you need 2-3 K to beat it.

If your phono stage is up to " job " then you already find what you are looking for and if not then you only spend 200.00 not over 1K:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ortofon-M20FL-Super-MM-cartridge-M-20-FL-Super-NOS_W0QQitemZ120492170569QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0de49d49

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ortofon-M20E-Super-MM-cartridge-M-20-E-Super-NOS_W0QQitemZ400085013949QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d26ecd5bd

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
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