Upgrade from clearaudio concept MC cart


The clearaudio concept MC v1 cart is the lone holdover from my previous system (well, other than the dual rhythmik e15 subs) and I’m curious as to how much more I can expect from the following carts or carts in similar price ranges. The one cart similarly priced to the concept is the audio Technica Art9 but everyone just raves about it being the equal of carts double its price so it’s in the running.

Let me say too that the concept mc is no slouch and having been retipped by needleclinic it may be even better than before. I am enjoying my stereo more now than ever but we always want to eek out that last bit of quality.

Current system:

philharmonic bmr speakers
rhythmik e15 subs x 2
van Alstine Synergy amp
nuprime dac10 (pre and dac)
musical surr. Nova II phono pre
Nottingham 294 w/ 12" ace space arm
boston audio mat1 (platter mat)
clear Day double shotgun speaker cables
audio art ic3se interconnects
gik room treatments



carts im interested in: 

AT Art9
Charisma MC2
Charisma Ref 1 or 2
Kiseki Blue NS
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
Clearaudio Charisma v2 MM

joegator81
Dear @joegator81 : LOMC cartridges by Clearaudio are really good and you can stay with other Clearaudio MC model. LOMC cartridge quality level performance ( everything the same. ) beats MM ones.

Even that's not a today Transfiguration model  this one is new and Transfiguration means: QUALITY.

I read what an owner posted about the Aria:

"  Every time I think I know what to expect from Transfiguration- the new cartridge surprises me. So much power and energy in this little toy. It�s also the most elegant looking among all Transfiguration cartridges.

The cartridge suits all type of arms and acts at it�s best. Transfiguration is famous for voice and opera type reprouction, well not anymore. This one rocks and jazz just as good as Dyna and Accuphase.

Specifications:

Type: moving coil
Output Voltage: 0.4mV
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz
Tracking Force: 1.7-2.2g
Mass: 7g
Channel Separation: > 27db
Channel Balance: 10 ohms
Output Impedance: 10 ohms
Stylus Tip: PA, solid diamond
Cantilever: boron
Dynamic Compliance: 12x10-6cm/Dyne

New: $1450     """

and this is the cartridge link for sale:


https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-brand-new-free-shipping-2018-01-06-analog 


other nice options:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-phono-cartridge-mc-type-lomc-2018-01-02-analog 

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-new-retip-by-soundsmith-s-peter-ledermann-2017-12-22-an... 

 and my advise is that you stay with LOMC cartridges.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.


Thanks Raul, I'll keep the trans aria in mind as well. 

So, what I'm gathering from all that's been posted is that there is room for improvement over the concept MC even in the $1500 range?