Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood - Moving-Magnet Phono Cartridge - New ($1200 MSRP)

General:The Virtuoso Wood is a high-performance MM (Moving-Magnet) phono cartridge from Clearaudio. Made in Germany. Key features include an aluminum cantilever, an elliptical diamond stylus, and a handcrafted wooden body that naturally dampens resonance.This cartridge achieves remarkable clarity and warmth that distinguishes it from so many other cartridges in the price point.Overall this cartridge punches well above its weight and is a formidable piece. From Stereophile:"The performance of the Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood was so ear-opening that I recommend that anyone thinking of spending up to $2500 on a moving-coil cartridge consider buying the Virtuoso Wood instead, and investing the money saved in better components elsewhere in the system."SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:Brand new, never opened.Ownership:Brand NewGeneral Sound:Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and cleanCosmetic Condition:New = Factory sealed and unopened. Working Condition:Working perfectly and tested in our lab.Included:Everything like when it arrived newPacking:Original Manufacturers PackingOriginal MSRP:$1,200.00Specs:Description Moving magnet cartridge.Frequency response 20-20,000 Hz.Output voltage 3.6 mV.Channel separation > 30 dB.Channel balance ≤ 0.2 dB.Compliance 15 (x 10-6 cm/dyne).Stylus size 5 x 80 micrometres.Recommended loading 47K Ohms.Tracking force 2.0-2.5 g.Recommended tracking force 2.2 g.Weight 10.0 g.Testing Process:We start by doing a detailed physical inspection under light magnification to asses the cantilever condition, its position in the cartridge body, and the condition of the suspension.We also inspect any coil wires and the output connections to make sure it hasn't been strained. We then perform a light cleaning with specialized agents and very carefully blow dry with compressed air.Following that, we conduct a thorough examination using our Wild Heerbrugg professional microscope. From there we can asses the wear and quality of the stylus and determine how much use it has seen, and if there are any mechanical issues. We can also identify if it needs further cleaning or care.We then move the cartridge to a digital microscope where we take photos of the cantilever and stylus for future reference.Next we move to the test bench where we can check for continuity of each channel and resistance.On certain cartridges (or if the technician feels necessary) we install the cartridge on a turntable and run several test records to ascertain tacking ability, distortion, and compliance.  -----------------------------------------------------------------------   *Please note we are not a repair shop and only restore what we own.   ---------- SkyFi Audio - Curators of Vintage Audio Gear SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of high end audio equipment. We only buy equipment that we admire and are passionate about.   ---------- PURCHASING GUIDELINES: 1) This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home unless you opt for local pickup from our shop. All local pickup items are only wrapped in industrial strength clear stretch wrap if the original manufacturer packaging is unavailable.   Local pickup is available in Glen Rock, NJ, 07452, just a half hour drive from Midtown Manhattan, with convenient parking near our building.   If we don’t have the original packaging, we use heavy-duty double-ply corrugated boxes with custom made to your item SealedAir Instapak expanding foam custom inserts. In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging!   We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages. Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box.   2) We will not review or accept any offers that do not go through the official eBay system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please do not message, email, or text any offers.   3) Please ensure your shipping address is correct within eBay as we will ONLY ship to the eBay/PayPal Confirmed Shipping Address. No exceptions.   4) eBay may charge and collect sales tax to your state/jurisdiction which we have no control over. eBay v1.91BH