ClearAudio Talisman V2 (McIntosh Branded) MC Moving Coil Cartridge - Like New

General:
The ClearAudio Talisman V2 is a very nice MC (Moving Coil) phono cartridge. Standout features include pure 24k Gold coils, a boron cantilever, and an Ebony wood body.

This variant is more special as it is McIntosh branded! It would be a perfect for a McIntosh turntable such as an MT5 or MT10.

This particular cartridge is in excellent condition and looks as if it was used only a couple of times if any. It looks new under our shop microscope.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
No sings of wear on cartridge body or needle.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Cosmetic Condition:
10/10 = Mint. Looks like new, likely used once (if that!). See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:
Just the Unit

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Original MSRP:
$1,890.00

Specs:
• Frequency response: 20Hz - 100kHz
• Output voltage ( at 5cm/sec): 0.5mV
• Channel separation: > 30dB
• Channel balance: < 0.5dB
• Tracking ability: 80μm
• Recommended tracking force: 2.8g (± 0.2g)
• Cartridge impedance: 50Ω
• Cantilever / stylus shape: Boron / HD Diamond
• Compliance: 15μ/mN
• Coil assembly: Absolutely symmetrical design
• Coil material: 24 carat gold
• Cartridge body: Hand polished ebony wood with metal alloy internal resonance damping
• Total mass: 10.8g

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.