02-07-09: OnetwothreegoAn interesting thing is that the much less expensive Audio Technica AT150MLX has specs closer to the Clearaudio: 30dB separation and .8dB channel balance. And it has a snap-in stylus as well (available for $179.95 from lpgear.com).
The Maestro has better specs than the 2M Black. Channel Separation on the 2M is 26db and > 35db for the Maestro. Channel Balance on the 2M is 1db and .3db for the Maestro.
You can get an AT150MLX from J&R Music World for $250 shipped.
I like Ortofon cartridges, but I truly wonder how close the AT150MLX might come to it. It certainly presents more than a taste of high end cartridgitudedness.