Master Cardiology vs. STC

[ashnem]

So I was completely set on the Littman Master Cardiology until I saw the STC. I would love to hear any opinions especially if you have used both. I will be starting my first job on a cardiac unit so I do believe that it is worth the investment to go with a higher end scope rather than upgrade later.

• While the Master Cardiology is by far the favorite of most folks here, the STC seems more ergonomic and possibly b/c it is less popular it may be more identifiable?
  
• I know that the master cardiology has a peds adapter and some people say that they don't care for it, any opinions?
  
• I also noticed that the MC is rated a "10" while the STC is rated "9". I am not sure what quantifiable data was used to evaluate the acoustic quality and if there is a noticable difference.
  
• The MC has a 7 year warranty vs. 6 for the STC.
  
• Price difference is negligable ($2).
  

Thanks in advance for any thoughts to help guide my selection!

[freemirini]

A review puts the MC below the Cardiology III. I tried both and felt that I could hear carotid sounds better with the Cardiology III. --I'm also in the market for a new stethoscope...

http://www.forusdocs.com/reviews/Acoustic_Stethoscope_Review.htm

http://www.forusdocs.com/reviews/Acoustic_Stethoscope_Review_page7.htm

I'm still a bit undecided on what to buy at this point. Looking forward to additional feedback.

[notjustanurse]

I found the MC and the STC to be comparable in acoustics. The reason I went ahead and bought the MC is because I was afraid the nice rubber on the STC would break down faster than the parts on the MC. I clean my stethoscope MANY times per shift and I would worry that the rubber wouldn't hold up. Just my 2 cents.