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benz ref 2 or sumiko celebration

hi currently own the benz, but it's in for repair, and i have the celebration for a loaner. i love it, and i've read some very flattering things about it. i'm running it with a vpi scout/jmw-9 table/arm combo. i have a tube pre and a ss amp. i listen to mostly acoustic jazz, folk, classic rock, everything except for classical. so should i keep the benz, or trade it for the sumiko? my ears tell me sumiko is the way to go hear, but maybe it's not the match with my rig as the benz is. or maybe it's better?

would love to hear opinions. thanks.
sberger

Showing 4 responses by sberger

sberger OP
146 posts
 
i'd call or email sumiko. there has to be a dealer in nyc.
sberger OP
146 posts
 
thanks raul. i think i probably will.
sberger OP
146 posts
 
reb, yeah you pretty much described what im hearing. much more transparancy. but the bass is terrific as well. there really is a noticeable refinement to the overall sound. i'm really enjoying it.
sberger OP
146 posts
 
thanks monk. i agree with your statements. im wondering what break in will do for this? this is a demo, but according to the dealer it probably only has a couple of hours on it. any thoughts?

im also using a dynavector p-75 phono, and use the phono enhancer which determines input sensitivity and gain by the celebration's internal resistance. i assume this is the same thing as "internal impedance", which, according to sumiko is 30
Ohms. would this be correct?

i'm also tracking at 2.2g, which is the upper limit. i have a vpi scout and best results, according to my ears and vpi, seem to come when the cart's tracking weight is set in this manner. i can always experiment, but would be interested in what anybody else might have experienced with the celebration.

again, thanks for all the comments.
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