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Benz Ruby ZH or Wood SM?

Any thoughts or ideas? According to the website http://www.musicalsurroundings.com/cartr.html , these are both now updated to S-Class status but the differences mainly being the Ruby ZH has the Zebra wood body vs the Bruyere wood of the Wood SM. The other difference is the Ruby ZH .7mV has an internal impedence of 80 ohms (pretty high) vs the .8mV Wood SM of only 24 ohms(much better). And of course, a huge difference in price between the two.

All thoughts, ideas, comments are encouraged and welcome.
Thanks
no_regrets

Showing 4 responses by no_regrets

no_regrets OP
543 posts
 
Hello Countingbackwards,

Thank you for your reply. Your comment in regards to the Ruby 3H to the Wood L2 was good to hear. I agree with you and I think I will be ordering the Ruby ZH this coming week.

For what it's worth, I've been told by a few people that the new Zebra wood Ruby is quite a big step up from the Ruby 3. This might make for a nice trade for you when your 3H needs to be replaced.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with me.
no_regrets OP
543 posts
 
Hi Audioquest4life,

I just placed my order last night. My dealer said he doesn't have it in stock so he will have to order it from Musical Surroundings on Monday. From that point it should take about 4-5 days for me to receive.

I ordered the Ruby ZH....which is the zebrawood ruby that has the .7mV output. I needed the higher output due to the fact that my all tubed phonostage only puts out about 52dB of gain and I do not use any step up transformers.

I'm really looking forward to receiving it. I have not yet heard the Ruby Z myself, but everything that I have heard from several different users is that it far surpases the Ruby 3. I like the Benz Wood bodied house sound and have faith that I will love this new Ruby ZH.

Let me know how your breakin process goes and how you like it.
no_regrets OP
543 posts
 
Hello Audioquest4life,

I look forward to hearing how you feel the Ruby Z compares to your LPS. It is said that the various wood bodies do have an affect on the sound....to what extent I am not sure. You'll have to tell us what you think. I agree with you though, as I prefer the look of the Zebra wood body over that of the Ebony as well.

I could not opt for the LPS due to the additional weight of that cartridge....I'd have to get heavier counter weights,etc. Also, I need at least .7mV of output or else I would have to go with another phonostage....and I am quite happy with my current phonostage.

Take care,
No Regrets
no_regrets OP
543 posts
 
Hello Audioquest4life,

I am glad you are enjoying your new RubyZ. I received my RubyZH on Oct 12th, but sadly only have about 20 hours on it so far. Life is very busy right now with other commitments.

This cartridge is replacing my Benz MO.9, a wood bodied MC with an output of .9mV and one that I had greatly enjoyed.

I loved everything that the MO.9 did....it had excellent body, purity of tone, wonderful balance throughout the frequency range, and great dynamics. The Ruby ZH carries on this "house sound" but with more of everything. The sound of instruments are even more pure, the micro dynamics are very impressive(dialing in the right VTA/SRA really helps with this) and there is more refinement throughout.

As much as I love the ZH right now, I am hoping that it improves even more throughout the break in period. Currently I am running my VTF at 1.903gm/ Antiskating at 1.5 and have it loaded at 1500 ohms (still experimenting with the loading and from past experience will probably vary throughout the break in period).

I'm pleased to hear that you felt the Ruby Z was closer to the LPS than what the original LP was. I think the Ruby Z or ZH will make for a great cartridge for those who cannot handle the extra weight of the LPS.

I will try to update as well after I get some more hours on the cartridge.

Best regards,
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