Da Benz?


Greetings,

If anyone would care to recommend a cartridge for the setup below I’d greatly appreciate it! Thinking about a Benz Micro wood (but don’t know if it should be low, medium, or high output version). Also considering a Grado but am open to other suggestions. Looking to be  in the $1k – $2k price range.

Setup:

    Sota STAR TT

    SME IV Arm

    Conrad Johnson EF1 Phono Stage

    Conrad Johnson Premier 16 LS Pre

    Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono Blocks

    Vandersteen Wood Quatro Signature Speakers

    Vandenhul Tea Track Bi-wire

    Stealth PGS IC’s

Prefer a warm and relaxed sound but with good articulation.

Music tastes are classical, soft jazz (Diana Krall, Holly Cole, etc.), and classic rock.

Thank you!

Randy


rbschauman

Showing 2 responses by quincy

Randy, we have a very similar stereo system set up.  
I have a J.A. Michell table with SME V arm.
C-J EF1 phonostage, as yourself.
C-J  Premier 17LS preamp.
C-J  LP66S amp.

I had a Benz Micro Glider, medium output, some years ago.  A good cart which provided years of pleasant listening service.  It just wore out.....
Currently have a Lyra Delos.  A bit better separation and overall sound quality than the Benz in my humble opinion.  Could be the line contact stylus working its design magic....  You would enjoy either one in your system, but I believe the Delos is what you're looking for.

Try the max gain setting with a medium output cart.  Try 200 Ohms loading for resistance.  You can run 47K Ohms, which is unloaded.  Won't damage anything.  Many people run their carts unloaded.  Your Premier 12 mono blocks are top shelf amps, don't ever sell them....wish I had a pair!
Randy, good luck on your quest.  Some time you have to trust the word of others and take a leap of faith.  The days of being able to audition various components of interest has long passed.......Whatever your choice perform the set up yourself and take the time to experiment with gain and loading.....you can not damage your equipment.