From Benz to?

"Sure, an Ortofon Windfeld Ti should do the trick and it will out track any benz. Top stylus, very quiet. "

FWIW The Benz won't track the torture tracks on the Hifi News test LP, but this doesn't seem to be  a problem with real world music.  Those vintage MMs I was trying out had no problem at all, nor did the Delos. That Windfield looks amazing.  I suppose "astonishing neutrality" is what I'm looking for.

"Audio Technica ART 1000..."

Good call, wasn't even thinking along the lines of AT.  I've heard very good things, but my Zestos Deluxe does 68dB max, would that be enough for 0.2mV?  Man I love thinking about cartridges more than anything else in audio.

Lots of good suggestions here, and lots of ways to blow through my bonus. : ) One aspect of the Benz LPS I enjoy is its "warmth" without obscuring detail, at least not overtly. The LPS is more detailed than my mid - fi(ish) digital setup (RME ADI-2) for example. I almost wish Benz had another model above the LPS! The Windfeld looks like a contender. On my Zestos, I think 68 db (+6 for balanced) will be enough for 0.2mV. Surprised at the Windfeld’s only ~25dB channel separation though, but I’d bet that is measurements only and doesn’t translate in sound.. The Zyx look great, measure well, but I’m a bit overwhelmed with the models they have. Some are above my pay range. In any case cartridges are one of those pricey purchases easily snuck in the house past the wife, so I’m willing to stretch a little. : )

"I went from the Benz LP to a Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua."

I’m definitely interested in Dynavector, was thinking either Te Kaitora , or stretching a bit for the DRT XV-1s. Funky looking cartridges! I’ve never read anyone describe anything negative about upper level Dynavector.

"No one has mentioned the Koetsu line. Their Urushi line and up would be a nice replacement for the LPS MR."

I’ve lusted after the stone body Koetsus for years, mostly because of the way they look. Just gorgeous. Admittedly, I’ve never heard one in person. Do they sound and perform as good as they look, or is it all show?

"I wanted more resolution when i went from a Benz, so the Lyra Kleos was the answer"

I had the Delos for about a year before I went the Benz route. I suppose I didn’t have the Delos set up 100% correctly, cause I found its treble fatiguing. If I were to revisit Lyra, I’d probably just pony up and go for the Etna, and take the time tp properly set it up. The Delos definitely did track better than my Benz. That said, with the Benz LPS I forget its there and I just listen to music. My ideal cartridge would embody the balanced, effortless nature of the Benz, albeit with more detail retrieval. Thanks all for your suggestions, I’m actively looking at my next cartridge. Of course my dealer has suggested upper level Clearaudio MCs, I only have experience with the Concept MC. It was just OK.

@vusi_khumalo

Thanks, is it a general rule of thumb that cartridges with lower internal impedances are more optimally matched to SUTs than those with higher impedances? There is quite an impedance difference between the Ebony (~8ohms) vs the 38 ohms LPS. Never noticed that before. Still I’m impressed how well the LPs fares with the Zestos at 1000ohms (this is max for MC on the Zestos), even though this whole time I haven’t been running it optimally. I think it’s pretty obvious I’m a set it and forget it sort of guy and probably should look into this a bit more...

@vusi_khumalo 

Interesting.  Why is that?  The Ebony L actually has a lower output (.26 mV) vs LPS (.34mV).  Or is the mismatch of the LPS + built in SUT due to something else entirely?

FWIW The LPS sounds much better through the Zestos vs the active SS Pass XP15 that preceded it but that may be a function of how well the Zestos is designed, and its tubes.  Thanks to all for your suggestions!