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Grado Reference vs Benz Glider and H2

I'm looking to replace my beloved Grado Reference and thought a Benz Glider or H2 might be a nice change.

I love the lush, rich midrange and vocals the Grado gives but am curious about other cartridges.

How does the Glider and higher priced h2 compare to the Grado Reference. Keeping in mind that I'm spoiled by the fabulous cartidge I already have. Will I be taking a step back or fowards by buying a Benz?

I'm not willing to sacrifice anything that the Grado gives me when I can just go buy another one. I use an EAR834P with a Rega arm on a suspended table with metal platter like the Linn.

Finally I am led to believe that the Grado is not compliant with the Rega arm which is evident from all the subsonics I get. Is the Benz a better match?
kel34

Showing 3 responses by 76doublebass

76doublebass's avatar
76doublebass
254 posts
 
I have the Grado Reference Reference as well,and I would find it very difficult to obtain a higher level of performance unless you spend a great deal more money
on say a Lyra Titan MC for 4K,ourelse the top of the line Grado Statement which is a very low output and would need alot of gain in the phono stage.
The mid band reproduction is just so incredible on this cartridge that I would find it very difficult to part with
IMO.I cannot comment on the other cartridges you have posted above .I have not heard those,But the Titan Lyra does perform much better then the Grado from what I heard from this cartridge at the Audiofest by a wide margin,But it cost much much more as well.
Good Luck
Happy Listening
Don
76doublebass's avatar
76doublebass
254 posts
 
I am using the Morch UP-4 Arm with my Grado REF.and used the Cardas test record and was shaking really bad at the 10 Hz signal,But not at the 8 hz or above the 10Hz .I am using the red dot version for the arm,But have not encountered any problems except when I have a somewhat warped LP things can get very bothersome,extreme concave
and things get very bad indeed.Luckly most my LP's used or new are flat and in nice condition.
76doublebass's avatar
76doublebass
254 posts
 
Overall the Morch Up-4 with my Grado is a very magical experience indeed.I also use the Wally Tracker Protracter mirror to get that last bit of retrival off the LP grooves.
It is sensitive too VTA changes,and I try not to fiddle with it to much.I know when its right on,the highs extend way out with incredible ambient retreival and the bass gets deep and powerful.The magical midrange stays the same irregardless of what VTA setting I use.
I would reccommend this arm if you can find one used.The arm wands are interchangable which is nice.I hear some people prefer a slightly higher mass version of this arm,But I have not had any problems with mine at all except on badly warped LP's.
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