Hard choice: Lyra Skala - Ortofon PW - Benz Ruby3


Hello Guys,

I'm going to think to change my Grado Statement Master 0.5mv. and I'm thinking to buy one of these three cartridges : Lyra Skala - Ortofon PW - Benz Ruby3
There is also the Dynavector XX-2 MKII , as 4th conceivable choice , while the XV-1s is too expencive for me.
Could you help me in this choice .. describing carts qualities , differences and your experiences about?

Thanks to EveryOne for opinions/suggestions

Raven One - Whest Audio PS30RDT phono stage - Pass Labs X1 - Parasound Halo JC1s - Thiel 2.4
128x128curio

Showing 1 response by elinor

All good cartridge choices. Complete agreement with Larryi in that the greatest leap in tonality will be the Lyra. I recently bought the Transfiguration Orpheus to use in my TW Raven AC-1 TT with Tri-Planar VII arm. Yes, different and more expensive cartridge, but I left behind a Ruby-2. Yes, the Benz line is highly musical, although I have not heard the new Ruby 3 S Class. The Benz line is a nice blend of warmth, musicality, and dynamics. I auditioned the Scala before making my final decision. Very open sounding, very dynamic, very transparent when compared to the Ruby-2. Just as musical, but in a slightly cooler or perhaps more neutral way. These cartridges all have different load and gain recommendations, so be sure to check that as well with regard to your phono preamp. One more thing, your choices include wood and non-wood bodies. Having lived with a wood body cartridge and having moved to an aluminum body cartridge, my vote is strongly toward the Lyra, Dynavector, or Ortofon which I think are all non-wood bodies and I think more inert making a positive difference in performance. Also, once you have made your decision, remember that perfect set-up will make for perfect sound.