And the winner is...
I got the Linn Arkiv B. Thanks for the input. It's really difficult to audition cartridges and one has to rely on others who know.
The Arkiv sounds wonderful even before it is broken in. Most notably is the amazing imaging and sound stage. Detail blows away the Glider. And, important to me, the Arkiv sounds quite a bit less lush than the glider. That's good, since I was originally concerned about my system already sounding a bit lush.
I'm sure I would have also been happy with the Lyra Helikon. I think the decision was made when my local Linn dealer was willing to sell the new in box Arkiv B for $1700 including installation and turntable tuneup.
BTW, I am not at all getting down on Benz Micro. The Glider is a great cartridge for the money, but it isn't an Arkiv! As to the Ruby, I hear it sounds wonderful, but the lushness factor made me shy away. I'm sure the Ruby sounds terrific in many other systems. Thanks to Egrady for that advice. I am a happy camper.
Oh well, I guess I have to go break in that Arkiv...
I got the Linn Arkiv B. Thanks for the input. It's really difficult to audition cartridges and one has to rely on others who know.
The Arkiv sounds wonderful even before it is broken in. Most notably is the amazing imaging and sound stage. Detail blows away the Glider. And, important to me, the Arkiv sounds quite a bit less lush than the glider. That's good, since I was originally concerned about my system already sounding a bit lush.
I'm sure I would have also been happy with the Lyra Helikon. I think the decision was made when my local Linn dealer was willing to sell the new in box Arkiv B for $1700 including installation and turntable tuneup.
BTW, I am not at all getting down on Benz Micro. The Glider is a great cartridge for the money, but it isn't an Arkiv! As to the Ruby, I hear it sounds wonderful, but the lushness factor made me shy away. I'm sure the Ruby sounds terrific in many other systems. Thanks to Egrady for that advice. I am a happy camper.
Oh well, I guess I have to go break in that Arkiv...