One thing about Benz cartridges that should be pointed out...their support network seems to change frequently...as in it occasionally seems to disappear. ( at least it did here in the US). The main reason I opted for my Lyra at the time was that my local Benz dealer could no longer supply me with their cartridges...and neither could anyone else in the US! This may have now been corrected, but it could also be a temporary scenario. This situation was very unfortunate for me, as I was going to pull the trigger on the Benz LPS MR and had to pivot when unavailable. I loved my Benz Ruby 2 and it matched well with my system. Lyra are distributed by Audioquest and have had no supply issues like Benz.
I do feel that Musical Surroundings ( the prior Benz distributor) treated their dealers and customers in an inappropriate manner when they dumped everyone! Not customer friendly in the slightest and a severe blow to Benz. ( which they may or may not have deserved!)
Anyhow, as mentioned above, Benz cartridges are quite fine, albeit a little veiled and warm compared to Lyra's. As Thom mentioned, they are simply a different flavor, nothing wrong with that. I would consider ( strongly) a second Benz now that they are 'supposedly' being represented here again in the US.
