@dan_springer - Congrats on your trusting your own instincts, I can see the allure of the Avenger Plus, it has the blessing of being very photogenic.
Your Statement is as follows:
"In the end I decided to go with the one that I enjoyed listening to the most, which was the Avenger Plus > Benz LP-S" > Diana Krall Live in Paris.
I commend you for doing the footwork to experience the audio devices you have developed an interest in.
I also know there is a Jaw on the Floor experience to be had, when Diana Krall is replayed.
As for the LP-S.
The following info, if not already known should really reassure you the choice has to be one to create excitement.
Do bear in mind, the Boron Cantilever and a few other design tweaks, especially in the Damper Material, Coil Wire and Winding Structure creates the Antithesis to the Richest of Bloom known for Heavy Wood Body Cart's.
The weight referred to is selected to have substantial impact on transferral of and dissipation of resonance
Cart's Pedigree
Background on company and ruby generator: In the 1980s Ernst Benz developed his line of moving coil cartridges in conjunction with Sony in Japan and AJ van den Hul of the Netherlands. These pickups were immediately recognized for their high quality and brought to market under the Benz Micro name
Benz Micro LP S Class moving coil cartridge: The Benz Micro LP-S class cartridge is the flagship of the line representing over 20 years of R&D and production expertise.
A few Words from a review
I developed a short list of contenders: Miyajima Shilabe, ZYX Omega, Air Tight PC-1, Transfiguration Orpheus, Dynavector XV-1t, My Sonic Lab Eminent Ex. and Koetsu Sky Blue. After sorting through a lot of opinions I called my friend Roger Swiatek at Music Direct. He spoke highly of the new Benz LP-S. It had also recently received a very positive albeit brief review in the series of seven cartridges auditioned by Harry Pearson in the October 2010 issue of The Absolute Sound.
Reviewers words on their first listening
Looking at my stack of LPs in frequent rotation, I decided on the Prestige reissue two-record set of Miles Davis Workin’ and Steamin’ [Prestige P-24034]. While some turn up their noses at reissues, I find many of the Prestige reissues to be quite good. From the moment this cartridge hit the groove of the first cut "It Never Entered My Mind", I knew I was in for a very special treat.
The gently caressing piano intro just melted me. When Miles’ muted trumpet came in shortly after, I could hear all of the breathiness behind it and a warm golden glow in each note. As he ascended the scale I was astonished by the composure in the upper midrange. There was absolutely no glare in this critical region. I was immediately taken back to my early days of trumpet playing when my mother used to yell up the stairs while I was practicing in my room, admonishing me to get the tone right. If only my mother was still alive to experience this. This was sheer tonal splendor! Playing this album with the Benz LP-S began a sonic torrent of records that put me into a state of bliss from which I may never recover. At least I hope I won't.
Once more I look forward to your sharing on your new to be encountered experiences.
