I'm using the Benz L2...fantastic cartridge in my system. I can't say how it will do compared to a Ruby, because I have a policy: if I can't buy it, I don't audition it. I much prefer the L2 to the Glider that I once tried - the Glider had the same overall tone, but was missing a certain balance that the L2 has.
One thing I can say - when I bought my L2, it was on order by my dealer, and he lent me his M2 in the meantime. The surface noise was MUCH less noticeable on my phono stage at the time (it was a Musical Fidelity XLP) with the M2. When the L2 arrived, it prompted a phono stage upgrade.
While a low-output cartridge is more resolving of low-level details, don't get thrown off by the 3 Benz's being the same price: the low-output model will necessitate a more expensive phono stage to sound any better than the M2.
My advice would be...with the Cambridge phono, go with M2, whether it be an Ace, Glider or Wood. If you plan on going with the L2, budget at least $1K for a good high-gain phono stage.
One thing I can say - when I bought my L2, it was on order by my dealer, and he lent me his M2 in the meantime. The surface noise was MUCH less noticeable on my phono stage at the time (it was a Musical Fidelity XLP) with the M2. When the L2 arrived, it prompted a phono stage upgrade.
While a low-output cartridge is more resolving of low-level details, don't get thrown off by the 3 Benz's being the same price: the low-output model will necessitate a more expensive phono stage to sound any better than the M2.
My advice would be...with the Cambridge phono, go with M2, whether it be an Ace, Glider or Wood. If you plan on going with the L2, budget at least $1K for a good high-gain phono stage.