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Phono stage thoughts for Benz Micro Ruby Z

I'm getting to the final stages of my summer long LP12 upgrade project, and have taken a mid 80s stock LP12 and put in better bearing, subchassis, psu, tonearm, etc.  It already sounds, even running the old cart that was on my Rega RP6, a Dynavector 20X2L.

The final piece is now in UPS, on it's way here:  a Benz Micro Ruby Z

My initial plan is to try it in the Dynavector P75 Mk4 that has been a wonderful pairing with the Dynavector 20X2L in Dr. T (current) mode.  

1) Anyone run a Benz Micro with the P75 in that model and have experiences to share?

2) Am I potentially underutilizing the Ruby Z if keeping it on that phono?  What are other alternatives (let's stay below $4K, even that is a reach) I should be considering? Things that have caught by eye in past:
Pass Labs XP15/17
Lehmann Decade
Herron VTPH-2 (would have to be used to fit budget)
Sutherland phonos
Zesto Andros 1.2 (again, would have to be used)

But I have no actual experience with any of those, or even more specifically with a Benz Micro – so would appreciate any other thoughts.

(Rest of system: Naim 282/250/ATC19s w/ JLAudio e110 sub)

kishekar
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Keith Herron offers a discount of I think 10% to anyone who lives outside the area of one of his few authorized dealers. So you are looking at only about $3300. I have the VTPH2A, and until about 2 years ago had a Benz Ruby. The Ruby will sound fine with what you have, and with the Herron even better. If you can find used then totally go for it. Even the earlier VTPH2 is by all accounts a stellar unit. (Stereophile Class A, and Michael Fremer said its as good as anything else in its class.)  

If you can't afford it now I would run with what you have and wait. It may be your last phono stage. Most of us who have one have quit looking. I sure have.
kishekar OP
20 posts
 
Thanks, much appreciated for insight – and good to get reinforcing positive feedback on the Herron!
kishekar OP
20 posts
 
Just to update thread – got the Ruby Z installed on the LP12 today.  Because it is being built in my office system (Naim SN2 / ProAc Tablette 10s in near field) until done and moving to living room, first listen was via the phono setup there:  Denon AU-320 SUT (set to 40ohm) and Mofi Studio Phono (MM setting). 

A $500 budget combo that is already sounding stunning with the cart.  Go figure... now it all feels like upside.
fusian
129 posts
 
I like how my Benz Wood SL sounds through a Benz Lukaschek PP1 phono preamp.
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