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New turntable: please help with cartridge selection: Ortofon vs Lyra vs Charisma vs Hana

So I took the plunge on a new turntable rig for my main system.  First new table in 30 years!

Incoming: TW Acustic Raven LS table and a Reed 3P 10.5" tonearm in cocobolo.

Undecided on a cartridge.  Looking for sound with natural tonality yet detailed and dimensional, nothing overly etched.  Have a Benz Ruby Z on my older SOTA set up and have enjoyed that very much.  Looking for something similar, yet even more frequency extension, if that's possible.

Contenders: Ortofon Winfeld Ti, Charisma Signature One, Hana Unami Red, Lyra Kleos.  Prefer to stay under $5K on the cartridge.

Rest of system:  ARC Ref 2 SE phono, ARC Ref 2 Mk II line stage, Pass XA 60.8 mono amps, Magico A5 speakers.

Anyone with experience with the above options?  Any thoughts with respect to system synergy?  I'm open to other options for cartridges, though for now that's the short list.

Thanks in advance!
bobbydd
boothroyd
365 posts
 
If you like the Benz Z’s sound, but with more frequency extension, I’d suggest sticking with Benz and trying the Gullwing SLR. A fantastic cart, with the fullness, "warmth" and sweetness of Benz, but with ample treble extension. The Benz LPS is like that too, but IMO, isn’t worth the extra cost over the Gullwing.

No doubt consider continuing with the Benz if you like it. Mike @ Sierra Sound is keeping the brand alive.

No firsthand knowledge of the Reed 3P, not sure if its character is more unipivot live or gimbal reserve? I prefer the SLR nude variety from Benz on Gimbal bearing tonearms and their wood bodies are magically delicious in the upper bass / lower midrange on uni-pivots generally speaking.

I suspect an Ebony LP at trade-in pricing would be the ticket.
speakermaster
738 posts
 
I would try a dynavector te kaitora rua cartridge i think it would be a very good match for your setup.
sheridanmartinj
50 posts
 
SoundSmith, will blow your socks off friend can`t go wrong 
skrfrk
4 posts
 
I had a Lyra on my SOTA Star Saphire (with outboard power and vacuum hold down, upgraded tonearm board). I LOVED that sound: sweet, detailed. I was a fan of the Lyra, for sure
dodgealum
1,399 posts
 
I haven’t heard a ton at your price point but synergy with your arm should be your first priority followed by synergy with the overall sonic attributes of your system. I own the Signature One and it it incredibly well balanced and transparent to the source, with very realistic tonality and musical flow. A well written review in mono and stereo puts it right up there among the best available for a lot less money than top tier cartridges. Also, Bernard Li is a gem to deal with. Good luck!
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