2. analog
  3. 175804-96084

From Benz to?

I've been on a Benz ride for the last few years, having owned and enjoyed the Wood SL, then the Gullwing SLR and my current Benz LPS, which I love (and has been retipped a couple times).  I find the Benz sound to be superbly balanced, leaning just to the warm side, with no apparent loss of detail.  Prior to Benz I had a Lyra Delos and a Clearudio MC (among a couple other ones.. Shelter 501?).  I even experimented with vintage MMs (Stanton 981 and Grace Ruby F8) on my Tracer tonearm (which is fairly low mass at ~9-10g) but went straight back to the LPS, cause it sounded more satisfying.  For those who have moved on from Benz to another cart and enjoyed the switch, are there any suggestions in the same sonic style of Benz, just perhaps a bit more treble refinement?   FWIW I detest treble tipped up cartridges.   One thing I've noticed is that Benz have a large stereo separation (and measures as such, >35dB), which helps (IMO) lead to a large soundstage.  Benz just hit all the buttons for me, but I'm feeling a desire to change, just to try something different. I've never tried Dynavector. Are they worth a shot, or are they completely different vs the Benz sound signature? 

128x128gakerty
lohanimal
659 posts
 

i have spoken to quite a few cartridge dealers and most say that the LPS is one of the best all round cartridges - period. All said apparently the Audio Technica ART 1000 is a pretty impressive cartridge. cartridges are a real pain because you never get to try before you buy. Why not find a member called @syntax he has a huge cartridge collection and gives superb advice

 

gakerty's avatar
gakerty OP
175 posts
 

"Sure, an Ortofon Windfeld Ti should do the trick and it will out track any benz. Top stylus, very quiet. "

FWIW The Benz won't track the torture tracks on the Hifi News test LP, but this doesn't seem to be  a problem with real world music.  Those vintage MMs I was trying out had no problem at all, nor did the Delos. That Windfield looks amazing.  I suppose "astonishing neutrality" is what I'm looking for.

"Audio Technica ART 1000..."

Good call, wasn't even thinking along the lines of AT.  I've heard very good things, but my Zestos Deluxe does 68dB max, would that be enough for 0.2mV?  Man I love thinking about cartridges more than anything else in audio.

benjie
327 posts
 

About 7 years ago I was also looking for something different from the Benz LP. I tried the Ortofon Windfeld and never looked back. I would highly recommend that cartridge and yes 68db gain setting will work fine with 0.2mV 

fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith
934 posts
 

After starting out with two Benz Glider SL's and then trying many different cartridge "houses" I ended up with a VdH Crimson Strad and a Lyra Etna Lamda. The Lyra is my favorite but I love the VdH too. I own a slew of Ortofons. I find them a bit boring and I actually prefer the Benz's. 

dodgealum
1,398 posts
 

Was seriously considering the LPS last purchase but went with a Charisma Signature One. Never compared them but the Sig One is very fine indeed. By reports maybe a bit less warmth than the LPS but the treble on the Charisma is absolutely perfect in my system. About the same money.

More to discover