Class "A" phono cartridge discussion.

Dear lewm: I know very well the first version Universe quality performance and  that ZYx model had a notorious " problem "  in the high frequency range: to much hi-fi that gave it a false feeling of openess that in reality was a kind of distortion.

Benz Micro is a diferent cartridge performer. I use and used BM cartridges for several years since appeared the first Ruby model, then the Ruby 2, then the LP and I tested in my system the Ruby 3 and LP-S. 
BM is a performer that puts no music drama on its own other that the LP recorded music natural drama. Way diferent to the ZYX and I'm not saying that the Universe is not a top cartridge because it's but diferent. 
I prefer the BM quality performance.

Now, the Talea is an unipivot design and with wood arm wand and maybe to much wood down there with the LP-S mounted on it. The other side is that we have to have a real accurate audio system to appreciate the very good quality performance of those BM cartridges.

In the side of the tonearms that owns siranthony I think could be a better match than the Talea.

About the Windfield I can say that outperforms ( small margin. ) the 7500 and diferent from the A90. IMHO any one can buy that ortofon W. and certainly can't be/go wrong but as always with cartridge quality performance: system dependent, where in that " system " the system owner music/sound priorities and his system set up are critical.

I know I can live with the LP-S or the Windfield.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Raul,

  We often butt heads but this time I am in full agreement with your assessment of Benz Micro cartridges.  I have had all 3 Rubys. Still own the 3 'S' but with a Shibata tip (my preference)   I also own the LPS custom ordered with a Ruby cantilever (also my preference)  Their top line cartridges can not be out classed by any level of equipment you can offer it.  Someones preferences may favor some other cartridge but that is no fault of the Benz's.
Regards,

Keep in mind that the "Stereophile" ratings, Class A or otherwise, are just a listing of the components they have reviewed, and don't represent all the competitive brands that are out there.

Raul, I can easily understand what one might like about the LPS.  Thankfully, you've only criticized my friend's audio system, not mine, by implying that the system can get in the way of the wonders of the LPS.  I probably can borrow his spare and listen to it on my own system, to give it a second chance.  But bear in mind that I heard the LPS in a Durand Telos, the latest version not made of wood, if even the earliest Telos was made of wood.  I also hear what you say about the UNIverse, but, sorry, a weakness of mine to like the verisimilitude that it provided and which the LPS did not in my one or two auditions of it. I heard the UNI as a little emphatic in the low to mid treble and maybe very slightly bass-shy, in the Talea, but there was real space around instruments and real 3D-ness. I would also say that as I recall we both share an appreciation of the best of the Transfiguration cartridges, just for that quality of neutrality to which you refer.  So, we really are not far apart.  And since you have given me so many other "good tips" on cartridges that I have come to like very much, I do respect your opinion.  I find it interesting that others chimed in to defend the LPS, not just you.

All ZYX sound very 3D and Airy. How much of that is natural (really recorded) is debatable. On one hand they sound spectacular on the other hand they can sound somewhat artificial (cooked) with all the extra glitters it tries to bring to the table (pun intended).