Lyra Delos or Hana ML

@nlitworld I’m seeing a Benz Micro Zebra L on eBay for $1750. Seems like a decent price. I’m a little hesitant purchasing a cart on eBay but if it’s a good price might be worth it?

My head is starting to hurt.  So many choices and so many things to consider.  I do agree that cartridge set-up and tone arm compatibility is paramount.  The RB2000 is a little bit of an oddball, admittedly.  I’m not aware of anyone in the Boston area that sells Lyra so that would seem to rule that out.  One thing I like about the Hana is that there are 3 or 4 dealers within 50 miles that sell it.  I,m sure that one of them would be willing to install it on my table.  The rega apheta 3 is also an option, but this was a very limited production run and availability might be an issue (also, double the price of the Hana).  It’s too bad Hana doesn’t make a cartridge between the ML and the Umami.  

@russellrcncom If installation is a necessary feature for you, check with local shops and see if they install cartridges they do not sell or if they only offer that service on their own sales. Most would be willing to do it for a small fee. Honestly it isn't a difficult task so long as you're being careful and willing to tinker with it to make it perfect. Shouldn't take but maybe an hour tops for the main swap and setup.

​​​​​@paulgardner that price seems to be the going rate for those cartridges. There's one on usaudiomart right now for that price as well. I bought mine through Osage Audio last year when I contacted him looking for a Benz Micro Ace L and was upsold into the Zebra. After the first needle drop I called him and thanked him for talking me into moving up the line. Also Benz has one of the best trade-in offers out there if you aren't going to get just a re-tip. I think it's something like $1200 or so for a new Zebra L when you trade in an old used up one. My guess with that is they don't like the idea of people rebuilding their cartridges and want to encourage factory replacements. It's similar to the auto industry making it quite difficult to work on your own car for any damage or repair.

One thing about Benz cartridges that should be pointed out...their support network seems to change frequently...as in it occasionally seems to disappear. ( at least it did here in the US). The main reason I opted for my Lyra at the time was that my local Benz dealer could no longer supply me with their cartridges...and neither could anyone else in the US! This may have now been corrected, but it could also be a temporary scenario. This situation was very unfortunate for me, as I was going to pull the trigger on the Benz LPS MR and had to pivot when unavailable. I loved my Benz Ruby 2 and it matched well with my system. Lyra are distributed by Audioquest and have had no supply issues like Benz. 

I do feel that Musical Surroundings ( the prior Benz distributor) treated their dealers and customers in an inappropriate manner when they dumped everyone! Not customer friendly in the slightest and a severe blow to Benz. ( which they may or may not have deserved!) 

Anyhow, as mentioned above, Benz cartridges are quite fine, albeit a little veiled and warm compared to Lyra's. As Thom mentioned, they are simply a different flavor, nothing wrong with that. I would consider ( strongly) a second Benz now that they are 'supposedly' being represented here again in the US.

Dynavector,!!!  when I still played records my DYNAVECTOR - 20x2-H was an amazing cartridge and a great bang for the buck. Still being made!! that says something. I have moved on but if your still spinning then you should consider....