Need to replace a Benz glider series 1 HELP

Try the ortofon kontrapunkt B. Available on agon around $600 or less. I use one.

I can't help but notice that you find the glider lean. Most find the glider on the warm side. My experience is the same, that is I found it not "lean" enough. Actually, I had the glider at the same time as the bps, and I found the glider extremely lush (along with more detail) compared to the bps.
It actually sounds like another anomoly happening here. How is your vta? From here this is what I would guess is giving you this lean sound.

The best money spent for a cart in that range is the Shelter 501. You will need your step-up device, and the sound of this cart will knock you on your ass. You will not believe that you can get a cart this good for that kind of money. The modified RB250 is a good match for it. It is $800 from the US distributor, or $650 plus shipping from Japan. Nothing at this price can touch it. I have recommended this cart to several Audiogon members, and they all have emailed me after they got it and thanked me for turning them on to it. One said,"I couldn't believe that there was that much more information on my records!" The 501 will pulverize the Glider. Not even in the same ballpark. You will no longer be thinking "lean" or "warm", you'll just be thinking "Wow!"

TWL, I have been hearing some lately on this 501 shelter, and you seem to know much about it. Your post here is making me go wow! what is this 501 shelter? How is it in comparisan to the lyra's (clavis d.c., for instance), what is the output? What does it sound like? Who makes it? Would it be an upgrade, from say, the better benz's or lyra's? Where do you rate it?