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Three output versions of Benz ACE cartridge...

Hello,

I am purchasing a new analog setup (Basis 1400 w/RB300 arm), and have selected the Benz ACE as the cartridge. The ACE is available in three output versions: 0.4mV, 0.8mV, and 2.5mV.

The phono preamplifier will be the MS Phonomena, which is equipped to handle any one of these cartridges fine.

My question is, which output level version should sound better? Or should they all sound the same, and maybe the three versions are offered to accomodate a variety of phono stages? They are all the same price.
gthrush1
rch102a97
162 posts
 
Sometimes low output is not the best way to go because of increased noise and distortion. I would go for the middle one, if not the high output version. In this particular case of variable gain routing the middle or high output make more sense. Maybe just get a Shure Type V or a Goldring. Just my .02.
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
you might want to contact garth leerer at musicalsurroundings.com and ask for his advice. garth is the sole us distributor for benz and markets the phenomena worldwide. he's a friend of mine and a helluva nice guy. -cfb
franks
151 posts
 
Can't go wrong by calling Musical Surroundings for advice, but if your phono section can handle the low output(>60db of gain) then the o.4mv version is the way to go. Assuming constant magnet size, output of the cartridge is increased by increasing the wire turns or size of the coils with the tradeoff being reduced speed and transparency. However, you can only realize the advantages if you have enough gain in your phono section, otherwise dynamics will suffer(muddy sound) and background noise will increase obscuring low level detail.
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