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Phono cartridge Goldilocks

I recently sold my Koetsu RSP because it way way too dark in my system. I bought a Kleos SL as I had several recommendations that it provided great clarity and treble extension. Well it does, but perhaps too much for the system.

I am looking for something that fits between the two in terms of overall speed, clarity and upper mids-treble presentation. One person recommended My Sonic Labs.

The system is:

Schroder SQ reference arm on an SP-10/Steve Dobbins plinth table.
Coincident phono stage and Frankenstein 2 amps
Audio Kinesis Zephrin speakers

Budget is around $5k-$7k and a used cartridge is fine.
jarrett
jarrett OP
38 posts
 
I guess it is for "micro-ridge"?
jperry
2,450 posts
 
FYI on the Benz Micro LPS. My understanding is all new production has the micro-ridge stylus. You could confirm with Musical Surroundings, the distributor.
 
“First, yes, there has been a changeover with the LP S. Benz has gone to a micro-ridge stylus (thus the “MR”). Second, so far I think the Benz LP S-MR is one of the two or three best cartridges I’ve had in my system. It is outstanding.” – Jonathan Valin, The Absolute Sound 

http://www.musicalsurroundings.com/product/benz-micro-lp-s/
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,472 posts
 
I agree completely regarding the Benz. ...a great cartridge...too bad they aren’t made any more.  ..a cautionary note.   They are very heavy and might very well benefit from a heavier counterweight for the arm.
jperry
2,450 posts
 

The Benz Micro LPS mr is still in production


"Benz Micro cartridges have been in production since the 1980s, earning recognition throughout the world as one the top brands in the field. Ernst Benz, founder and designer of the original Benz-Micro cartridges, retired in 1994 and sold the cartridge production to Albert, his close associate and designer of the Benz-Micro PP-1 phono stage. Albert relocated and modernized the factory, employed a highly skilled workforce, introduced many new models, and expanded his OEM cartridge manufacturing.

In the past year, Albert has stream-lined his factory, focusing on the most popular high-end Benz models: the LP-S MR, Ruby Z, Gullwing SLR. "

http://www.musicalsurroundings.com/product/benz-micro/



pops
2,275 posts
 
I second the Transfiguration Proteus, have had one for about a year with a vector 4 tonearm and Basis 2200 table.  I love it - haven’t heard the Benz but sounds like a winner also. 

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