Da Benz?

@stringreen  It was properly set-up on a VPI Titan turntable by people who have been in analog business their entire lives. This was not the first time I heard a Lyra cartridge sound overly bright. 

I listen to live music at least once a month. Small venues, large venues, jazz, blues, classical, rock, etc. I attend Chicago's Symphony Orchestra regularly. As well as the Green Mill for jazz. 

What the Lyra Atlas/VPI combo played was not music. It was something, but it was not music. Live music does not sound like this.

Neither does tape. I've listened to master tapes of local jazz bands recorded on reel to reel and they don't sound like that either.

I hate reading reviews of these expensive MC cartridges where the reviewer claims that these cartridges pull more detail from the record's surface. In reality, they don't pull more of anything. They dramatically over exaggerated what's already there. 

This super show of hyper detailed sound has to stop. It's ridiculous. 

I had the same amp and pre with the Premier 15 phono.  The Premier 15 had similar gain as the EF1 which was not enough for a LOMC cart.  You'd probably do best with the medium output Benz.

Based on the information below I would select the medium output Benz

The C-J  EF1 offers three different gain settings, 40, 46, and 52 dB, selected by switches inside the unit.

Benz Wood S models at $1,600 use the MR or Micro Ridge stylus and are available in Low .4mV (Wood SL), Medium .9mV (Wood SM) and High Output 2.5mV (Wood SH)

Randy, we have a very similar stereo system set up.  
I have a J.A. Michell table with SME V arm.
C-J EF1 phonostage, as yourself.
C-J  Premier 17LS preamp.
C-J  LP66S amp.

I had a Benz Micro Glider, medium output, some years ago.  A good cart which provided years of pleasant listening service.  It just wore out.....
Currently have a Lyra Delos.  A bit better separation and overall sound quality than the Benz in my humble opinion.  Could be the line contact stylus working its design magic....  You would enjoy either one in your system, but I believe the Delos is what you're looking for.

Try the max gain setting with a medium output cart.  Try 200 Ohms loading for resistance.  You can run 47K Ohms, which is unloaded.  Won't damage anything.  Many people run their carts unloaded.  Your Premier 12 mono blocks are top shelf amps, don't ever sell them....wish I had a pair!

All,

Greatly appreciate the responses. Wouldn’t it be great if I could now hop in my car and go to the local audio store and hear your recommendations? Yep, not going to happen.

However, the reassurance I got here is of great value. Makes me feel I’m on the right track with my first thoughts and thank you for giving me a bit more to consider. I’ll continue to do my homework…

BTW Quincy, took a look at J.A. Michell TT’s and think they’re very cool. Did not know of them till now. Also, thanks for the reassurance that the 12’s are keepers, will do!

Thank you everyone,

Randy