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The Cartridge and Stylus makes a big difference.

I am becoming more convinced that the cartridge and the most importantly, the stylus has a lot to do with good sound. I had Benz cartridges for years and always blamed my arm and table (VPI Scout) for mistracking and sound quality issues mainly sibilance.  As years go by I have learned that the Cartridge and Stylus have a lot to do with this problem.  Shame on Benz Micro for not making it right with me for years as I struggled with this.  Its amazing when I put a Lyra Delos on the same tonearm, my problems went away immediately.  Same thing with the Denon, the Ortofon, and so on.

My problems started with the ace, then the wood, then the ref and so on.  I always thought it was my table that was to blame.  I had a glider that was better but still had the same issues.  It was amazing when I had a new cantilever and stylus put on the glider by Andy Kim, my problems went away.  I should have known right there.  I am sure I am not the only one.  I took the Benz Micro Ref to a Linn dealer and had him install it on a 18K turntable and it did the same thing, maybe even worse.  So if you have a Benz and have experienced some of these issues, I assure you, you are not alone.  I hope they get there act together.  

Thanks to Lyra I am finally enjoying my music instead of trying to figure out what is not aligned properly and fiddling forever.
tzh21y
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
"the cartridge and the most importantly, the stylus has a lot to do with good sound."

Why is that a revelation? I take it more as a given.

I guess I just thought that Benz had such a good reputation.  I am playing Finzi- Images of Mortality.  The Benz's could not handle this record at all, always distorted out the chorus, The Lyra just sails right through it with the same arm.  So much more depth.  I find it hard to believe that the Delos is just that much better as well as some of the other carts I have used.  I mean C'mon man.  I did nothing different with my alignment technique.  If anything I owe an apology to VPI as I always thought it was the table.  So much so that I bought  a 1200G, only to find out that the Benz did the same thing on that table as well as the Linn LP12 and Ekos.  I put the Delos on the scout and I am astounded as it has never sounded better.  I am glad I did not sell the Scout.
tooblue
1,931 posts
 
@lewm , +1. 
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
Maybe Benz can send me an LPS and convince me it was just a fluke.  For all the trouble I have had with their cartridges, they owe me big time.  I would never buy another one. 4 is enough.
lewm
13,113 posts
 
LPS is supposed to be their best effort, according to those who have heard it.  I heard it at a friend's house, was not overwhelmed, but I have never been a big fan of Benz cartridges.  He dumped it in favor of the latest version of the ZYX Universe, shortly thereafter.  But that in itself is no slur on the Benz; he is always changing gear.
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
I honestly just want to save someone else the aggravation that I had.  Here I thought it was the VPI, lol, not.  Not at all.  Nothing wrong with it at all.  

I should not need to go to a retipper to get a better tracking stylus and cantilever than the original manufacturer.  GEEZ...  OMG  All these years I was dealing with that BS and it had nothing to do with me or the table.
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