The Benz has a low 1 ohm internal impedance, but at the cost of the output, which according to the specs is only 0.1 mV, half that of the Proteus. Considering your noise issues this might be a risky choice.
It seems I’ve been accused of misinformation about the relationship between the Audiocraft AC-03 and MSL cartridges. If my information is correct the AC-03 dates from 1998, while MSL was founded in 2004 with the introduction of the Eminent Ex. I have not compared them myself, but have read reports they have a similar sound. This doesn’t seem far fetched with only a 6 year interval (and not 20 as was suggested).
I also mentioned that the MSL cartridges have superior specs, due to the introduction of a new core material which has enabled fewer coil windings (resulting in very low internal impedance) and still produce a very healthy output of 0.4 mV. I have no doubt this will translate to better sonics, with potentially a lower noise floor and more dynamic slam.
I took the AC-03 for a spin to refresh my memory. As I previously stated it is not nearly as refined as the Proteus, but it sounds much more powerful than I remembered with a huge soundstage, very strong bass and a highly rhythmic presentation. So it does present an interesting alternative to the Proteus sound and I suspect the MSL’s will be as well. At least the Ex and Hyper Ex, which have the same cantilever/stylus assembly as the AC-03. The Ultra Ex has a boron cantilever, which might change the sonic presentation considerably and perhaps might bring it closer to the Proteus.
It seems I’ve been accused of misinformation about the relationship between the Audiocraft AC-03 and MSL cartridges. If my information is correct the AC-03 dates from 1998, while MSL was founded in 2004 with the introduction of the Eminent Ex. I have not compared them myself, but have read reports they have a similar sound. This doesn’t seem far fetched with only a 6 year interval (and not 20 as was suggested).
I also mentioned that the MSL cartridges have superior specs, due to the introduction of a new core material which has enabled fewer coil windings (resulting in very low internal impedance) and still produce a very healthy output of 0.4 mV. I have no doubt this will translate to better sonics, with potentially a lower noise floor and more dynamic slam.
I took the AC-03 for a spin to refresh my memory. As I previously stated it is not nearly as refined as the Proteus, but it sounds much more powerful than I remembered with a huge soundstage, very strong bass and a highly rhythmic presentation. So it does present an interesting alternative to the Proteus sound and I suspect the MSL’s will be as well. At least the Ex and Hyper Ex, which have the same cantilever/stylus assembly as the AC-03. The Ultra Ex has a boron cantilever, which might change the sonic presentation considerably and perhaps might bring it closer to the Proteus.