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I underestimated the impact a new cartridge would have

Many in the community learned long ago to not forget how important the cartridge is in the overall musical presentation.  I am not saying I thought it didn't matter, but I was very pleasantly shocked in my recent upgrade.  With anything in life there is the law of diminishing returns.  As a frugal audiophile who primarily purchases used equipment I am looking for that sweet spot to put the brakes on for upgrades.  With all the extra time lately to enjoy the stereo I have really been investing in upgrades.  My table is the Rega RP6.  I am very happy with this table but was ready to try a new cartridge.  I have only had used cartridges for my 15 year vinyl life.  The original MM on my first table, an 80's model Planar 2.  I bought the RP6 used so the Exact 2 was original and used.  I later picked up a used Sumiko Blue Point #2.  This was a somewhat lateral move....sounded nice but didn't impress that much.  Later I took a chance on a Goldring Eroica LX that had the Soundsmith sapphire retip service.  This was a significant upgrade over the Blue Point.  I had that for about 3 years.  Our good friend on here, Kron's amazing deals had me very excited to make a move.  One of my audiophile friends recommended the BENZ so I picked up the SM as I have a tube phono stage.  Right out of the box it blew me away!  The soundstage became 3-dimensional.  The lead vocalists all took a step forward and the voices are so precise.  The overall soundstage is more detailed with all instruments and backup vocalists  more precise.  The overall dynamics of the sound improved across all frequencies.  It was by FAR the best $800 I have ever spent on my system.  I have considered buying another one just to store away as I will likely need it one day.  Of course it also makes me wonder is there something even better???  Of course there is, but finding it is the challenge.  No idea if this cartridge offers this result in any system or if it just happens to like ARC tube gear.  Regardless....my point of this thread is to encourage vinyl lovers that have an old cartridge that has kind of been forgotten, to do some research and consider an upgrade.  Happy listening!
Dana
dhite71
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
rega tables are well known for being sold (new) with very underperforming cartridges, expecting the owner to upgrade sooner than later

yes benz’s are wonderful cartridges, in an absolute sense, as well as in terms of performance for $ - they have afforded me with years of listening pleasure without fail
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
My first Benz was a Micro Glider back in the 90's. Superb cartridge. After that came a Benz Ruby H. All the same great Benz qualities, only in much bigger doses. The same only better as they say. Really like that sound and really happy, nothing to fault at all, just wanted more and Koetsu seemed the logical next step. Because no way I am trying a lot of the usually recommended contenders, not when already knowing what I like. Sure enough, Koetsu Black Goldline isn't really any different than the Benz's, just a whole lot more of all they do right. 

So the answer is yes there definitely is even more out there to be had. Do NOT buy another! Because if you break it soon, well then you do. But if you don't- and if you are careful you never will - then in a few to several years as technology advances there will be even better choices and you will be able to have everything you have now only better for the same or maybe even less. Which of course means if you're willing to spend more then you will be amazed all over again just how much better things can get.

Its not a challenge at all. Simply move up the Benz line to the next one you can afford, paying attention mostly to output. Or if you get to the point you can afford it then move to the cheapest Koetsu you can afford, again paying attention only to output. 

But that's a long ways off. All this same stuff applies equally if not more so to the phono stage.....
j-wall's avatar
j-wall
369 posts
 
I'm guilty of chasing components for better and more and I feel I've neglected to recognize how good my Hana EH is. When I'm ready, next will be a big jump up the Hana line. Thanks for the reminder!
mycarnival789's avatar
mycarnival789
10 posts
 
Years ago got off of my CD player and got on an Ortofon 2M red. Then blue. Then bronze. Then black. I thought that I was pretty close to what I could justify spending after the addition of a Hagerman tube preamp and vintage Mullard tubes. After all, this is an indulgence for me as I’m a family man. But, I got a serious deal on a vintage Dynavector Karat 23RS MR. I had it serviced by Andy Kim at the Needle Clinic (he repaired the suspension). From the first test track, I understood the difference between MM and MC. I believe that I plateaued in the MM world. Everything was quite enjoyable and fairly detailed with the 2M black, but with the Dynavector the depth of the music, the whole rhythms, cords, and tones that I didn’t know were there on the same LPs that I’ve been playing.....it was like going from a 1080p television to a 4k. Quite remarkable. One year spent at every cartridge progression helped me to appreciate fully appreciate where I am now. 
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