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From Benz to?

I've been on a Benz ride for the last few years, having owned and enjoyed the Wood SL, then the Gullwing SLR and my current Benz LPS, which I love (and has been retipped a couple times).  I find the Benz sound to be superbly balanced, leaning just to the warm side, with no apparent loss of detail.  Prior to Benz I had a Lyra Delos and a Clearudio MC (among a couple other ones.. Shelter 501?).  I even experimented with vintage MMs (Stanton 981 and Grace Ruby F8) on my Tracer tonearm (which is fairly low mass at ~9-10g) but went straight back to the LPS, cause it sounded more satisfying.  For those who have moved on from Benz to another cart and enjoyed the switch, are there any suggestions in the same sonic style of Benz, just perhaps a bit more treble refinement?   FWIW I detest treble tipped up cartridges.   One thing I've noticed is that Benz have a large stereo separation (and measures as such, >35dB), which helps (IMO) lead to a large soundstage.  Benz just hit all the buttons for me, but I'm feeling a desire to change, just to try something different. I've never tried Dynavector. Are they worth a shot, or are they completely different vs the Benz sound signature? 

gakerty
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,086 posts
 

@gakerty The Delos ( like all newer Lyra’s with the new angle technology) will sound bright and fatiguing in the treble if the set up is not 100% spot on. This is why we hear of folks leaving the Lyra line and naysaying their experience. IME, the Lyra’s are the most complex to set up, because loading also needs to be considered and will again off-set the performance if it is wrong. While i respect what JCarr has done with the designs, I would surmise that the precision required in set up has led a number of owners away from his brand.

 

The Koetsu's ( at least the one's i have heard) are not as resolving as the Lyra's, but they are very nice if you want a cartridge for the long term and just want their midrange beauty. I have NOT heard the very top models like the Coralstone, but I suspect they would have a family resemblance...like the Tiger Eye, which i have heard.

The new Etna Lambda, if in budget, would be a big step up over the LPS MR, again IME.

tzh21y
1,654 posts
 

The Lyras are a pain to set up however once they are set up correctly, they sound great.  I had the same problem a few years back.

secretguy
1,861 posts
 

Lexus

honeyooi
129 posts
 

Maybe you consider miyajima Kansui sweet & natural .

Have Gullwing SLR then kansui and now Rua . Pair well with my 3D VPI arm .

 

 

joey54
435 posts
 

My dealer often plays his personal Benz LPS on an AMG turntable in his main demo room. It's a great cartridge as you know however, his alternate cartridge is the Clearaudio Stradivari v2 MC cartridge. Given your description of the sound you are looking for I think the Stradivari might be what you are looking for. I used and loved the Benz Ruby for many years but eventually moved on to the AMG Teatro when I upgraded my TT to a Clearaudio Performance DC. I love the sound of my system with the AMG but the Stradivari is tempting me to upgrade. Good Luck!

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