Matching the cartridge to the phono stage

You mentioned Benz and Soundsmith.  Many Benz LOMC cartridges have high-ish internal resistance, like the Hana SL (33 ohms).  So those are just as difficult to match with your phono stage as is the SL.

Specifically, these Benz models are: Gullwing, Ruby, and LPS. They share a ruby plate armature which significantly lowers output level relative to any given coil arrangement. They're a tough match to a SUT and OP's phono stage. Typical for these is 0.35V @ 40 ohms or 0.7mV @ 80 ohms.

The lower Benz lines use an iron cross armature that is much more efficient. These work great with the right SUT, and should also be workable with OP's phono. The models include: Ace, Gilder, Wood, Zebrawood, Reference, Ebony. Typical for these models is 0.4mV @ 12 ohms or 0.26mV @ 5 ohms. 

I appreciate all the excellent answers but the guy is new to this. A suggestion for an easy solution would be the right way one might think. How about a MM cartridge and his phono stage is all good. Ortofon MC carts are a good answer as well. Not sure about the Rega though. Some cartridges need spacers. What beginner wants to deal with that?

I wouldn't deal with spacers even after 45 years in the hobby, or rather ESPECIALLY after 45 years, because it is a "problem" so easily avoided.

I keep it simple...I use both a Denon 103 and a Hana el. These cartridges are pretty close as far as what loading they require or is recommended (400 ohms). I use a USA made Jensen SUT into my tubed Tavish phono's MM section. Sounds Dann good to me. If you look on Jensen's website, they designed their SUT in and around the usage of the Denon 103. They have done the thinking for me...less stress and good sound.

How about Rega Ania MC ? that way no spacers are needed I think and reviews are pretty good (I should really audition it). 

 

These are the specs:

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

Tracking Pressure 1.75 - 2.00 g 

Input Load Impedance 100 Ω 

Output Impedance ​10 Ω 

Nominal output voltage 350 μV 

Channel Balance ≥ 20 μV 

Separation ≥ -29 dB 

 

LOAD SETTINGS FOR Ania Cartridge:

Phono settings:

Impedance 100 Ω 

Capacitance 1000 pF 

Gain Setting High (‘On’ position for Rega phono stages) 

 

These are my phono stage specs again (btw what does IHF-A correction mean in the specs below? Does it mean it will adjust to that voltage if required automatically?):

 

Moving Magnet: 

2.5mV / 47kΩ

 

Moving Coil:

MC-High-Output: 0.3mV / 100Ω

MC-Low--Output: 0.1mV / 40Ω

 

LINE 180 mV / 47 kΩ

 

S/N ratio:

 

PHONO (MM) : 91 dB or more (IHF-A correction, 5 mV input) 

PHONO (MC) : 75 dB or more (IHF-A correction, 0.5 mV input)