New cart, step-up or ???


Just got a Hagerman Trumpet to go with a Joule LA-100MKIII I recently acquired. Analog front end is Benz Glider L2 (0.25mv)/OL Silver/SOTA Star Saphirre. The Trumpet has 44 dB gain, the Joule 11 dB. I have run it as is, and the volume is fine at about 11:30-12:30 rotation on the Joule. Hagerman recommends his 20 dB step-up instead of his additional gain stage; or I could stand pat, or I could go to a new, mid output MC. Recommendations?? If a new cart is in the offing, what is a good match. Price of the step up is $850, addntl gain stage $500 plus 2 way shipping, cart would be less salvage value of near new Benz ($300 +/-?) What say you, analog gurus? TIA
128x128swampwalker
I'm sorry I brought this thread back to life. I was just searching the archives for some information and thought it would be a good idea to post a note to see if Swampwalker and I could compare notes since we have similar components.

I guess sometimes threads are better left for dead.
Dear Lugnut. After having previously endured some dialogue with Raul I took the liberty of looking at his system. I noticed his speakers are almost flush against the rear wall; a wall with two large untreated windows. My ears ache just thinking what that must sound like.

So I can imagine a neutral cart like the ZYX would sound cold, thin and horrible in that environment.

I think we should all do the decent thing and get him an iPod. (or a karaoke machine)

Regards
Paul
Dear Lugnut: This is not the first opinion of other person about sound reproduction quality problems on ZYX cartridges, I already post others ones.

No, I'm not a dealer or have any affiliation with any manufacturer.

About your questions to which ZYX cartridges I already heard, please go to my past posts about, I repeat that information at least three times.

Which are your deep suspicions.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.