$2k for new Cartridge Benz LP or......

You could buy a used Koetsu Rosewood for the 2K and still keep your Benz as a backup, or sell it.

I have owned several Benz and Koetsu cartridges and the Koetsu is a more satisfying cartridge by far. I never felt emotionally connected to the Benz, but the Koetsu connected with me before it even had enough hours to break in.

You did not mention table and arm, perhaps the sale of the Benz could go toward upgrade?

Thanks Albert, neglected to mention the table is a Oracle MKV with turbo supply + Golmund mat and SMEV arm.....

I don't see weakness in the turntable or arm. If anything, that combo should deliver excellent dynamics and bass, more reason to play to the strength of the midrange which the Koetsu delivers in spades. It would be nice to have your report on the outcome of this, whatever way you decide.

Other members should chime in here as quite a few prefer the ZYX and other currently popular cartridges, perhaps some have direct experience?

I've owned three Oracles but never owned that Oracle / SME combo. I had excellent results with my Oracle's combined with Triplanar, carbon fiber Pioneer arm and the original Breuer.

The Benz LP is somewhat of a departure from the rest of the Benz line. I've heard people who say that don't like the "Benz sound" also state that they really like the Benz LP. It is an excellent cartridge. I am not sure if you can get more for your $2k than the performance obtained from the LP. The upgrade is a nice way to get into the upper echelon of cartridges. It is what, a $4k to $5k cartridge? Regarding used cartridges, I’d prefer to acquire a new cartridge than someone’s used cartridge. This is not to say that used cartridges are problematic, this is just my preference.

I'd say check out that system that has the Benz LP. Although different from your system, if you like what you hear you know that the LP is not doing anything to the music that you don't like, and thus worthy of your consideration. If you love what you hear, I'd consider going thru with the upgrade. If you don't like what you hear, than it becomes more of a gamble as it may be difficult to determine if it is the Benz or another component that contributes to the sound that you do not like.

I bet those stacked Quads sound real nice!

All of the potential choices,here are really quite valid,but Albert makes a salient point,regarding Koetsus.I had about ten years of music life,with Koetsus.They really can become addictive,and with good reason.Once you live with them(though there are other great designs now,but it still doesn't diminish the Koetsu legacy)it is really hard to pull away from that trademark,let's call it "sonic presentation",which is quite remarkable.I do wish I could sport a few designs,and a Koetsu would surely be one,though I've moved on.

I sold my Onyx Sapphire,and then Urushi to a friend,who gladly snatched it up.What he did was find a retip service in England(I forgot who),who did the work for300.00- 400.00 dollars per cartridge.He has been a busy beaver,snatching up an "almost wine cellar type" of collection,and retipping cheaply.He is ecstatic with the retip results,though NOT from Koetsu.Trust me,he knows what he's doing,and has been at the hobby for over thirty years.

Just food for thought.Best regards!