Which would you choose- Lyra, Zyx or Benz for VPI


Hello. I am looking to buy a brand new cartridge in the $2000 range. The contenders are a Zyx Airey 3 with silver bottom and copper wires ($2300), a Lyra Skala ($2200 using my Helikon tradein), or a Benz LP ($2000 using my Ruby trade in). My system is a VPI Aries with JMW 10 arm, BAT P-10 phono, BAT 5SE Pre, BAT VK-60 amp, Quad 988's all tied together with Silver Audio Appasionata's.

I listen to mostly live acoustic performances of small rock bands (think Jay Farrar and Son Volt or Wilco) or jazz groups (most of the Groove Note line). I like to hear the transients of the kick of a drum and the strum of a Martin Guitar.

I was using a Helikon until my housekeeper damaged the stylus. I always thought it was too thin in the mids and bass but it had nice air around it. I then shifted across the board to the Ruby 2H. I've been using it for a year and satified but part of the reason for all the silver cabling is that I missed the detail and air of the Helikon.

I know there are many wisdom and experience beyond me soplease help me out. Which would work best based on your experience.

Thanks, Jeff
jspownell
Count me as another JMW/Airy 3 advocate. I've got it on a JMW Sig 9" arm. Absolutely great combo and couldn't be happier.
A Sumiko Celebration at $1500 is a better choice for your tonearm than the other three $2000+ cartridges you are considering IMO.

$500+ savings will buy a lot of vinyl.
Audiofeil,

wouldn't the Celebration be on the warm side of his preferences?

Raul?
Fwiw. Same arm/table and phono pre (except SE version). Had the helikon sl and seemed to have the same opinion of it as you do of the non sl, have not heard the other carts you mentioned. Found that the shelter 90x was what rang my chimes (even though the compliance match will make people look at you with that constipated expression). Good luck!
Dear Jspownell: For what was my experience the Skala is a good tracker on your tonearm.

It happen that I have the opportunity to heard the Airy 3 and the Skala in the same VPI tonearm and IMHO the Skala is a better overall performer than the ZYX, specially with your kind of music and whole audio system. No, the Celebration is no contender with that tonearm.

Jeff, I urge you to try the Empire 750 LTD for $95.00. I could understand that you could think that a " rudiculous price " cartridge like this is impossible that could have a great quality performance, well it has it!!!!, lets try it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.