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Benz Wood SH vs Clearaudio Maestro Wood Cartridge

We have the Clearaudio Maestro Wood Phono Cartridge. I was pondering which high output moving coil phono cartridge would out-perform the Maestro Wood. We love the Maestro.

The Benz Wood SH is a newer design with the all important boron cantilever. I heard my friend's Van Den Hul Frog it never croaked, and is definetly green and special.

Our modified Art Audio Vinyl One needs either MM or High Output MC.

We are not interested in budget gear, but the Benz Wood SH is at the top of our future budget.

Does anyone with a high end system have experience with the Benz Wood SH, or a better HO MC?
levchappy
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Not interested in budget gear? The high-end loves you. Seek great sound, not price. If you stay in this hobby and let price be your guide, you will miss some of the great gear. I point you to the Shure V's, which today beat many cartridges costing ten times their price. Buy a NOS unit, sealed and you will be enlightened, forever to great sound.
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rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
Dear Levchappy: I never hear that Benz cartridge but I own two of its LOMC " brothers " that I assume are better performers.

I can tell you almost fo sure that no HOMC could achieve the quality performance of your Maestro one, this cartridge can compete with some of the top LOMC cartridges.

Maybe if you want a little different " flavor " you can go for other MM/MI cartridge.

regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
travbrow
277 posts
 
There are lots more "old" out of production cartridges other than just Shure V-15 out there that will compete(or beat)with most of todays cartridges.Most are cheaper than what I have been seeing the V-15 V sell for lately.You should check out the thread Raul started on MM cartridges.

I can be more work to find these out of production cartridges but it's worth it.IMO

Some people may only like to use new currently made models,that's fine,easy to locate but the prices can hurt(me anyway).
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transnova
350 posts
 
I've owned the Benz 2HO in the past and currently have the Maestro Wood mounted on my Acoustic Signature Manfred Table.The Clearaudio is clearly(no pun intended) the best cartrdge that I have owned.Honorable mentions(for high output cartridges) go to the Dynavector DV-20X and the Ortofon 2x Bronze.
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