Benz Ace S H or Dyna DV-20x2H

Low output being better sounding in general than high output MCs is just something that seems to be a consensus that I've picked up from reading various forums (I've only had a couple high output MCs, the other being a Dyna 10x5). Not sure how serious that should be taken.

I'm surprised 60dB was not enough gain for the AT33EV as that's the gain setting I use for my AT33PTG, but this is probably pre-amp/amp dependent.

To answer the tracking question, in my limited experience, price has little to do with tracking ability. One of my best trackers is the AT150. The AT33PTG tracks just as well as that one. The Benz Ace and Benz Wood track about the same as eachother, only OK compared to the ATs. If I recall correctly, the Dyna 20xl may have done a little better than the Benzes. This is with the SME 309 arm. Tracking was tested with the Hi-Fi News test record, but also by listening to inner groove performance with complex symphonic music. Now this may only be the case with the SME, but I think the point still stands about price vs. tracking ability.

Thanks for everyones suggestions. Maybe I could go with a medium output and split the differance if I decide on the Benz.

I don't agree that lower output equals better sound. Sometimes med. or high output cartridges sound better...a lot depends on the pre you're using. Often, the less the pre has to work, the more quality you can get out of it.

The newest "S" version of the Ace is a stellar tracker. I had the original version years ago and got rid of it due to its less than ideal tracking ability. Nothing drives me nuts more than mis-tracking and inner groove distortion. If I get a hint of either of these problems it's on to another cartridge for me!

It's important to note that Benz-Micro recently changed the "S" line from the Gyger-S styli to a microline stylus. My Benz-Micro Ace SH is the newest microline version. The only way to determine if the one you're buying is the Gyger or microline version is to either open it up and check the specs in the box or email the serial # to Musical Surroundings (the US Benz distributor) and they can let you know.

Long story short, the latest "S" version is a whole different animal than the original.