Benz Ebony LP or Lyra Delos ?

I have used the LP for 2 years. I would say the best cartridge I have had in my system, or at least equal to the Koetsu Rosewood Signature. I have never heard the Lyra.

A zyx Airy 3 preceeded it, a higly regarded cartridge. Like the LP it is detailed and uncoloured, but lacks the pace and snap of the LP. Just the PRAT you are looking for and the LP has it, to my ears. I would highly recommend it, with one caveat. If you are in the US, they were, I am not sure about now, very overpriced. My LP cost £1500, or about $1950. I think they were over $3000, in the US.

If you are in the US, just be aware that Benz has had a difficult time supplying dealers with inventory (if you check most of the online dealers of analog equipment you will see that most Benz carts are out of stock and if you call, you will see that there is no clarity on when they will get their next shipments and same with bricks and mortar dealers). And God forbid, if you snap the cantilever off on your Benz cart and you want a rebuild, you will be quoted over a year wait time (how do I know? because I am in that situation with my lowly Benz Micro Glider SL).

I am not sure what the situation is in Europe or other parts of the world but clearly Benz is having operational issues and a hard time supplying the US.

David, which tonearm were you using with the Benz LP and the ZYX ? Generally ZYX is considered to be a fast cartridge and Benz is considered more relaxed, it is interesting that you found the Benz to be faster with more snap.

Anyone else who could shed some light on the Benz vs ZYX vs Lyra ?

The Lyra Delos is the best cartridge I have heard in my system. My taste in music is similar to yours. I have used an Ortofon Kontrapunkt B, which is similar to a Cadenza. It is also very good for our type of music. I havent listened to a Benz Lp, but I have a Glider which is also quite dynamic. I dont think you could go wrong with either, but my choice would be the Delos.

Cmalak, your situation is quite contrary to the service I've received from my Benz dealer.
Are you sure you're dealing with an authorized Benz Micro dealer? Have you contacted the Benz Micro US distributor regarding your local dealer?

Pani, The Benz Ruby Z is essentially and LP-S with a different body. Using the Benz trade in I upgraded my Wood L to the S class Ruby Z and the improvement was substantial.