Benz Ruby 2 vs. Van Den Hul Frog

I'd pick the Ruby 2. I have the Lo4 right now, and will be happy with it for a couple of years, anyway. I can't say I like your arm, I just don't trust those wires to provide the correct antiskate. If you are getting it to work, more power to you, I guess. All the best, Carl.

Fooolish1, 18 months ago I narrowed the choice down to same two cartidges. Ended up going with the Ruby. Nothing to do with sound or system matching, but instead based decision on local dealer support. The Ruby dealer offered better setup and tweaking services. Suspect the Frog is a superb catridge, but I'm very happy with the Ruby.

I own the Aries w/TNT V platter/bearing, 10" JMW, and AR PH-3 (not the SE). I upgraded to the Ruby H from the Glider. If I were to do it again, which I might, I would go with the Frog. The Ruby H's mids and highs, if setup correctly, will be spectacular. Overhang and zenith are super critical. I cannot say this enough. The bass is a different story. You will need to use damping fluid. I would experiment with 40W oil instead of the silicon. The silicon damps dynamics. I have not heard a Van den Hul cart, but I would go with the Frog. The combo of the Aries/JMW/Frog seems to be ubiquitous. Read the Stereophile review of the Frog, the 2000 CES in The Absolute Sound, and Bound for Sound. All of the articles mention the same combo.