Is this why my analog rig isn't so hot?

I agree with the above, as for a better cartridge i would look at the dynavector line. I have an XX-2 and it works wonderfully. Also most of their range is about .23 output so i believe it would be a much closer match to the gain on the phonocube. Also i have heard the top of the line dynavector with the phonocube and i was absolutely floored by the sound. possibly the best analog playback i have ever heard.

Hi NGeorge,

(Yes, I hang out here too!)

I agree with all the above, although certain cartridges mentioned by Pcosta are probably unsuitable for your arm. I also like the sound of the Denon 103's, Shelters(!) and Koetsus. But I'd never put one on an RS-A1. (Remember the "moving mass" issue we discussed?)

Lyra (also recommended by someone on VA) and Dynavector are both likely to be more suitable compliance matches for an undamped, unstabilized unipivot. Even the damped and stabilized Graham 2.2 cannot get the most out of low compliance cartridges like a Shelter or Denon.

Paul, Sean, Asonicyouth, Doug,

Thanks for your input. I'll be on the lookout for those cartridges.

Best,
George

I have the Benz Glider v2 Medium output. I do notice that the cart likes to be demagnetized before sounding its best.

Table: Clearaudio Champion II
Phone: Clearaudio Basic

I have your cartridge - loading it correctly is everything. If your phono pre allows for adjusting of the load I suggest that, if you haven't already done so, that you expiriment with different loads. You might do a bit of research on this issue on this site and on Audio Asylum's. I recall participating in such a thread a couple of years back. The preferred loading range varied between 2000 and 22000. I run mine at 10K and it sounds just fine, I'd probably fine tune it further if I could just switch out resistors in my amp 'til I got it perfect. At 100 ohms its just plain dull and at 47K its a bit bright and thin. Can't imagine it at less than 100 ohms.