benz ruby

they came up with 2 series on almost all their higher-end carts and so far i've compared only gliders and M series i.e. benz M.09 vs benz M2. i found no differences between these cartridges and so i believe not too much can be found b-n ruby and ruby2.
a good step-up transformer + your current phonostage might make more sence budgetwise. i use with my lyra helikon Ortofon T1000 with great results.
if you have to bring volume behind 12o'clock you basically amplifying the weak signal instead of attenuating a strong one which brings me to the conclusion that you need either different phono or step-up transformer.

Used to own the Ruby,now own the Ruby 2. In a nutshell, the original Ruby, circa 1990 had an output of 0.2mv, while the Ruby 2 has 0.3mv. The Ruby 2 is a little more resolving and airy in the top end.
According to Garth the new Ruby 2 is a biig improvement over the previous model. I've heard all three versions, (owned two) and frankly there isn't a huge difference between them IMHO. Not really worth the difference in trade in/price.
Like many things in Hi-end, small differences are sometimes boosted through the roof for marketing purposes. Best advise is to listen for yourself and you'll hear through all the hype.
Nonetheless, the Ruby's are excellent cartridges.