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benz ref 2 or sumiko celebration

hi currently own the benz, but it's in for repair, and i have the celebration for a loaner. i love it, and i've read some very flattering things about it. i'm running it with a vpi scout/jmw-9 table/arm combo. i have a tube pre and a ss amp. i listen to mostly acoustic jazz, folk, classic rock, everything except for classical. so should i keep the benz, or trade it for the sumiko? my ears tell me sumiko is the way to go hear, but maybe it's not the match with my rig as the benz is. or maybe it's better?

would love to hear opinions. thanks.
sberger
audio999
178 posts
 
I agree with you that they are different animal.

But,

After listening to the Ruby 2 and changed it to sumiko celebration,do you think it was an upgraded? I was not.

Anyway,i'm in love with both XV-1's and Rua right now.

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,516 posts
 
I have a benz ebony high output and love it. Remember the higher the output, the less the head amp has to do. I hear no hum or noise and absolutely wonderful 3 dimensional effortless sound.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Audio99: ***** "After listening to the Ruby 2 and changed it to sumiko celebration,do you think it was an upgraded? I was not." *****

I agree with you. We only have a different sound reproduction.

Stringreen: I own, too, the Benz LP ( I think is very similar to the Ebony ) and I agree with you: its a great contender.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
audio999
178 posts
 
Raul,what's the main sonic different between your LP and Ruby2? Is it justified the $$ differents?
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear 999: These two cartridges has a different music presentation: the Ruby 2 is more relaxed and natural music performer, the LP is more alive more at the edge in the high frecuencies, more up front presentation. The low bass on the Ruby 2 is a little on the soft side ( very little ) and the LP is more thight and precise.

It is hard to say if the $$ difference is justified, because this depends on what are our music priorities.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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