Aceto,
I've owned both (metal body versions; never heard the wood), and felt that the Beta-S gives you about 90% (and some) of the performance of the Virtuoso. The Virtuoso has a lower compliance, and sounds a little more refined, and does the extremes slightly better. However, on a cost vs. performance ratio, I don't think the Virtuoso justifies its price vs. the Beta-S, which is a hell of a MM catridge. Good listening,
-Richard