Benz Micro vs. Koetsu

I too have the LO4. I've not heard them side by side, but I don't see the Red Signature beating the Ruby 2, unless you value midrange liquidity VERY MUCH over dynamics and detail retrieval. The Urushi would probably be superior in most ways to the Ruby 2, though (by about what the cost difference is). ALBERT PORTER OR GERRY M5 have much experience with these on their own tables, so I defer to them...I just can't believe how outrageously below the list price dealers are selling the Ruby 2. I think it has to do with Benz having a much higher volume of units sold, than does Koetsu. AND THE TRADE IN DEALS ARE JUST KILLER IF YOU HAVE A BENZ CARTRIDGE, AND WANT TO TRADE FOR A RUBY 2...

If you think that's expensive, just wait til vinyl actually does start to die (when babyboomers get really old, in 10 or 15 years)...I have the Aesthetix. It works very well, and I highly recommend it. You only need to use it about every 10 or more hours of play. It's the least costly part of my analog rig...