after 10 very satisfying years with the Benz high output H2 wood body MC cartridge, I decided to buy the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze - just time for something different and an opportunity to use the MC setting on my Cary PH-302 phono pre; after a couple evenings auditioning the Ortofon I certainly don't regret having plopped down some fairly serious dollars for the new cartridge; improvements in all areas that I found desirable in the Benz: bigger soundstage, tighter and deeper bass, more detail, more dynamic, in fact very dynamic, quieter, and equally if not more musical - this is a remarkable, impressive performer which has me planning a well thought-out increase in my vinyl inventory; I didn't expect such a big uptick in performance which will undoubtedly push the CD player even further back on the rack -- the Cadenza bronze is a really fine phono cartridge
Benz Micro Wood SL - Repair or Replacement?
My system is as follows:
VPI Classic 1
Sony SCD-777ES SACD Player
Whest PS.30R Phono Stage
Musical Fidelity A5CR Pre Amp
2xMusical Fidelity A3CR Power Amps bi-wired (All amps upgraded by John Sampson)
ProAc D15 Speakers
Unfortunately my 2 year old Benz Micro Wood SL cartridge has been damaged (chosen with lots of great help from this forum), the tip has been broken and the cantilever isn't completely straight.
See pic.
So, do I buy a new cartridge or have this one replaced?
I know that Soundsmith have a good reputation and there are maybe other options closer to home (Switzerland) but is it worth spending USD 400 or so rather than double that sum (for the same cart new) or a bit more as an opportunity to upgrade.
If I were to buy a new, different cart the following seem worthy of consideration :
Soundsmith Zephyr
Dynavector XX2
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
Benz Micro Gullwing
Lyra Dorian
Lyra Delos
Thanks in advance for your help.
VPI Classic 1
Sony SCD-777ES SACD Player
Whest PS.30R Phono Stage
Musical Fidelity A5CR Pre Amp
2xMusical Fidelity A3CR Power Amps bi-wired (All amps upgraded by John Sampson)
ProAc D15 Speakers
Unfortunately my 2 year old Benz Micro Wood SL cartridge has been damaged (chosen with lots of great help from this forum), the tip has been broken and the cantilever isn't completely straight.
See pic.
So, do I buy a new cartridge or have this one replaced?
I know that Soundsmith have a good reputation and there are maybe other options closer to home (Switzerland) but is it worth spending USD 400 or so rather than double that sum (for the same cart new) or a bit more as an opportunity to upgrade.
If I were to buy a new, different cart the following seem worthy of consideration :
Soundsmith Zephyr
Dynavector XX2
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
Benz Micro Gullwing
Lyra Dorian
Lyra Delos
Thanks in advance for your help.