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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

Showing 6 responses by rauliruegas

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rauliruegas
12,784 posts
 
Dear Sberger: The Sumiko Celebration is a " killer " cartridge. It is the century bargain. It is a top music reproduction performer and compete ( shoulder to shoulder ) with cartridges that are in the 3K to 4K prices.

With out any reservation: keep the Celebration.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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rauliruegas
12,784 posts
 
Dear Sberger: Your analog rig works fine with the Celebration, but if anyone want to have the Celebration at it very top performance we have to mate with the SME IV/V tonearms ( static balance way ). The SME tonearm was what Sumiko used for do the Celebration voicing.

Monk, I use around 700 ohms of load impedance and the Celebration really shine.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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rauliruegas
12,784 posts
 
Audio999: ***** " My Ruby 2 bettered the sumiko celebration on SME20/IV/iV. " *****

I own both and I think that both are differents music sound presentation cartridges. I think that your statement has to be more with what you like or maybe do a better match with your audio system that if the Ruby 2 " bettered " the Celebration.

I own, too, the Dynavector XV-1 and here I agree with you: hands down the Ruby 2 or the Celebration.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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rauliruegas
12,784 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.
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rauliruegas
12,784 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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rauliruegas
12,784 posts
 
Dear Reb: I really like the Temper W: it is a dead neutral cartridge, very good tonal balance, bass pitch right on target ( no overhang ): great performer. Yes I prefer, slightly, over the LP.

BTW, if you are looking around this performance level, you have to take in count at least two other cartridges: Dynavector XV-1 and Van denHul Colibri. At a higher price: the marvelous Allaerts MC2 Finish.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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