Da Benz?

I'm sure you'll get plenty of recommendations. Consider adding the Audio Technica ART9@$1K to the list. It does all the "audiophile"

Do a search, plenty of threads here, and the other forums.

Everyone's "right" is different, so cart selection,even with all the research, becomes a leap of faith.

I've been pleased with the ART9 for several years, and don't see reason to upgrade until I upgrade my table(VPI Classic)

 I am not that familiar with your table or phono preamp so it is hard for me to say. I have a ClearAudio Innovation Wood table with Universal arm and LOMC Benz Wood cart. My phono preamp is an ARC Ref Phono 2se.

The Benz Wood is a really nice sounding cart. A little on the warm side. I have had mine for a few years now and am very happy with it. I wasn't sure Benz was still making the Wood. I know they discontinued a number of models a while back so they could focus on the higher end carts. Benz was so backed up that they were getting hard to find.

I would look into MM/MI cartridges if you want something that sounds more like original tape. From current production, I recommend:

1.) Ortofon 2M Black
2.) Audio Technica VM760SLC, VM750SH, VM740ML
3.) Nagaoka MP-500, MP-300

Not all, but most MC cartridges sound bleached out and unengaging in the midrange and have over exaggerated treble. Making them sound lean and giving a false sense of dynamics and detail.

For example, I recently listened to a Lyra Atlas and it was like listening to a special effects show. It was ridiculous. There was no real music coming out, just a bizarre bastardization.

If you like warm and relaxed I don’t think you will go wrong with a Grado. It is also a good match with the SME tonearm. That Conrad-Johnson has three gain settings to match any cartridge you decide on !  

Benz LPS  ....much better.

Invictus......can't believe you called the Atlas a bizarre bastardization of music.  It is certainly one of the best cartridges made.  Perhaps it wasn't set up well, or the preamp was inadequate....but the Atlas stands high in high end.

the el cheapo Ortofon Red is quite good, so maybe one of their more expensive cartridges would be worthy of audition

@stringreen  It was properly set-up on a VPI Titan turntable by people who have been in analog business their entire lives. This was not the first time I heard a Lyra cartridge sound overly bright. 

I listen to live music at least once a month. Small venues, large venues, jazz, blues, classical, rock, etc. I attend Chicago's Symphony Orchestra regularly. As well as the Green Mill for jazz. 

What the Lyra Atlas/VPI combo played was not music. It was something, but it was not music. Live music does not sound like this.

Neither does tape. I've listened to master tapes of local jazz bands recorded on reel to reel and they don't sound like that either.

I hate reading reviews of these expensive MC cartridges where the reviewer claims that these cartridges pull more detail from the record's surface. In reality, they don't pull more of anything. They dramatically over exaggerated what's already there. 

This super show of hyper detailed sound has to stop. It's ridiculous. 

I had the same amp and pre with the Premier 15 phono.  The Premier 15 had similar gain as the EF1 which was not enough for a LOMC cart.  You'd probably do best with the medium output Benz.

Based on the information below I would select the medium output Benz

The C-J  EF1 offers three different gain settings, 40, 46, and 52 dB, selected by switches inside the unit.

Benz Wood S models at $1,600 use the MR or Micro Ridge stylus and are available in Low .4mV (Wood SL), Medium .9mV (Wood SM) and High Output 2.5mV (Wood SH)

Randy, we have a very similar stereo system set up.  
I have a J.A. Michell table with SME V arm.
C-J EF1 phonostage, as yourself.
C-J  Premier 17LS preamp.
C-J  LP66S amp.

I had a Benz Micro Glider, medium output, some years ago.  A good cart which provided years of pleasant listening service.  It just wore out.....
Currently have a Lyra Delos.  A bit better separation and overall sound quality than the Benz in my humble opinion.  Could be the line contact stylus working its design magic....  You would enjoy either one in your system, but I believe the Delos is what you're looking for.

Try the max gain setting with a medium output cart.  Try 200 Ohms loading for resistance.  You can run 47K Ohms, which is unloaded.  Won't damage anything.  Many people run their carts unloaded.  Your Premier 12 mono blocks are top shelf amps, don't ever sell them....wish I had a pair!

All,

Greatly appreciate the responses. Wouldn’t it be great if I could now hop in my car and go to the local audio store and hear your recommendations? Yep, not going to happen.

However, the reassurance I got here is of great value. Makes me feel I’m on the right track with my first thoughts and thank you for giving me a bit more to consider. I’ll continue to do my homework…

BTW Quincy, took a look at J.A. Michell TT’s and think they’re very cool. Did not know of them till now. Also, thanks for the reassurance that the 12’s are keepers, will do!

Thank you everyone,

Randy

Randy, good luck on your quest.  Some time you have to trust the word of others and take a leap of faith.  The days of being able to audition various components of interest has long passed.......Whatever your choice perform the set up yourself and take the time to experiment with gain and loading.....you can not damage your equipment.