MM cartridge comparable to a Benz L2


Im thinking about going back to a MM design for a while. I had a Grado master 8 years ago and liked it especially in female voices and overall warmness. Went to a Ortofon Kont B then 5 years ago to the benz L2. I also had a Linn K9 MM 20 years ago and liked it. I really like the Benz but I love the difference in sounds that other cartridges make. Im looking for a MM under $200. I read a review on the AT 440 and did not like the brightness the reviewer heard. Also I read a review on the Shure M97XE and reviewer said it was dull. I have a Graham 2.2 tonearm and a Acoustech PH1-P phono preamp. I also want to see if by changing cartridges some hum might go away. I dont want to downgrade too much on sonic performance but maybe im asking too much out of a $200 MM cartridge. Is there a MM giant slayer out there who makes hi end MC manufacturers loose sleep? Thanks for all opinions and thoughts.
128x128blueranger

Showing 1 response by johnnyb53

There is also the Grado wood-bodied series that is designed to go head-to-head with MCs.

The Rega Exact is pretty good too--quick, smooth, dynamic, yet relaxed.

Here's another approach: maybe you should use a step-up transformer optimized for your cartridge, and a lower, MM (30-40dB) gain stage.