Next MC Cartridge Advice/Recommendations

@jbhiller Awesome table and arm. You brought up a good point in that the Technics arm is a touch light for a number of the typical MC cart candidates. With that in mind you might look into the Sculpture A carts that are a house brand of the wonderful analog nuts ( and cart repair experts ) at Ana Mighty Sound. Compliance and weight is oriented towards what you need. another 2c among some great recommendations.

I went with the Benz Micro LP-S.  I'll need 40 hours of break in per Benz.  Things sound just great out of the box. Setup was not too bad.  I did, however, have locate my supplemental tonearm counterweights as this guy is beefy at 16.2 grams. 

This is a wonderful cart and the price was super.  Kron (Audiogon seller in Hong Kong) is awesome--this is my second purchase from him. Got to Chicagoland from Hong Kong in just two days and only $40 shipping.  Amazing. 

I'll need to cozy up to the Benz before being able to understand it all.  It's definitely got a big, robust sound and has dynamics in spades.  I think it has a bit more definition than the Kiseki Purpleheart but equals it in warmth and smoothness, which makes me happy.  I didn't want to get into a clinical sound.  There's an increase in the space around vocals and instruments, which may be tricking me to think it's more detailed.  Not sure.  

Carts like these send my brain the message that I just can't get this from digital.  Lovely.

After wearing out my Kiseki PH stylus, I switched to a Hana Umami Red and loving it! I have had it only for about a week and more break-in is likely needed to get its full measure, but it’s definitely more extended in the upper frequencies and more open sounding. The Stereophile review is also close to what I am hearing, especially the lyrics being more intelligible.

I have a new Acoustic Signature (AS) Neo Hurricane turntable and Kuzma 4Point9 tonearm, so it’s not an apples to apples comparison between the cartridges. The more extended and solid low frequencies I think are largely due to the heft of the turntable and tonearm. (I was hoping that I could continue to use the Kiseki for a direct comparison.).I had the Kiseki on a Well Tempered Versalex with Symmetrix LTD arm, which was a very solid performing set up. However, the AS and Kuzma are in a different league, as they should be since they cost so much more than the Well Tempered. 

Dear @jbhiller  : Good, enjoy it !

R.

Thank you Rauliruegas!