Dynavector 20 Xl , Benz Micro Ace SL or Denon

I had a Dyna 20xl and Benz Glider SL back to back on my TNT with JMW 10.5 arm, no comparison, Benz has much more fleshed out sound. Just a lot more meat on the bones. Dyna not bad, but I like the Glider much more, its just more interesting to hear the details and not at expense of musicality. Benz hit home run with new S models.

I recently tried a Benz L2 on my Clearaudio table, there was much more surface noise than my 20XL, it didn't track as well. I found the mid bass inproved but there was less air than the 20XL. In the end the surface noise was enough to detract from my experience, the 20XL is excellent in this regard, very hard to beat...

Dear Kypride: IMHO very good move on your TT change.

About cartridges my advise is that you go either with LOMC one or to MM/MI one not a HOMC where the people/retailers tell us that we have the best of both worlds, very far from there.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Dear Raul, Am I understanding you correctly? Don't buy a HOMC? Any HOMC? I have an ARC PH1 phono pre with 48db gain. What cartridge would you recommend to upgrade from a Grado Z+?
Thanks,
George

Dear Geor: If you like Grado then go with them on any of its top ( not the very top that its output is low: 0.5mv. ) models. Grado has very good quality performers.

There is a current Grado model name it The Tribute ( 1.5mv. ) and marketed by Amber in Australia. This IMHO is one of the best cartridges ( LOMC or MM/MI ) ever made, its quality performance is something : " you can't ask for more " status.

There are other lower price options as Nagaoka MP-50 or Ortofon M20E Super, both you can find it NOS through Ebay/LPgear.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.