cartridge for rega 25,Sonic Frontiers SFP-1

Denon 103D MC cartridge, a oldie but goodie, could be called a classic, is available from Denon USA for $229. I'd also say, in case you don't know it, that Grado cartridges and Rega tables are a bad mix--hum. I know that's true for Rega 3 and it may well be true for Rega 25 too, though maybe not. At least I'd check if you're considering a Grado.

I had a Denon 103D years ago and loved it, but replaced it, as us audiophiles generally will, with something else that might well not have been clearly better. I'm getting another for a Rega 25, but haven't heard that combo yet.

Mike Fremer (the stereophile analog guy) commented that you should try and stay with rega cartridges with rega players. I guess the cartridges are built to fit the non-adjustable arms. I've heard both the exact and the super elys (my cartridge) with the rega 25 in several systems. Superb sound. The exact does sound a little better.

The Clearaudio Aurum Beta S is considerably better than the standard Beta for only $100 more. It works well in the Rega 600 arm which comes with the Planar 25.

Thanks to all for the input. If I were to go with the Benz micro glider, which output should I get, L2( .3mV), M2(.8mV), or H2(2.5mV)? The SFP-1 has an MC gain of 57dB.

The math is simple: You need to match the input sencitivity of your preamp and approximately calculated output from your phono. The voltage gain of 57dB has a factor of >700 so .3mV in the input will give you >210mV in the output which should be good enough for any preamp except passive. .8mV version will be good enough to couple with passive preamp. Staying with lower version gives you an advantage of small signal path and great detail and transparency. Higher outs are just suitable with more phonos but compromise in everything else.