$2k for new Cartridge Benz LP or......

I don't see weakness in the turntable or arm. If anything, that combo should deliver excellent dynamics and bass, more reason to play to the strength of the midrange which the Koetsu delivers in spades. It would be nice to have your report on the outcome of this, whatever way you decide.

Other members should chime in here as quite a few prefer the ZYX and other currently popular cartridges, perhaps some have direct experience?

I've owned three Oracles but never owned that Oracle / SME combo. I had excellent results with my Oracle's combined with Triplanar, carbon fiber Pioneer arm and the original Breuer.

The Benz LP is somewhat of a departure from the rest of the Benz line. I've heard people who say that don't like the "Benz sound" also state that they really like the Benz LP. It is an excellent cartridge. I am not sure if you can get more for your $2k than the performance obtained from the LP. The upgrade is a nice way to get into the upper echelon of cartridges. It is what, a $4k to $5k cartridge? Regarding used cartridges, I’d prefer to acquire a new cartridge than someone’s used cartridge. This is not to say that used cartridges are problematic, this is just my preference.

I'd say check out that system that has the Benz LP. Although different from your system, if you like what you hear you know that the LP is not doing anything to the music that you don't like, and thus worthy of your consideration. If you love what you hear, I'd consider going thru with the upgrade. If you don't like what you hear, than it becomes more of a gamble as it may be difficult to determine if it is the Benz or another component that contributes to the sound that you do not like.

I bet those stacked Quads sound real nice!

All of the potential choices,here are really quite valid,but Albert makes a salient point,regarding Koetsus.I had about ten years of music life,with Koetsus.They really can become addictive,and with good reason.Once you live with them(though there are other great designs now,but it still doesn't diminish the Koetsu legacy)it is really hard to pull away from that trademark,let's call it "sonic presentation",which is quite remarkable.I do wish I could sport a few designs,and a Koetsu would surely be one,though I've moved on.

I sold my Onyx Sapphire,and then Urushi to a friend,who gladly snatched it up.What he did was find a retip service in England(I forgot who),who did the work for300.00- 400.00 dollars per cartridge.He has been a busy beaver,snatching up an "almost wine cellar type" of collection,and retipping cheaply.He is ecstatic with the retip results,though NOT from Koetsu.Trust me,he knows what he's doing,and has been at the hobby for over thirty years.

Just food for thought.Best regards!

I recommend the My Sonic Labs "The Eminent" for about $2500 brand new. It is an excellent cartridge that I currently prefer in my system to the Dynavector XV-1s. It does have some of the Koetsu Magic but has incredible dynamics & great extension at the extremes. I haven't tried it on my SME V though to know compatability. The Benz is supposed to be an ideal match for the SME. I prefer my Dynavector on a high mass tonearm.

I have the same table - Oracle Mk. V with a Vector arm & the Benz LP ebony.
It sounds fantastic!
Great bass, superior highs & a very lush & warm midrange.
As soon as my new racks arrive - I will switch the Benz LP ebony to my Nottingham Mentor with SME V5 (my reference table) & use the VDH Colibri with my Oracle/Vector combo.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Richard