So now I have just the Benz Ace and I'm thinking the Platinum' mid-range was aweful nice, SB's Sonata had that plus better treble; maybe I should get a Sonata or even the next one up. Grado has a great trade-up policy with full credit, at least thru' Acoustic Sounds.

Friday I'm all set to pull the trigger on the $800 (-10%) low output (who can remember all those names?) when, on Audiogon, up pops a new-in-the-box CA Virtuoso Wood for less than 1/2 price, $365. I really liked my Aurum Beta S until I broke it, Reina made it a Class "B" and several VA-ers agreed. I bought it.

In a few days I'll have 2 carts again, one low output coil, the Ace and the highish output moving magnet Virtuoso. I think my low mass SME III is going to like the low mass, 6 grams, cart and its high, 15cu, compliance. We'll see.

Lots of break-in to go and usually bass fills in no matter the component. If the clarity gets better it's a replacement, if not, an alternative.