Suggestions to replace Benz LPS

Mikeoo said:
Haven't been on the forum some time. Though I managed to get a new cart, the Soundsmith Sussurro II. It really left the LPS in the dust! Adjustments took some time as well as the finer ones after the break in which took over 100 hours. Small changes in VTA, VTF and Azimuth makes big difference but when that magic spot is hit it just shines!

Mike
Click to expand...

Hello Mike. This is my first post to Audioshark (hello everyone!). I was very interested in your move from the Benz to the Sussurro MkII. I use a Benz Wood SL on a VPI Avenger, and also own and use a Zephyr MkII. I have been considering a move up and was thinking about the move to either the LP-S or the Sussurro MkII, ironically. Can you tell me a bit more about the differences you heard between the two? I'd very much appreciate thoughts from someone who has direct experience with both.

I have also been thinking about the Kiseki Purple Heart N.S., but I don't know quite so much about that one. Thanks.
 
Hi Tony,

Welcome to the forum! Starting with costs for these carts, as it may differ depending where you are living but in my part of the world Sussurro is about double the cost of LPS. Tonearm and phonoamp will be other parts that will dictate the outcome. LPS is a very good sounding cart and it will shine with most arms as I have heard it in many different setups. I started with a Jelco tonearm many moons ago together with the LPS and it played very well and after moving to the Kuzma 4P it just followed with even better performance. Though as stated in previous replies it seemed to respond very little to VTA, azimuth adjustments and bias (anti skating) but was hyper sensitive on VTF (and sounded best in the area of the lower recommended VTF) so my guess is that if you have an arm that allows none or few adjustment possibilities LPS will be just fine and a top performer in that context. Things was a bit different with the Sussurro! Straight out of the box without much adjustments it clearly beat the LPS on all areas, stereo image - channel separation, definition, dynamics, details, base, timbre etc but remember this was with Kuzma 4P. Fine tuning VTA (SRA more exactly), azimuth, bias and even the damping of the arm brought the hole sound to another lever above LPS. Strangely VTF is not as sensitive as long as you keep it at the higher recommended setting and for me at 2,1 gr of max 2,2 gr. With LPS, changing 0,04 gr made big difference (on Kuzma 4P).

My impressions, maybe someone else can share their experiences/Mike
 
For those that may be considering a Soundsmith Sussurro MkII, since there is now a new revised model you can still find a new MkII available online at a 50% off closeout price of $2,500.
 
Thank you Mike. I'm on a VPI Avenger with multiple, highly adjustable VPI arms. The arm for the intended upgrade will be my new Fatboy. It's on a VTA (SRA) tower so I'm good there, and the arm has azimuth and bias adjustment capabilities.

From what I've read, the Sussurro MkII and the Kiseki Purple Heart NS are two very different cartridges, but I wonder how they compare. :hmmm:

Thanks audio.bill. Yes, that's part of the attraction right now on the SS.
 
tony22 said:
Thank you Mike. I'm on a VPI Avenger with multiple, highly adjustable VPI arms. The arm for the intended upgrade will be my new Fatboy. It's on a VTA (SRA) tower so I'm good there, and the arm has azimuth and bias adjustment capabilities.

From what I've read, the Sussurro MkII and the Kiseki Purple Heart NS are two very different cartridges, but I wonder how they compare. :hmmm:

Thanks audio.bill. Yes, that's part of the attraction right now on the SS.
Click to expand...
The Kiseki PH has a warmer tonal balance, which depending upon your system's leanings and personal preferences may be desirable. Some say its warmth tends to impart itself on all recordings so it's more than a mild enhancement. The SS Sussurro comparatively has a more neutral tonal balance with great dynamics and extension. Both are rated as excellent in their own right, choice will most likely come down to system matching.
 
Hi Tony,

Never listened to Kiseki Purple Heart but its little brother Blue I did and that is a very nice musical sounding cart perhaps not thrilling sound. Once again it is up to several parameters, arm, wiring, phono stage and not least your own preferences. But with a 50% discount on a Sussurro 'old' style it is a no brainer for me. If possible try to get them demoed of course.

Mike
 
Interesting observations, Mikeoo. I haven't read any reviews of the Blue, but it seems there's a lot of positive talk about the Purple Heart having a fine ability to retrieve detail without being overly aggressive about it. OTOH there's a fellow on the VPI forums who felt it lacked detail and articulation, so it seems a little confusing.
 
Hi Tony,

Tone arm, cabling, phono stage, amp, cabling, loudspeakers, ears and brain will have an effect the signal extracted from the track hence different experiences. I think there are some reviews on Purple H from 'trustable' reviewers but still in context of some parameters. Try having a demo, but buying carts is sometimes a leap into the big unknown but at least supported by reviews and demos in other systems.

Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top