Ref 250/RefPhono2SE/Linn LP12 SE/Radikal...Magic

[Etunes]

Originally Posted by enatai252

I am picking up the SME 20/3 today. I will have the Lyra Titan i on the arm. To clarify, the Benz Ebony LP is not the LP-S version. Its an 8 year old model that I bought when I originally bought the SME 20/2. I purchased the Lyra Titan 2 years ago and it has been on the 20/2 ever since. As discussed, I listened to both on the new 20/3. The Benz LP excels in the midrange and has a warmth and bloom that is majical. Not colored...but there is less extension in the lows and highs. I could happily live with this cartridge and plan to keep as its so easy to swap. The Lyra Titan i is by comparison...more extended at the extremes and more dynamic. It seems to excel in transparency and extension. It is musical(not sounding etched or clinical) and provides a much clearer view of the performance and pinpoint imaging. Like I said...I will keep both...but to start the Lyra gets the call. I do plan on comparing the the SME with the new LP 12SE setup I also just purchased. The Linn currently sits on a HRS M3X base that is set up for its weight...HRS is sending me an extra set of feet for the base...and the torque tool...so that I can change the M3X to accomodate the heavier SME easily.

Interested to see how the 20/3 held up to the LP12 SE also synergy on the SME and ARC.
Thx!!

[enatai252]

I have both tables set up in different rooms...and listen to both. The LP12SE excels in PRAT and each listening session is engaging and fun. It's only when moving to the SME 20/3 with Titan i that you realize that there is more there than the LP12 is providing. It's primarily on the extremes with more resolution and extension but without losing any of the musicality. I use a Graham balanced IC70 phono cable into the Ref 2 SE and probably listen to vinyl 50% of the time. The LP12 is played through an ASR Basis EXclusive which is also a great phono preamp.

If I had to pick just one...SME and ref phono...but happy with both

[Etunes]

Thanks.
Glad to hear that both are enjoyable.