Benz Slr Gullwing vs Lp s

Nandric,

Your tech paper is probably correct. The original S class cartridges introduced in 09' did have the 5x120 um stylus. This is the same stylus type that was used on the older Ruby 3 if my memory isn't failing me. I remember that cartridge very much. It had good sound and slightly less of the LP non-S warmth but also slightly less of the LP non-S control.

I checked my stylus archive and didn't find a picture of the LP-S. I must have just aligned it in real-time without archiving the photo. Maybe next time I set one up I'll snap a photo of the new micro-ridge stylus.

Regardless of the stylus type you still have a good cartridge. Which I'm sure you already know.

I think the newest version of the Ruby now carries the Z tag and is now covered with what Benz calls Zebra wood.

Dre

The LP S is a very nice cartridge. It does have a hint of warmth. This is very evident when compared to more neutral cartridges. As I state this, it is important to know that the LP S has many other characteristics that set it apart for other cartridges that are possibly considered more neutral. Having said all that, I could own and would not mind having an LP S in my cartridge collection. Not at all...

But! The SLR Gullwing is the cartridge that has most of my curiosity. Additionally, it is most likely the cartridge I would want to own over the long haul. The construction is mostly that of the LP S without the wood body. Lucascheck, rightfully so, says the LP S is the better cartridge. However, there is a bit of extra warmth I've observed in the 5 or so systems where I've personally setup the cartridge, including my own. I have a sneaking suspicion I'd prefer the SLR Gullwing by a hair. I would speculate the SLR Gullwing will loose some of that smidgen of warmth, which is very beautiful and slightly softens transients while giving all music a very slightly warm glow. This personal preference of mine or anyone else’s should have no major bearing on your decision because we don’t have to live with your selection – you do. Make sure your choice is what you want and not anyone elses.

The individuals I know that own the LP S are extremely happy with it and they should be. Two of the owners, I personally recommended the LP S cartridge to over others that would catch the favor of many due to the name of those cartridges alone, are not second guessing their decision.

The Benz cartridges do extremely well at trackability, as they have in the past. The addition of the new micro-ridge stylus improves all of the Benz S class cartridges (including LP S as well as the SLR Gullwing) in the area I had always felt they could use improvement - Traceability. The new S class cartridges have very respectable traceability.

You have a tough choice ahead of you but the choice is among two excellent cartridges. The task for you is to get a handle on your current setup and decide if the additional warmth of the LP S will be an issue for you. This added warmth of the LP S is not overly noticeable but it is there.

Both cartridges should be more than capable of providing excellent sound that will keep you satisfied for some time to come. Additionally, your arm is a design that will allow both cartridges to mate and perform well.

Dre

The first S class Benz cartridges were using Geiger stylus. Benz later changed over to the micro-ridge. I believe all new S class cartridges come with a micro-ridge stylus.

Nandric, If what you say is true, Fremer reviewed the post micro-ridge version of the S class Benz. Based on your chart, you have the post micro-ridge version as well.

One of the things I tell anyone purchasing the new s class Benz cartridges is to tell the dealer to make sure you are getting the new micro-ridge version of the cartridge. It traces better and sounds better overall IMO. I do not think that Luckaschek would not have switched over if it sounded worse - especially on a flagship series of cartridges. My experience says it sounds better and is more truthful to the source as well.

Any Benz owner of an s class cartridge will know what they have by checking the frequency response sheet provided with the cartridge. If the letter written in the left hand side say "MR", you have the micro-ridge. If it says "FG" or "FG2" you have the Geiger stylus.

I'm pretty sure all new s class Benz carts now have micro-ridge stylus. The last LP S I purchased was in May of 2011 and at that time was told they all have the micro-ridge stylus now.

Dre

Sean,

I didn't want to muddy the thread. I'll send you the response via e-mail.

Dre

Nandric said: “But if micro ridge is superiour 'kind' than we will have no other choice. Ie every producer will use micro ridge stylus.Ie I am not aware that micro ridge is more expensive than Geiger. But than why is Ortofon using the same Replicant in the new Anna cart?

Nandric,

- I never said the micro-ridge is superior to all other stylus types. I simply stated in context that the total of the new Benz LP S, the subject of the thread, has performed at a higher level than the previous versions based on my experience with both. Basically the whole of the assembly which includes the micro-ridge improves upon the previous generation by a good margin based on my many observations of the LP and LP S. I think it’s safe to say that an expensive stylus does not always equal a better performance in all situations…

- You have to ask Ortofon that question about their stylus choice. Just maybe it’s because they feel it’s the best match for their designs.

Dre