I have been considering replacing my Benz Glider with a Benz Zebra.
I also have a Sota with a SME arm!
John at Ultra Fidelis in Wisconsin could make this happen and I will get 20% off if I trade in the Glider.
Good luck with this!
BENZ GLIDER SL VS HANA UMANI RED
Now that Benz cartridges are no longer available, I wanted to use the Benz Glider SL I have now as a point of comparison to find another cartridge that may have similar sonic qualities I am looking for. I am looking for a cartridge that has a rich, full-bodied midrange yet not so lush that it lacks detail. I had a Clearaudio cartridge that had a beautiful midrange but that came at the expense of dynamics and detail. When changed to the Benz Glider SL it opened up details I never heard in the Clearaudio. If anyone is familiar with the Benz I had, I am looking for something similar with perhaps a bit more richness in the midrange. (I assume there are much better cartridges out there, but I was just using the Benz as a benchmark, since this has been the best sounding cartridge I have used in my system.) Based on various reviews, I am guessing that the Hana Umani Red or Umani Blue would be the best choice for the sound I prefer in a cartridge. I also noted numerous comments regarding the issue of choosing a cartridge that would be a suitable match for the turntable, tonearm and phono preamp one is using. If this is of particular importance, my system consists of (1) Sota Star III turntable, (2) SME V tonearm, (3) Aesthetix Rhea Eclipse phono preamp. Also, of particular relevance is that most of the lps I have are classical, so the reproduction of massed string instruments is important. So, with that info, would the Hana Umani Red or Blue be my best choice? If not, any other recommendations?
- ...
- 10 posts total
Well, let me put a contrary view. I have a Benz Glider SL and have owned versions of the Glider since it was introduced perhaps 30 years ago. I have also had virtually all the Benz cartridges over the years up to and including the LPS. That said, I keep my Glider as a back up and these days rarely use it, since my tastes now run more to the neutrality of Ortofon and Zyx cartridges. But the Glider remains an excellent cartridge and probably the best value on the Benz lineup. I have had the Umami Red and sold it on relatively quickly. I found it to be excessively coloured and artificial sounding. I should note here that I seem to be in a very small minority since most people seem to love the Umami Red, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. My view is that if you like the Benz sound, it might be beneficial to go further up the Benz hierarchy, such as the Ruby Z or the Gullwing SLR. Or if you want to try something different the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze is IMO a step up from the Glider in every way, but still retains a little warmth compared with strict neutrality, and I personally prefer it to the Umami Red. |
I had an LPS and thought it performed at a much higher level than Gullwing or Glider. I liked the Umami Red, especially when loaded over 1k Ohms. I had VdH Condor XGM upper end cartridge years ago and after just a few months of use on the new cartridge, an exposed coil was unwinding. I sent it to vdH for a warranty repair and they charged me over $500, claiming "abuse". I THINK NOT! VdH is on my banned vendor list due to exceptionally poor customer service. |
@imjerrys, regarding the Gullwing - really? The Gullwing is pretty much an LPS without the wood body. |
I just happen to have my friend's Benz Micro Ruby Red Wood Low Output on hand, original boron cantilever and suspension, broken in, VAS replaced the line contact stylus that was missing (I guess my friend dissolved the glue holding it in place). You are in Monmouth, I'm in Plainfield, retired, generally available, send me a private message if you want to come hear it, bring yours here, we can instantly compare it on this
|
- 10 posts total