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?
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
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