Benz Micro Glider - Rebuild, Trade-in, or?


I have a Benz Glider cartridge that I love, but it's become decidedly left-handed. That is, the output on the right channel is diminished, so the image is heavy on the left side. The right has output, but it's reduced.  

I don't know if a rebuild service is an option, or if a Trade-in is economical.

Any advice?

 

Background - I think it's the original low output model. I got it when I purchased a Pink Triangle Anniversary Table from a local repair shop about 10 years ago. The guy said he didn't know if the cartridge was any good and just included it in the sale.

bdgregory

Then by all means send it off to a good shop for evaluation and repair, if necessary. VAS, Joseph Long, etc. It will probably come back sounding better than ever.

I had the next model up, the mid output entry model wood body M09.  Had it retipped at Soundsmith.  Amazing work and a screaming bargain.. It was $350 about 3 years ago.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat. 

Benz is alive and well, imported by Sierra Sound and I am an authorized dealer here in Virginia (Afton Mountain Audio). I have a new Glider SL in stock and can give you 20% off on a trade of yours. Please reach out if I can assist.

You never know until you hear it for yourself.

I handled getting my friend's Benz Micro Ruby Wood LOMC re-built by Steve Leung at VAS, new stylus on existing Boron Rod cantilever.

Played in my system, I thought it sounded a bit 'thin' here.

I went to visit/stay with him the past two days, we drilled his JVC Victor CL-P3 Three Arm plinth (new white oak veneer, pickled flat finish, in a white room) and mounted his AudioMods 10.5" Series Six arm, a real beauty, looks like this

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/audiomods-series-six-lm-tonearm/

I really liked that cartridge's sound in his system, played thru JSE Infinite Slope Model 2's (another friend has mine now), so I also enjoyed listening to them there. I am familiar with his space and have heard a few different speakers there.

This tome. LOMC cartridge to SS MC phono stage, to tube preamp, to tube mono-blocks.

 

I'm so glad it sounded great, as I was expecting when I listened here.