Benz Slr Gullwing vs Lp s

Dre_j, I checked the data included by my Ruby 3s. The technical paper (aka 'specification' Ruby3) mentioned by stylus: nude line -contact diamond,mirror polished ,tip radius :5x120um. But on my, what you call 'frequency response sheet', the abbreviation 'FG-S' is writen by the stylus (kind).
I assume that the 'technical paper' is the old one (Ruby 3
without sufix S). I also assume that 'FG-S' means Geiger II
because this stylus is already in production for some time. Designed by Geiger and Van den Hul if I am well informed. By the mentioned Dutch retip service the prices are: rebuld Shibata 179 Euro, nude contact line 195 Euro and Geiger diamnod 265 Euro. The micro-ridge stylus is not offered so I have no idea about the price difference with the Geiger.

Regards,

Hmmm, I may need to try the Benz Slr Gullwing. Seems like a great value compared to the LP S...and many other more expensive carts for that matter. As an A90 owner, I would think this cart would be a good fit for me in the speed, dynamics and neutrality dept.

You can tell if you have the Micro Ridge stylus by looking at the enclosed frequency response chart. I think all Benz cartridges have the MR stylus now. I had the LP and now have the LP-S. Although they are similar, the LP-S extracts things from the record, I never heard were there before. Tacking is phenomenally better. When you cue the tonearm onto the leading groove, it just falls into place...no sliding around before it finds itself. The cartridge sounds faster than the LP (which was no slouch) Many pros find this cartridge the cartridge of choice (Harry of VPI, etc) for their own personal pleasure.

I agree with Stringreen 100% regarding the LPS. I also went from the LP to the LPS and have been in musical bliss ever since. The bass on the LPS is very dynamic. The Micro Ridge stylus change alone may be one of the main factors adding to the improvement to the entire S line.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life

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