Benz Cartridge LP S or another

smccoin -- Thu, 08/27/2009 - 20:51

I am looking to replace my older Benz Ruby H and given the trade in program, I am likely to stay with a Benz. My question is what experience does anyone have with the Benz LP S cartridge?

Another one that has peaked my interest is the Vaccum State cartridge which is manufactured by Benz for VS. It looks very similar to the new Benz Gullwing but I have been told that is about all they are similar and the VS cartridge is even better than the LP S.

Peter (not verified) -- Tue, 09/01/2009 - 05:52

I have just traded my old Ebony Benz for a new Ruby Three,low output version, which is rather pleasant. Both had the Benz ' house sound'. which to my ears is a slight (slight) warmth and a little less 'forward' projection than many of the competitors. The Ruby 3 still has lots and lots of detail, great bass and is good at minimising surface noise. As the trade-in programme is so good (or are the retail prices badly inflated?) I can't see how you could go wrong, assuming the Benz sound suits you. It reminds me a bit of the older Koetsus, with that lovely golden warmth.But not in the least cloying or slow. I am pleased with my new cartridge, and my old Ebony lasted for four years of hard life too. As Moving Coils go, they seem to offer decent value and very very good sound quality. Always assuming the sound is to your tastes! Good luck.

Garth Leerer (not verified) -- Wed, 09/02/2009 - 13:13

Thanks to Peter for his feedback and his support. Benz retail prices represent some of the best values in high end cartridges. Our trade program, put into service 18+ years ago, has been successful in keeping vinyl lovers in the groove. We take the "hit" on the trade-in but do have most rebuilt - right now we have @100 rebuilt carts in stock. To clarify, the VS is like the proto of the Gullwing but slightly heavier. The production Gullwing, still @60 days away (hopefully) will have further improvements from the proto. Whoever told you about the VS is mis-informed. A LP S is only $2,500 with an older Ruby H trade and the Gullwing will be $1,800 with the same trade. Benz makes cartridges for numerous companies, but in very small quantities. I do not know what the future holds for these companies. Buying a Benz assures you of the best performance, price and support, today and in the future.

smccoin -- Sat, 09/05/2009 - 22:47

Thanks for the responses. I just heard from my dealer and they indicated there were no LP S in stock. They thought they were due in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately with my schedule that might as well be a couple of months since September and October are looking like very busy months.
I will stay with the Benz given the trade in program but haven't fully decided on the Ruby or LP S.

smccoin -- Fri, 10/23/2009 - 17:09

The LP S finally made it to the states and my dealer received it this week. Now just have to schedule time for them to come over to install.

smccoin -- Fri, 11/27/2009 - 15:48

I finally was able to arrange the installation recently.

I must say I was very pleased with the results. The LPS is truly a musical cartridge and goes well with the rest of my system. I am glad I went with the LPS over a Ruby.

cpreal (not verified) -- Fri, 10/23/2009 - 11:46

Hey Garth, can you elaborate on the differences on the wood bodied Benz carts? I have a Ref 2 that I need to trade up to a new model, and I'm confused about which one to go with. My priorities are low surface noise and excellent trackability. I am not a detail freak. I prefer a warmer sound. Aside from output level, can you characterize the differences in sound between the Ebony and the Ruby 3? Is it the body that makes the difference? Is the stylus and cantilever assembly the same on all of the S-type wood bodied carts? Which one would mate well with the SME V? I'm really confused. When you have 10 different carts at the $2500-3500 price point, the decision is difficult. Where do the Oracle/Cardas carts fit in the lineup? My dealer is not likely to let me try them all.

Thanks,
cpreal