Benz Micro LP-S (MC) Phono Cartridge - Brand New - Top Of The Line

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General:
The Benz Micro LP-S is the best MC (Moving-Coil) phono cartridge they make and represents the best of their technology learned over decades of experience.

This particular cartridge is brand new and was only opened for images. 

From Benz Micro:
The latest LP-S incorporates a higher mass brass frame for improved coupling to tonearms, evolved ruby square plate generator and Ebony body. Brass, an alloy of copper and tin, complements Ebony, materials used for building musical instruments. The LP S has 50% more mass than the previous model for enhanced vibrational and resonant characteristics, thus revealing greater dynamic contrasts, deeper bass and increased resolution from all records. The latest LP S Class was the first Benz Micro to use the new Micro Ridge stylus, now found on all Benz Micro Swiss‐ made cartridges.

The Ultimate Reference Level Cartridge The Benz LP‐S is the most technically advanced design from the famed Swiss manufacturer. Housed in a special, limited edition, aged ebony body;  the LP‐S differs from other world‐class cartridge designs in that it is supremely musical. We have never heard any cartridge that matches the LP‐S's warmth and natural portrayal of instruments. The LP S‐Class incorporates a high‐mass brass frame for improved coupling to tonearms, an evolved ruby square plate generator and an Ebony body. The LP S‐Class has 50% more mass than the previous model for enhanced vibrational and resonant characteristics, thus revealing greater dynamic contrast, deeper bass and increased resolution from all records.

TAS Review: "I don’t think we yet have developed the language to capture what the Benz itself does...of what makes it so special. The longer you listen to the cartridge—and the more it warms up—the more revealing it becomes in the sense of warmly inviting you in to listen more deeply to the textures, harmonics, and little subtleties that make up the basic foundations of the music itself."

From the 6 Moons review “In general terms, if the Benz LP‐S is any indication of a new performance standard then I think we may have entered a new golden age in moving coil cartridge performance. In my tenure at 6moons, I have developed a bit of a reputation as being harder to please than some of my colleagues. That may be true but when I come across a really great product and proclaim it so, I would suggest you can take it to the bank. In short, this cartridge paints a vivid and complex tapestry of sound that is so beguiling and exciting to be truly addictive.

Every morning I came downstairs wondering what I was going to play first. The Benz LP‐S cartridge was such a revelation that I cannot resist buying one. While this will be the most expensive cartridge I ever purchased ($5,000.00) A Blue Moon Award is definitely in order”

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Other than some writing on the box, no major signs of wear, fantastic condition.

Brand Background:
Founded by original designer Ernst Benz in the 1980s, Benz Micro earned recognition throughout the world as one the top cartridge manufacturing companies. In 1994 Albert Lukaschek took over and after 20 years, Benz Micro announced their focus on the upper end Swiss hand-made phono cartridges.

Benz Micro’s current production team represents the ” best of the best ” for it’s state-of-the-art phono cartridge production.

Ownership:
Single Owner

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
New = Factory sealed and unopened. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:
Complete Kit as it Left the Factory

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
‐ Type: Moving coil stereo cartridge
‐ Output Voltage 3.54 Cm/sec: 0.35
‐ Stylus Shape: Micro Ridge
‐ Internal Ohms: 38
‐ Loading Range: >400
‐ Weight: 16 grams
‐ Compliance: 15
‐ Tracking: 1.8 – 2 grams

Weight:
3 lbs.

Testing Process:
We start by doing a detailed physical inspection under light magnification to asses the cantilever condition, its position in the cartridge body, and the condition of the suspension.

We also inspect any coil wires and the output connections to make sure it hasn't been strained. We then perform a light cleaning with specialized agents and very carefully blow dry with compressed air.

Following that, we conduct a thorough examination using our Wild Heerbrugg professional microscope. From there we can asses the wear and quality of the stylus and determine how much use it has seen, and if there are any mechanical issues. We can also identify if it needs further cleaning or care.

We then move the cartridge to a digital microscope where we take photos of the cantilever and stylus for future reference.

Next we move to the test bench where we can check for continuity of each channel and resistance.

On certain cartridges (or if the technician feels necessary) we install the cartridge on a turntable and run several test records to ascertain tacking ability, distortion, and compliance.