Benz Micro Gullwing SHR MC Cartridge, High Output

The Benz Micro Gullwing SHR is an open-design Swiss moving-coil cartridge with high output voltage, a rhodium-plated brass frame and an iron-free ruby cross generator.

Mechanically it's the twin of the SLR: the same open Gullwing architecture, the same milled brass frame from the LP S family, the same 12.2 g. The two are distinguished only by the winding – the SHR delivers roughly double the signal at 0.7 mV. That's exactly what makes it the less demanding of the two.

Why the Gullwing SHR?

Because not every good phono stage is a high-gain machine. Tube stages often sit at 50 to 60 dB, and there a 0.34 mV cartridge quickly turns into an exercise in noise. The SHR fixes this at the root: the ruby generator, oversized neodymium magnet and Micro-Ridge diamond stay untouched, only the level rises. You get ruby finesse without the level headaches.

What you get

A high-output MC for MC inputs with moderate gain and for tube phono stages in the 50 to 60 dB range. Open design, rhodium-plated brass frame, iron-free ruby cross generator with neodymium magnet, Micro-Ridge on a boron cantilever. On request we mount and align it completely – the exposed coils prefer a steady hand over bravery.

Who is the Gullwing SHR for?

Plainly put: ideal if you have a good but not extremely low-noise MC or tube phono stage and still want ruby-level performance. If you own a top-tier high-gain MC stage, the quieter SLR gets you a touch further. And if you only have an MM input anyway, a moving-magnet cartridge is the better fit – high output doesn't turn an MC into an MM.

Our verdict

The SHR brings real ruby finesse to phono stages that don't have the last reserve of gain, tube stages explicitly included. Open design and brass frame deliver openness up top and authority in the bass, and the strong output makes integration pleasantly uncomplicated. If you own a top-tier high-gain MC stage, the SLR serves you a touch more finely – for everyone else, the SHR is the more sensible half of the twin pair.

Technical data

• Cartridge type: Moving Coil (MC), High Output
• Generator: iron-free ruby cross with oversized neodymium magnet
• Output voltage: 0.7 mV (at 3.54 cm/s)
• Internal impedance: 38 Ω
• Recommended load impedance: > 400 Ω (often 47 kΩ with tube stages)
• Recommended phono gain: 50 – 60 dB
• Stylus profile: Micro-Ridge (bare diamond), 5 × 120 µm
• Cantilever: solid boron rod, 0.28 mm
• Frame: brass, rhodium-plated, open design without housing
• Compliance: 15 µm/mN
• Tracking force: 1.8 – 2.0 g
• Weight: 12.2 g
• Included: individual measurement protocol, mounting screws, spirit level

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an MC or MM input for the Gullwing SHR?

An MC input. Despite the high output, the SHR is a true moving-coil cartridge. At 0.7 millivolts it suits MC inputs with moderate gain and tube phono stages in the 50 to 60 decibel range. It can work with very high-gain MM inputs – we check that for you beforehand.

Which load resistance suits the Gullwing SHR?

Benz recommends more than 400 ohms at an internal impedance of 38 ohms. On tube stages the SHR often runs very naturally at 47 kilohms. The best value depends on your phono stage, so we try it out on your chain rather than claiming a fixed number.

How do I clean an open cartridge like the Gullwing?

Never with compressed air. A very soft stylus brush, always from back to front, occasionally a dry brush for the brass frame, and a minimal dose of cleaning gel for the diamond. The exposed coils don't tolerate rough handling or cotton swabs getting too close.

SHR or SLR – which Gullwing suits me?

Your phono stage decides. If it has more than 60 decibels of gain and is very low-noise, go for the SLR at 0.34 millivolts. If you're at 50 to 60 decibels or run a tube stage, the SHR at 0.7 millivolts is the more assured choice. Mechanically the two are identical.

Why buy the Benz Micro Gullwing SHR from HD Zürisee?

Because matching it to your phono stage determines the sound, especially with high output. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil mount, align and tune the Gullwing to your chain – gain and load included. Call us on 044 680 22 00 or message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Goes well with

The right phono stage in the 50 to 60 dB range is under Phono Preamps, the matching turntable under Turntables. More cartridges are in the Cartridges overview, the brand's full range under BENZ Micro, care and alignment tools under All Vinyl.