Benz Micro Gullwing SLR MC Cartridge, Low Output

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

The Gullwing is a hybrid of the flagship LP S, the Ruby and the Glider lines: open architecture without an enclosing body, plus the heavy, rhodium-plated brass frame. No body means no standing waves inside the housing – and the frame steadies the tonearm at the same time. It takes its name from the upward-curved flanks that recall a certain gullwing door from Stuttgart.

Why the Gullwing SLR?

Because here the iron-free ruby cross works with the strongest neodymium magnet in the Benz range. That's only possible because the non-magnetic ruby plate acting as coil former can actually withstand the intense field – an iron core would simply saturate here. The Micro-Ridge diamond on a 0.28 mm boron rod translates that into an open, low-resonance soundstage, with the brass frame providing the foundation underneath.

What you get

A low-output MC at 0.34 mV for high-quality MC phono stages from around 60 dB of gain up. Open design, rhodium-plated brass frame, ruby generator with oversized neodymium magnet, 12.2 g. Because of the exposed coils, we mount and clean the cartridge for you on request – a steady hand required.

Who is the Gullwing SLR for?

Quite honestly: the SLR is for listeners with a top-tier, low-noise MC phono stage who want an open cartridge without giving up bass substance. If you have a tube stage or less gain headroom, the SHR at 0.7 mV is the better fit. And if you tend to get hasty when swapping records: the exposed coils don't forgive much, so it's worth knowing that upfront.

Our verdict

The Gullwing SLR is the more refined of the two Gullwing cartridges: open, low-resonance, with the solid foundation of the brass frame. It wants a top-tier MC phono stage and a medium- to heavyweight arm – then it stages a soundstage that reaches deep into the room. The open design is the price for that: it doesn't like rough hands, but rewards you with an airiness that closed cartridges rarely achieve.

What the trade press says: “During these second auditions, I noticed that the Gullwing's sound has a lot of 'early-Koetsu' savoir-faire.” – Herb Reichert, Stereophile, Gramophone Dreams #83, April 2024. Previously already listed in The Absolute Sound's High-End Audio Buyer's Guide 2011.

Technical data

• Cartridge type: Moving Coil (MC), Low Output
• Generator: iron-free ruby cross with oversized neodymium magnet
• Output voltage: 0.34 mV (at 3.54 cm/s)
• Internal impedance: 38 Ω
• Recommended load impedance: > 400 Ω
• Recommended phono gain: > 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
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz (±1 dB)
• Channel separation: > 35 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel balance: < 0.5 dB
• Tracking ability: 80 µm (315 Hz, 2 g)
• Compliance: 15 µm/mN
• Tracking force: 1.8 – 2.0 g
• VTA: 20°
• Break-in time: approx. 40 h
• Weight: 12.2 g
• Included: individual measurement protocol, mounting screws, spirit level

Frequently asked questions

What load resistance should I set for the Gullwing SLR?

Benz recommends more than 400 ohms. In practice we often land between 500 and 1000 ohms, which gives a good balance of dynamics and silky highs. Values that are too low rob the cartridge of both air and drive. We find the exact value together on your phono stage.

What phono stage does the Gullwing SLR need?

A true MC stage with more than 60 decibels of gain. At 0.34 millivolts the SLR is a classic low-output cartridge that shows only half its quality on weak or noisy inputs. If your gain isn't enough, the SHR at 0.7 millivolts is the more suitable route.

Does the Gullwing SLR suit my tonearm?

At 12.2 grams and a compliance of 15, it feels most at home on medium- to heavyweight arms. On very light arms the resonance frequency shifts too high and the bass becomes unsettled. We work out the combination for you before you order.

What's the difference between the Gullwing SLR and SHR?

Only the winding, and with it the output level. The SLR delivers 0.34 millivolts and wants a strong MC preamp from 60 decibels up. The SHR delivers 0.7 millivolts and suits tube stages and less powerful phono stages in the 50 to 60 decibel range. Frame, diamond and generator are identical.

Why buy the Benz Micro Gullwing SLR from HD Zürisee?

Because an open cartridge only reaches this quality class through careful mounting. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil adjust tracking force, VTA and azimuth and tune the Gullwing to your chain. 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 gain from 60 dB up is under Phono Preamps, the matching turntable under Turntables. More cartridges are in the Cartridges overview, the brand's full range under BENZ Micro, brushes and alignment tools under All Vinyl.