Benz Micro Ebony TR MC Cartridge for SUT

The Benz Micro Ebony TR is a handmade Swiss moving-coil cartridge, consistently engineered for use with step-up transformers thanks to its extremely low output voltage and internal impedance.

TR stands for Transformer: designer Albert Lukaschek reduced the winding to a minimum here to save moving mass and push the internal impedance down to 1 Ω. The result is 0.1 mV of output voltage – housed in the familiar ebony body of the Ebony series.

Why the Ebony TR?

Because the combination of 0.1 mV and 1 Ω is practically made for high-quality step-up transformers (SUT). Passive step-up instead of electronic amplification creates a background quietness that actively amplified chains often lack. The tiny coil mass makes the TR lightning-fast on transients – impulses arrive as if the instrument were standing in the room.

What you get

A specialist tool for the classic analogue chain of MC cartridge and step-up transformer, with an individual measurement protocol. Micro-Ridge diamond on a solid boron cantilever, iron cross-coil, ebony body. Which transformer matches a 1 Ω source impedance and your phono stage is something we work out together – this calculation goes wrong quickly otherwise.

Who is the Ebony TR for?

Honestly: the Ebony TR is a niche cartridge for purists. Without a transformer, simply too little signal arrives – if you don't own or plan to get a SUT, the Ebony L is the better choice. But if you love the classic transformer chain and build it properly, this is one of the most refined cartridges around.

Our verdict

The Ebony TR is a specialist, not an all-rounder: without a step-up transformer it stays practically silent, but with the right SUT it plays deep black and lightning-fast. For purists of the transformer chain it's one of the finest options out there – if you don't have or plan to get a SUT, you're clearly better off with the Ebony L. Let's be honest: you have to want this chain.

Technical data

• Cartridge type: Moving Coil (MC), Ultra-Low Output (for SUT)
• Generator: iron cross-coil
• Output voltage: 0.1 mV (at 3.54 cm/s)
• Internal impedance: 1 Ω
• Recommended load impedance: > 5 Ω (operation via step-up transformer)
• Stylus profile: Micro-Ridge (bare diamond), 5 × 120 µm
• Cantilever: solid boron rod, 0.28 mm
• Body: ebony
• Compliance: 14 µm/mN
• Tracking force: 1.6 – 1.9 g
• VTA: 20°
• Weight: 10.7 g
• Break-in time: approx. 40 h
• Included: individual measurement protocol, mounting screws, stylus brush

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect the Ebony TR to a normal MC input?

We'd advise against it. At 0.1 mV, the Ebony TR delivers too little signal for almost any active MC phono stage. It's built for use with a step-up transformer; Benz specifies a load of more than 5 Ω. We're happy to help you work out which transformer suits your chain.

Why does the Ebony TR have such a low output voltage?

Fewer coil windings mean less moving mass and therefore more speed and precision. The transformer passively recovers the level without adding electronic noise. This exact division of labour produces the quiet, deep-black background the TR variant is known for.

How do I care for the Ebony TR?

With a dry stylus brush or a cleaning gel, always from back to front. Be careful with liquid cleaners near the ebony body. Give the cartridge around 40 hours of break-in time – after that the soundstage opens up noticeably.

Why buy the Benz Micro Ebony TR from HD Zürisee?

Because the TR can't show its potential without the right transformer. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we match cartridge, transformer and phono stage to each other, mount it fully on request and align it cleanly. Call us on 044 680 22 00 or message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Goes well with

You'll find the right turntable under Turntables, transformers and phono preamps under Phono Preamps. The rest of the brand's cartridges are in the BENZ Micro overview, more cartridges in the Cartridges list, and record-care accessories under All Vinyl.