{"product_id":"benzmicrolps","title":"Benz Micro LP S MC Cartridge, Reference","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Benz Micro LP S is the brand's reference model: a handcrafted Swiss moving-coil cartridge whose vented ebony body sits in a solid brass frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the outside it looks almost identical to the smaller LP – the same aged ebony, the same iron-free ruby square-rod generator, the same boron cantilever. The difference lies in the frame: the LP S rests in a machined brass chassis that brings it from 10.7 to \u003cstrong\u003e16.4 g\u003c\/strong\u003e. That extra five and a half grams of mass isn't cosmetic – it's the whole concept.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the LP S?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause mass in a cartridge means calm. The heavy frame absorbs the energy the generator pushes back into the body instead of passing it on to the tonearm. You hear that where it gets difficult: in loud tuttis, in the inner grooves, in the low bass. Midrange gains saturation, the soundstage layers in depth rather than just width.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA low-output reference cartridge with 0.34 mV for a first-class MC phono stage: vented ebony in a solid brass frame, iron-free ruby generator, Micro-Ridge diamond on a 0.28 mm boron cantilever. Because of the high mass, we work out the tonearm combination in advance and can mount it completely on request.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the LP S suited for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHonestly: the LP S is for vinyl enthusiasts looking for a cartridge for life, who have invested in a first-class phono stage. Anyone who only occasionally plays a record is more credibly served by the lighter LP. And not every tonearm balances 16.4 g with the standard counterweight – something better clarified beforehand rather than after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LP S isn't a cartridge you swap out again in two years – it's an end point. The brass frame is the only real difference from the LP, and it changes more than 5.7 grams would suggest. If you bring a first-class phono stage and a medium-to-heavy tonearm, you get calm and substance at reference level. The rest of the chain, however, needs to keep up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAward: Stereophile Recommended Components, October 2010.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCartridge type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moving Coil (MC), Low Output (Reference)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenerator:\u003c\/strong\u003e iron-free ruby square-rod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput voltage:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.34 mV (at 3.54 cm\/s)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInternal impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 38 Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended load impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026gt; 400 Ω (datasheet: 500 – 47,000 Ω)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Micro-Ridge (bare diamond), 5 × 120 µm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e solid boron rod, 0.28 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody:\u003c\/strong\u003e vented, machined ebony in a solid brass frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency response:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 Hz – 50 kHz (±1 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChannel separation:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026gt; 35 dB (1 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChannel balance:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt; 0.5 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTracking ability:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80 µm (315 Hz, 2 g)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompliance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 µm\/mN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTracking force:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.8 – 2.0 g (datasheet range up to 2.2 g)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVTA:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20°\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreak-in time:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 40 h\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16.4 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e individual measurement protocol, mounting screws, stylus brush, storage box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I recognise the LP S if it looks so similar to the LP?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the frame and the weight. The LP S sits in a solid, machined brass chassis and weighs 16.4 grams; the LP has no frame and weighs 10.7 grams. In product photos both look almost identical because the ebony body is the same. On a tonearm scale, the difference is immediately there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich tonearm suits the Benz Micro LP S best?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of the 16.4 grams of self-mass and the medium compliance of 15, the LP S harmonises with medium-to-heavy tonearms. Light arms push the resonance frequency out of the favourable window and don't control the energy. We work out the combination with your arm before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I set the tracking force on the LP S?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenz specifies 1.8 to 2.0 grams as the optimum. The datasheet gives a usable range up to 2.2 grams, rarely needed. We measure with a precision scale at record height and listen through the window. We're happy to do the fine adjustment in Wädenswil on request.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long does the LP S need to break in?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 40 hours. Fresh out of the box the suspension still sounds taut, and bass and space open up only gradually. Just play records normally during this time – no special break-in ritual needed. After that, the sound stays stable for years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Benz Micro LP S at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause a reference cartridge only comes into its own with a clean setup. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil check tonearm compatibility beforehand, mount it, adjust tracking force, VTA and azimuth, and tune the chain. Call us at 044 680 22 00 or write via WhatsApp to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/41765342200\"\u003e076 534 22 00\u003c\/a\u003e (text only, no calls).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA reference cartridge wants a matching turntable – found under \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/plattenspieler\"\u003eTurntables\u003c\/a\u003e – and a phono stage that amplifies 0.34 mV noise-free: \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/phono-vorverstarker\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e. Alternatives are in the \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/tonabnehmer\"\u003ecartridges\u003c\/a\u003e overview, the brand's full range under \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/benz-micro\"\u003eBENZ Micro\u003c\/a\u003e, care and brushes under \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/alles-vinyl\"\u003eAll Vinyl\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BENZ Micro","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52989490823504,"sku":null,"price":3060.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/benz-micro-lp-s-mc-tonabnehmer-schraegansicht.jpg?v=1785439178","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en-ch\/products\/benzmicrolps","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}