Benz Micro WOOD SM cartridge

The Benz Micro Wood are different from the other products with their wooden body.

This model is available with three output levels. Here, this SM (0.8 mV) medium output version is designed for MC preamplifiers with a gain lower than 55 dB. It must always be combined with an MC preamplifier or a transformer. This latest variant is adorned with a beautiful Dynascan Gygers S stylus profile fitted to a boron 0.28 mm cantilever. The generators have been enhanced with brand new helical coils. They use very pure, “Pure Iron Cross” copper conductors. On the SM variant, a little extra coil has been added to boost the output level.

A special o-ring seal, ideally designed to provide mechanical linearity holds the assembly together and serves as a damper. Its precise elongation enables it to reproduce the subtleties while suppressing most of the colouration. Its compliance (15), combined with its weight (9 g) make it suitable for tonearms with average weight between 9 and 18 g. The product is crafted, assembled and tested meticulously in Benz Micro's new workshop in Switzerland, under the expert eyes and ears of its owner, Albert Lukaschek.

It is fairly simple to use. Its square looks make it easy to align. We achieved an excellent tonal balance with a tracking force of 1.8 g and an anti-skating of around 1.5. VTA has to be carefully adjusted, but it remains simple to do so. We recommend using a higher load than 1 KOhms.

You can plainly hear the potential and sonic texture of this Benz Wood from the very first seconds. It boasts a full and very analogue timbre. It expertly combines warmth and definition, something you don’t hear very often! Tracking is amazing. The sound stage is not the most expressive there is, but it has the merit of being truly authentic and most of all, very precise. As with all BENZ cartridges, sound quality is refined, subtle and very nuanced. Music lovers and audiophiles everywhere will know what the fuss is about. This Benz Micro Wood is what you need! A spectacular value and music for money! Just can't recommend it enough!