Benz Micro Glider M2 with Soundsmith re-tip

Fongolio

I've just received back from The Soundsmith my Benz Micro Glider M2 that I had in for repair and re-tip. Several months ago I broke one of the wires that goes from the coils to the front of the rear connector posts. The repair was done by Peter Ledermann who is the chief engineer and President of The Soundsmith. $75.00. While it was in I had Peter put on their best cantilever and optimized line contour stylus. The cantilever is Sapphire which is Ruby without the impurities that turn it red. The cost for this was $350.

Totally worth it. This cartridge new was about $1000. Even without break-in of the new suspension it sounds spectacular. It already had excellent midrange but now it is the full meal deal. The highs are exquisitely detailed without being harsh or fatiguing. The mids are the best I've ever heard with vocals especially articulate and live sounding. And the bass! Ahh the bass! On the new re-issue of Saxophone Colossus with the Sonny Rollins Quartet the stand up bass is so full and prominent, and Max Roach's drums really pop. But it was when I put on Robbie Robertson's self titled debut album that my ears were treated to pure sonic candy. The sound stage is so wide and deep I kept looking to see the musicians playing beside me. Imaging is breath taking and bass has true grip and speed . You can feel the room pressurizing with energy.

This cartridge is now like nothing I've heard before and takes vinyl to a whole new dimension. And it's not even fully broken in yet. My hat is off to Peter Ledermann and his staff at The Soundsmith for a job very well done. The only thing is that the cartridge alignment and setup must be very carefully done to achieve maximum results. But once dialed in the results are truly maximum.

Kelvin

george daniel

Thanks for the review-- glad you are enjoying it--I had my Dyna 20 retipped by Soundsmith this year,,just got it back on the arm a few weeks ago.I think the new cantilever that he installed(ruby) is much straighter than the original.What a talent the man has.

engtaz

Congrats, great upgrade.

Fongolio

Keiko wrote: »

My Dyna 10x5 feels inferior now.

Congrats, George and Fong.

Thanks Mike, but if your Dyna is still taking you to vinyl Nirvana, who cares what mine or anyone else's sounds like? Enjoy the music!!