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Questions about pairing Benz Micro cartridges with appropriate tonearms

Hey guys,

This is my first post here. Please let me know if this isn't the right place or if there's already a thread on this. I'm having trouble finding good resources about pairing Benz Micro cartridges with well matched tonearms. I just upgraded from a Clearaudio Maestro V2 to a Benz Micro Ruby, and I'm loving it. I currently have the Ruby mounted on a Clearaudio Concept, and I really like the combination. Part of the reason I went with the Benz Micro is because I've read that they are a good match with Clearaudio arms.

Just as I'm getting settled into my new setup, along comes an opportunity to buy a turntable with an SME 12" arm. It's a good price, and from a retail standpoint it's an upgrade from the Concept (this table retails for like 3x the Concept). I'm considering pulling the trigger and getting this table because I know I can sell it and get my money out of it if I need to. My question today is this, will the SME 12" arm work well with the Benz Micro? I'm worried about the weight of the arm being too much (the Ruby only needs 1.9 grams of tracking force). Do any of you think this combo will be a problem?
thoroughfare
thoroughfare OP
4 posts
 
Here's what I found with links to all pertinent info:

The exact model of tonearm is SME M2-12R.

Per this post, the tonearm has an effective mass of 18 grams.

Per Vinyl Engine, compliance for the Benz Micro Ruby is 15. 

The cartridge weight is 8.6 grams.

Using this calculator, I get a frequency of 7.968.

So, based on your recommended windows if 8-12 Hz, this would be a subpar pairing? Am I interpreting that right?
thoroughfare OP
4 posts
 
I guess a better question would be, is any number between 8-12 Hz any more desirable than any other number, or is 8-12 Hz just kind of a recommended range?
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,735 posts
 
I don’t see any problem . Here is some more information on cartridge and arm compatibility. You don’t want to go too far above or below 8-12 hz!
https://www.gcaudio.com/tips-tricks/tonearm-cartridge-compatability/
thoroughfare OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for all the info. It's been a huge help.
lewm
13,229 posts
 
Thoroughfare, This is far from an exact science, even though using that fancy equation may suggest a level of trust, that trust is not warranted.  7.9Hz should be fine.  The "lower limit" of 8Hz is suggested to keep the resonance out of the range of footfalls or other in-room disturbances or record warps.  The upper limit is to keep the resonance away from the audio band.  8-12Hz is merely a rule of thumb.  Go for it.
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