Benz Micro Glider SL or Acoustical Systems Fidelis Cartridge

I started out with a Glider L2, 15 years ago. It was wonderful, and I didn’t upgrade for 2 years. The current SL model will be even better. All Benz cartridges have a great sound - more leaning towards "musical, natural" than "analytical, technical". Not quite all the way to a Koetsu’s lush rich sound, but at least halfway there and with a nice vibrant energy up top (not too much though - it has nice clean treble) that is relatively attenuated on Koetsu. The Acoustical Systems looks interesting, but I think it’s going to be a LOT harder to find users with experience on that cartridge then a Glider. I didn’t even know it existed until now. I do have AS’s SMARTractor and it works great, so I’m sure they make a nice cartridge product too.

Just for the record, the Glider is a low output MC with 0,4 mV output, while the Fidelis is a high output MC, delivering 5,5 mV output according to their website. Apart from a similar price these are likely to be very different systems with different requirements.

I never heard the Fidelis, so it may be the exception to the rule, but most people seem to agree that in general low output MC's sound superior (less coil wire = less moving mass).

Based on my own experience with an older LP (pre 'S' version) I agree with the above description of the Benz sound, which is beguiling as well as forceful. The Jelco by all accounts is a fine arm that will be a good match for the Benz and the Parasound phono amp can easily handle the Glider SL's output. So this would appear to be a very good choice.

Right, the Parasound has 64dB of gain. Almost exactly the output/gain match I had with mine. The Glider with 0.4mV will be no problem.  

Should be a nice combination. Would not want to use anything the least bit technical with that phono stage. The beguiling Benz would be a much better match I would think.  

Well folks it looks like I just bought a Benz Micro Glider SL, now I just have to wait for it to arrive.I will keep you updated once I get it here.Thanks for the good reviews of this cartridge, and thanks to MC for his helpful input, I always enjoy your insight into areas that you are well versed in.