Problem matching Benz LP S w/ SME V or IV.Vi arm ?

Well, congratulations. Sounds so far like you did make the best decision going for the new S version. From what I gather, the original LP might sound a tad subdued or at least not as lively as the S, which seems to be a bit more open on top. Would you say there's any change or slight shift toward the treble region in terms of overall tonal balance? Is the sound tighter, cleaner and/or more neutral in contrast to the original LP? Thanks for any information/impressions on these things.

Thank you.

I would not call the original LP subdued but I would say it is not as revealing as the new Benz LP S. The older Benz LP has brought me many hours of beautiful satisfying music and all with the same attributes I describe with the new LP S, but only less. Maybe you can call it warmer. The tonal balance of the new LP S sounds linear on my system with the added benefit of additional presence. This might be due to the better needle and assembly but the presence does give the LP S a livelier sound compared to the LP but not at all bright or accenuated in either the midrange or treble regions. Adressing your question about the new LP S being tighter, cleaner and or neutral compared to the older LP, I would say that the signature trait of the LP series is there, beautiful midrange, shimmering highs and excellant bass, but the LP S adds an element of robustness that makes all of these qualities, with the exception of the bass, seem much better. I guess the sound of the LP S is what I just described, it is neutral in character without any over accenuation's in the frequency spectrum. When I played my reference LP's, I discovered that the Benz LP S was not only conveying the life and soul of the music, but going deeper as well. Going deeper into the music while keeping all of the excellant traits that the LP series is known for really has propelled the LP S into a cartridge that once you hear it, and setup properly, you will not mistake the characteristics of the LP S, especially comparing to the older Benz LP. There is more treble and midrange, but not at the sake of being hyperextended. I would call the the Benz LP S a more awake LP rather than hyperactive kid, ha. The Benz LP will probably sound somewhat closed in compared to the new LP S, but that is because the new LP S is only doing those things the old Benz LP does great, even better.

I do not not or will not ever have to think about switching cartridges, and when the time comes to replace the needle, it will be another Benz LP S. I do not have the desire or time to even try and research any other brands of cartridges when this one does all I need it to, beautifully.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life


"From what I gather, the original LP might sound a tad subdued or at least not as lively as the S, which seems to be a bit more open on top. Would you say there's any change or slight shift toward the treble region in terms of overall tonal balance? Is the sound tighter, cleaner and/or more neutral in contrast to the original LP?"

You've been most helpful with your well considered comments, and I wish you the best in listening enjoyment...Ciao!

I have been following this thread because I have a 1-year old LP and I am curious what types of improvements the S might provide. Audioquest4life, I appreciate your taking the time to share your preliminary reactions to the LP-S. From what you said in your most recent post, I do have to wonder if some of your reactions may change with further breakin. Here's why I raise that point: when I first tried my LP, it had a lively and extended treble range, not at all soft or rolled off as I had feared. After using it for a few weeks, the high frequencies changed and it is now more like you describe---a bit subdued and closed in. I suspect that I might react much the same way as you described if I compared my LP to another brand new LP. So I will be more interested in how your reactions to the LP-S hold up after a few more weeks and months.

I certainly agree with you that the LP (and I'm sure the LP-S) sounds great. I say that as a loyal Benz customer having started with a Glider M2 about 10 uears ago and moving to the Woodbody L2 before making the jump to the LP.

Dave

Dave,

I am glad to be able to provide some real world information about the new Benz LP S to others. I agree that some of the newness of the new LP S is probably aiding in some of that Benz magic I am describing. I do remember distinctly from owning the LP when it was new and getting it retipped once, that the soundstage was not as wide and not as holographic as the new LP S, however. In addition, one of the musical factors that has wowed me since installing the LP S is in the way that it is able to convey a sense of space and hold instruments in that space. That has captured my emotional psyche several times. I already have about 10 hours and another 30 to go before the official Benz 40 hour break in period.

What started me in the Benz line was when I was at one of the European audio shows in Germany, it was part of the Analog Audio Association and we heard the Benz LP versus the Koetsu Onyx and a Clearaudio. I had also heard many others that day, but the Benz was closer to portraying what the Onyx conveyed, and that is a fine cartridge. For us folks not willing to fork up the cash or spend that kind of money, the Benz LP is a real value in regards to competing with a cartridge costing two times more. I really think that Benz manufactured into the new LP S some of the things that some people complained about, too syrupy, too slow or laid back, but I thought it was just playing beautiful music and I never seemed to miss anything. The LP S is just better at capturing all of the fine details that make music listening more enjoyable.

The sound of the Benz series is great to me and thus compared to other moving coils I have heard, even other Koestu series, I will remain with the LP series. Who can go wrong with the upgrade path and retip options.

I will keep posting more updates as soon as I have reached the 40 hour mark. Lets see, there are 48 hours in this weekend, and about 3 more until midnight, hmm.
Ciao,
Audioquest4life