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Benz Wood SL Very lean from the start

Does anyone know if and when the Benz Wood SL will truly break in? I just installed it with new phono cables from Zu, Bob's Cinemag SUT and the BAT VK-P5 phono. I realize that all these are brand new and in need of breaking in, but the Benz seems weak in all areas compared to my Ortofon Rondo Blue that I have. Any help and suggestions would be appreciated. Also, did I make a mistake in not getting the Benz Glider and saving money? Thanks.
ksl822
taters
1,149 posts
 
I currently have one and it took about 100 hours to break in.
The cartridge has alot of bloom and is not thin at all. Some people might find it too warm.
ksl822 OP
32 posts
 
Taters, thanks for the info. What is your set up, btw? Curious to see if I have a weak link someplace besides the Benz.
audiomax
166 posts
 
Lean,thin,a little bright are common for any cartridge when you first play it. Benz recommends at least 40hrs to break it in. I prefer Wood SL over Glider most set up but without knowing the rest of your system (turntable,arm,SS or Tube amp,speakers) it's not simple to recommend either one. The Glider is much lighter weight than Wood SL so that would be another factor to remember. Glider is an open-aired design and very dynamic cartridge and could provide more energy than a bright speaker would need. Wood SL's character is slightly warm in the mid range and a little more musical in my opinion.
taters
1,149 posts
 
ksl 822,

I have a VPI aries with a JMW 10.5 tonearm. My phono stage is an ARC ph-5. I'm also running an ARC tube amp and pre-amp.
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