Benz-Micro SLR Gullwing MC

Is the Benz-Micro SLR Gullwing MC a good choice and is it the right one for my preamp/turntable?

Thanks!
Ballisticon
01-05-14

Unfortunately, the only one who can really answer that question for you is you. Other folks will tell you what is right for them, but what is right for them may or may not be what is right for you.

In my opinion though, that would be too much cartridge for your table and preamp. I don't know that you would get your money's worth out of the SLR unless you are also planning on upgrading your table and preamp too. In my experiences, the best systems are well balanced systems. Pairing an expensive cartridge or speakers with inexpensive electronics usually does not provide optimum performance. Of course, as usual, YMMV.

Thanks for your replies but I'm a bit confused by the Adcom comments. My 565 (from 1995) has a class B phono stage rating from stereophile (bypass). Would it not be better to go with a blackbird than a $70 M97XE? Or, another cartridge?

Any suggestions on a ~$2K phono pre to go with a blackbird-level cartridge is also welcome.

The Adcom 565 is not a bad little preamp in a modest system, but it will not be up to the task of a $3000 cartridge, IMHO. I have not heard the M97XE, but the Blackbird is a pretty good cartridge, I owned one for a while.

As for a $2K phono preamp, a used Herron VTPH-1 would be a very good start, but I wouldn't do that if you are just planning to run the phono preamp through your Adcom 565, that would put you back to square 1. Personally, I prefer tubes over solid state, and I would recommend looking for a full function preamp to replace your 565, not just a phono preamp. You should be able to get a used Cary SLP-98P for ~$2K. I don't know what amp you are using, or if a tube preamp could be an issue. If you wish to stay with solid state, I would look for a used full function Klyne or Jeff Rowland preamp. Full function simply means that the preamp has both line stage and phono stage in one unit. Happy hunting.

The criticism of your preamp is overblown. The Adcom has a very nice phono stage noted for its low noise/distortion, but unfortunately it does not have the gain required for the Benz Gullwings. The Adcom recommend 2mv input and the Benz Micro highout only outputs .7mv.

What is your current cartridge?