Any thoughts from owners past or present on the Benz Micro Glider cart, possibly in low output format.

I was intending to get a Dynavector XX-2 in the next few weeks but the Benz could be another option for around the same money.  

Having a very quick look at some charts and the Benz looks like a better match for my arm (Project 10c) than the Dyna. Happy to have any advice on this as it's not a subject I've dealt very deep in.
The effective mass on the arm is 9gm, the Dyna weighs in at 8.9 and the Benz at 6.8gm.
Looking at compliance chart the Benz sits in the sweet spot.

Hi cooks - yes, it would appear that the XX2 + 10cc tonearm is at the top end of recommended range of Resonance Freq - around 12hz.
Whereas the Glider SL + 10cc sits in the middle of the 8-12hz rec range, at around 10.5Hz.

However, the 10cc tonearm is supplied with multiple counterweights - so I would choose the c/wt that will sit furthest out, nearer the end of the c/wt stub. This way, Effective Mass is maximised & Res Freq lowered.

However, at the end of the day, best choice is the sound that you prefer.
And budget of course!

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

Thanks for your input Owen. I do have a couple of counter weights so that's not a problem. The XX2 is around the same weight as my current DV20XL.
Life would be so much better if you could audition things like cartridges. Once you're getting around the $2000 mark it's a rather daunting lottery when it comes to choosing.

PS - clarification:
The above c/wt suggestion is what I'd do if using the XX2.

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

cooksferry www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/122515-eoi-benz-micro-glider-sl/

Could be a cheaper way to get one.

that one is fooked though.

with cartridges you really don't want to by someone else's problems...

i haven't heard the latest glider but the original (late 90's) was ok, if undistinguished amongst the various sumiko, shelter, dynavector, koetsu etc of the era.

Cartridges are a complete lottery aren't they ? Read the reviews and take your pick. Poor resale if you don't like it though.....

x1000 when buying used.

Dunno if I agree with you actually. If you can get it cheap enough and its going then it's going to give you a taste of what its about. You could then decide to retip or sell on. I did exactly that with my SD900, paid a pittance for it in a worn but going state, had a listen and thought it worthwhile enough to get checked over and retipped. Definitely one of my better cartridge buys: the catch being to get a similar sound but as an upgrade is going to cost $$$$s for a Koetsu Red.... Can't win.

May 4, 2017 15:37:14 GMT 12 guitardude said:

Poor resale if you don't like it though.....

I was already rubbing my hands together in a poor boys glee when you bought that Hana... Drat & dread!

May 4, 2017 14:48:07 GMT 12 michaelw said:

i haven't heard the latest glider but the original (late 90's) was ok, if undistinguished amongst the various sumiko, shelter, dynavector, koetsu etc of the era.

I'll probably stick with the known product (Dyna). Thought if anyone had had a chance to try the later versions you might have been it but I'm guessing that not too many importers sent out expensive review samples these days.

Ha, that sounds like one of my cartridge purchases: Decide on one, then go round in circles looking at alternatives only to end up back where I was in the first place. If your DV20 has any life left in it I could be keen if you wanted to pass it on.

May 5, 2017 10:02:40 GMT 12 guitardude said:

Ha, that sounds like one of my cartridge purchases: Decide on one, then go round in circles looking at alternatives only to end up back where I was in the first place. If your DV20 has any life left in it I could be keen if you wanted to pass it on.

It still sounds to be playing ok but I was intending to use it as a trade in on the XX2.  I'm a bit hesitant to on sell it since I can't offer a concrete guarantee on condition.  Should have got that USB microscope when I had the chance.

Hi Cooks,

From memory the trade price on the Dynas is minimal..

Not really looking for any long term guarantees or anything, just to get a taste of what its like as they were on my shortlist for my next cart !

PM sent, gotta watch out for those Blenheim seagulls though....

May 5, 2017 14:31:49 GMT 12 guitardude said:

PM sent, gotta watch out for those Blenheim seagulls though....

This seagull really wanted that Dyna phono... But what a score this could be!?