Curious Why Benz Micro Slid Into Obscurity


I remember there was a time when Benz Micro was one of the more prominent cartridge manufacturers out there. The Ace and Glider sure were popular cartridges. Then there was a hiatus in production. The company recognition seems to have never recovered. There are still new cartridges for sale on the various sites. But none of ther upper tier cartridges seem to gather the same recognition or praise that the earlier cartridges did. 

Is perception of them changed that much, or is it the fact that the brand has aged out? Are the designs that dated to where people no longer believe quality and value are there?

neonknight

I owned and enjoyed a Benz Ruby 2 for many years, even today I miss some of what it could do. Part of the reason ( a big part?) that these cartridges are not so common today is due to their distributorship issues of the past in the US. Before I acquired my current Lyra, I wanted to buy a Benz LPS MR, BUT there was no way to get one locally, or even nationally, at the time. Today, i would still consider this cartridge if I was shopping in the $3-4K price range. OTOH, it is true that most any of the Lyra's will be more resolving than the Benz's.

I use a Benz LPS and it's a wonderful cart. 

 Although LP sales continue to grow slowly, it seems that analog (high end tables, arms and carts) sales have slowed with the popularity of streaming. Especially if you'r not a dinosaur.

I have had two Benz Lp cartridges and still have one as they are SO good. I really can't see the point of this speculation.

Blatant rumour mongering

A pointless and silly post

 

I must be going backwards. Started with a Hana, now a Dynavector, next a Benz LPs

I have enjoyed a Ruby 3, and now have a line on a half-price 30-hour LP-s. It will cost me, all the same, about ten times the price of a re-tip on the Ruby 3. How shall I proceed?