SME V and Benz LP-S

Hi,

I am Audioquest4life.

I am using that exact combination. I first had the Benz-LP then upgraded to the LP-S. Weight of the newer LP-S cartridge is not a problem with my SME V arm. I was able to balance the Benz LP-S with the SME V without a hitch. The SME V and the LP-S is a combination to die for. I had a dealer come over to check my settings snd listen to my system, and he said everything was spot on.

During setup, I did have to move the counterbalance way back, but I still have a little playroom. I am not sure that I have a bigger counterbalance weight or not, but it is working beautifully.

My SME V is about 4 years old now. I love the SME V so much that I bought a second one for my Transrotor Merlot Reference MC. These tonearms are mounted on a Transrotor Apollon turntable.

Regarding system matching; the SME V works exceptionally well well with Benz LP-S and my musical enjoyment has gone up a notch more because of that combination. Triangles and cymbals just sparkle and pronounce themselves as if they are in the room. Drum hits are hard very realistic and voices sometimes pop out of nowhere, same as some instruments. It really is enchanting and draws you into the music and makes you want to listen more.

I am using the Silver Breeze silver phono cable with WBT's plugged into an Aesthetix IO Signature phono stage that is plugged into an Octave Jubilee preamp.

I highly recommend this combination. You will not be dissapointed.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life

@ Kmccarty,

Yes, I do use the damping with the SME V. I have been using the silicon damping fluid every since I purchased the SME V. I keep it about 1/3 to 1/2 full. I have only had to refill it one time since I have owned it, about 4 years now. It is about time I do a refill and perhaps a cleaning, however, I do not have any damping issues. The actual settings for the damping are not that radical. I have set mine to about minimal, I must check to verify, but I do recall using a minimum amount of damping.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life