[jcg0322]

The first generation of Benz Glider carts came out in the mid '90s. Does anyone know a website where I could find specs on these early models? I was especially interested in the voltage output and recommended loading value. I will have to match one up with a Hagerman preamp soon.

I ran across plenty of info about the newer models but I couldn't find anything about the older ones and it appears that Benz Micro does not have its own exclusive website.
Thanks

[TheChairGuy]

http://cartridgedb.com/

As good and complete as it gets for info on the web if the manufacturer doesn't provide it... 

John

[jcg0322]

Thanks for the info John. That link did contain 1 micro glider that might be an older one. The output was 1 mV, Z = 38 ohms and load Z was 1k - 47k ohms. It was listed as a Benz Micro Glider without any model numbers or letters associated with it so it might be a first generation model.

If anyone else has any other sources of information on the early glider models please let me know.

[billc]

I have a Benz Glider purchased before the V2 incarnation.  My datasheets indicate that it is the "H" (high output) model, spec'ed at 1.9 mV output. However, it came with a B&K test trace that has 2.2 mV written in (at 3.54 cm/s).

The Glider you refer to, I believe, is the original that Stereophile reviewed in August 1996 (V 19, No 8, by Lonnie Brownell), listing its output at "1.0 mV at 1 kHz". The loading value quoted in the opening spec box for that review lists the following information: "Recommended loading=1k-47k ohms".  Recommended tracking force is 1.8 to 2.2 gm. VTA is 22 degrees (rear of cartridge slightly down).

The review of the original Glider in the Absolute Sound in Volume 19, Issue 102 (by Peter Breuninger) states "the Glider is also a most adaptable machine, boasting a user-friendly 0.9 mv output that will feed the most common of preamps."

I hope you find this information helpful.  If you have any other questions about the cartridge specs I would be happy to look further in my papers.

Bill C.

[jcg0322]

Bill,
Your information is very helpful. Could you tell me more about the Benz Glider you have. Did you buy it new? What are the markings on it? Is there a serial number? What year do you think it was manufactured....etc....
If you didn't buy it new, where did you get the data sheets?
Thanks,
Jack

[billc]

Jack,

I did purchase it new. It is a golden colored "nude" cartridge, with "Benz Micro" printed on both the left and right sides.  There is a very small serial number underneath the cart, but I cannot read it while mounted in the arm. But the trace sheet shows a number that looks something like # 10935.  The first digit may or may not be a one; it looks like a capital letter A without the horizontal cross-stroke.

My cart looks exactly like the first photo on the left in the series of four thumbnail photo's in this link: http://www.needledoctor.com/Benz-Micro-Glider-Cartridge?sc=7&category=1103
Click on the thumbnail on that link page to enlarge it.  Mine has the same symbol on the front of the cart, and not the L2, or M2, or H2 on the current edition of that cartridge.

My Glider is the H(igh) output model that followed the original incarnation of 0.9 to 1.0 mv version, since mine has a 2.0 mv output.  However, my cart predates the "Glider 2" which was made in L2, M2, and H2 versions (which are .3, .8 and 2.5 mv, I believe).  All those carts have those letters/number marked on the top front of the cart. Mine has no marking in that location.

So I think I have the "middle" version - the one after the 1.0 mv output version and before the Glider 2 version with three output levels.

I can dig up the sales receipt tomorrow, but I think I purchased this cartridge around 2000...  and it is still in excellent service, feeding a Wright Sound Co phono stage.

I have the response trace and the specs, of course, because I did purchase it new and it came with these two items.

The spec sheet lists VTA at 20-22 degrees.
Weight is 6.6 grams
Internal impedance is 85 ohms
Recommended tonearm mass = medium

I hope that helps further.  Happy to answer any other questions...

Bill C.