Glider S
The GLIDER concept was developed in 1992 with the aim of bridging the gap between mass-produced cartridges and very expensive MC systems. A moving-coil cartridge was produced at that time, characterized by an output level of 0.8 mV—which is quite high for an MC cartridge. As mentioned earlier, the GLIDER S is designed for customers who are looking for a system that lets them enjoy truly high-end sound, but who don’t want to spend astronomical sums on top-of-the-line cartridges. This explains the practical considerations that guided the design—a 0.8 mV signal will easily drive a high-quality MM preamp and can also handle a good MC preamp without any issues, which should not be overdriven by the GLIDER S.
The fact that the entire cartridge is assembled at the company’s headquarters in Switzerland is a guarantee of the highest quality. Most of the individual components, including the coil and the needle-to-stylus assembly, are also handcrafted in Neuhausen. BENZ MICRO is renowned for its precision, which delivers a unique blend of musicality and precision in sound reproduction that is unmatched by competing cartridges. Many GLIDER S users note its extensive compatibility with various types of tonearms, whereas cartridges from other manufacturers can sometimes cause unwanted interference and resonance when used with them. This does not mean, however, that it is a universal cartridge that delivers excellent results in every setup. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a turntable depends on the quality of all its components; however, the GLIDER S makes it easier to configure your system.
Compared to the previous version, the GLIDER S series cartridges feature a revised Micro Ridge stylus groove and an improved transducer with a suspension system.
The market success of the base model of this cartridge led to the development of versions with lower and higher output levels. Currently, three systems are available, designated L, M, and H, which indicate that these are cartridges with low, medium, and high output levels, respectively.
Technical specifications:
| Parametr | GLIDER S L | GLIDER S M | GLIDER S H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Level | 0.4 mV | 0.8 mV | 2.5 mV |
| Bracket / drill rod | 0.28 mm | 0.28 mm | 0.28 mm |
| Needle | Micro Ridge | Micro Ridge | Micro Ridge |
| Coil | Cross | Cross | Cross |
| Needle Dimensions | 5 × 120 µm | 5 × 120 µm | 5 × 120 µm |
| Internal impedance | 12 Ω | 24 Ω | 95 Ω |
| Load Capacity | >120 Ω | >200 Ω | >1000 Ω |
| Weight | 6.8 g | 6.8 g | 6.8 g |
| Compilation | 15 µm/mN | 14 µm/mN | 14 µm/mN |
| Pressure force | 1.6 – 1.9 g | 1.6 – 1.9 g | 1.6 – 1.9 g |
| VTA | 20° | 20° | 20° |
| Channel Balancing | 1 dB | 1 dB | 1 dB |
| Channel Separation / 1 kHz | >35 dB | >35 dB | >35 dB |
| Frequency response ±1 dB | 20 – 20000 Hz | 20 – 20000 Hz | 20 – 20000 Hz |
Due to the manufacturing process, the electrical parameters listed above are average values.