Benz Micro Northamerica BENZ MICRO ACE SH
The BENZ MICRO ACE SH brings recordings thrillingly close, pairing exceptional detail retrieval with textured vocals, swift rhythmic drive and sharply separated instrumental lines. HiFi News found its realism class-leading in its group test, while the Micro Ridge stylus uncovers a vivid, intimate musical picture. Its lithe bass and precise imaging make it a compelling high-output moving-coil contender.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Usability
87/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Class-leading detail retrieval and realism expose layers within recordings and bring performances vividly to life.
Fast, bouncy bass and clear separation keep complex arrangements rhythmically agile and intelligible.
Textured, lifelike vocals and precise imaging create an intimate, focused presentation.
Threaded mounting holes simplify installation, while the supplied bubble level and screwdriver reflect polished presentation.
Cons
Its highly revealing treble can become fatiguing at higher listening levels, particularly in bright-sounding systems.
The exposed generator and lack of a stylus guard demand careful handling during installation.
Venue ambience was less convincingly conveyed on the reviewed orchestral recording than vocal spatial cues.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
The ACE SH is described as exceptionally revealing and lifelike, combining textured voices, fast and buoyant bass, and unusually strong insight into recordings. Its precise separation and vivid spatial presentation are major strengths, though the incisive treble can become fatiguing at high volume.
Overall Sound
93/100
Hi-Fi News found the ACE SH highly revealing, with a level of realism and musical exposure that surpassed the other cartridges in its group test. Buckley's vocal was textured and alive, while bass was described as lithe, bouncy and fast; the only notable reservation was a top end that could become tiring at generous levels.
Tracking Retrieval
96/100
The review gave the ACE SH top honours in its group test for detail and realism, saying it could strip away layers of a recording to reveal the live performance beneath. Its Micro Ridge stylus and the reported ability to distinguish changing guitar treble settings support its excellent information retrieval, although direct comments on difficult-groove tracking are limited.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
The cartridge placed Buckley's vocal convincingly around the listening room, making his movement at the microphone easy to visualise. It also delineated orchestral violins with near-clinical precision, although it was less successful at conveying the Mahler recording's venue ambience.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 87/100
Tonearm compatibility and system fit are generally accommodating for a high-output moving-coil design, but careful handling remains important during setup.
Tonearm Compatibility
87/100
At 8.8g with a quoted 14cu compliance and 2.5mV output, the ACE SH should suit a broad range of conventional tonearms and phono stages capable of accommodating high-output MC cartridges. Its threaded mounting holes make fitting easier, but the unprotected stylus and exposed generator leave little room for mounting mistakes.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
Hi-Fi News found the Swiss presentation and supplied accessories reassuringly polished, including a bubble level and miniature stainless-steel screwdriver. Threaded mounting holes simplify installation, but the exposed generator and absence of a stylus guard mean that fitting it demands care.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $795-$900, the ACE SH sits in a serious enthusiast price bracket. The review establishes that it outperformed its group-test rivals for detail and realism, but it does not directly discuss whether that performance makes it especially compelling against similarly priced alternatives.
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Specifications
- Output Voltage
- 2.5 mV
- Stylus shape
- Micro Ridge 5 x 120µm
- Internal ohms
- 90
- Loading range
- >1,000
- Weight
- 8.8 grams
- Compliance
- 14cu (High)
- Tracking
- 1.6-1.9 grams
Manufacturer's Description — Benz Micro Northamerica
The ACE SH is the high output version of the ACE S Class and represents excellence in price/quality ratio for today’s Swiss hand-made cartridges.
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Authorized dealers for Benz Micro Northamerica BENZ MICRO ACE SH
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- A/V Solutions — in-store — Pleasanton, California, United States (website)
- Absolute Hi End — in-store — Ormond, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Aris Audio — in-store — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (website)
- Arizona Hi-Fi — in-store — Phoenix, Arizona, United States (website)
- Assai Audio — in-store — Centro, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio Basic — in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
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