Fxxx
y.a.:
>> Axel - just for curiosity, would you consider selling to me your 3.5k cartridge? <<
Yes, though it will be a brand new cart as my 'old' < 1 year one has been replaced by Ortofon.
So, you could just as well buy a new Windfeld?
I guess if not sold, it will become some sort of Audio trophy.. |
If you can get it for a 'sane' price? I've only heard good reports about it --- (but not exactly for $5k as it was offered some time ago)
Some seem to get it either discounted OR there are those cheaper versions (in fact there are, same motor I think, but anodised ALU housing only i.e. no fancy African 'wood-works') |
Mike Fremer reviewed one model rather favourably, plus there is other detail on the manufacturers web-site.
Greetings, |
Hi,
if I'm right, for ~ $1.700 of the snake-wood (alu cantilever) item it seems a very good cart for fair (MC) money.
Some dude offering it for $5'000, as could be seen on the web, was obviously trying to make a quick buck. |
Hi Raul,
(MC) money = money for MC carts, which is usually 5 - 10 times more then for MM carts.
BUT, --- if you MUST HAVE an MC, for what ever reason and motivation, it seems 1.7k for the Mantis is fine?
Quickly compare it to the cost of e.g. a Jubilee +/- same price but lesser claimed performance, or Windfeld >3.5k +/- equal performance, which is what I was trying to express.
AND, note both these carts mentioned are considered to be a BARGAIN for comparable MCs, yes?
There is this thread about the high cost of MC and all explanations including J.Carr who is doing it mostly for the love of it, as he explained. How can you pay less for an MC and not feel very touched by the suffering of those poor dealers, designers and manufactures? Raul...
Do a good thing and support them, 1.7k is not so much 'tithing', no?
To go pay 10k$ - 20k$ MC 'tithing' is only for those generous souls that want and can afford it.
Now, if everyone will go change to MM, the MC cart industry will collapse, is that what you ask? Not a good thing to loose choice I think.
Greetings, |
Dear Raul:
y.s.:
>> I always " see " at the MM like an alternative/choice <<
oh yes, you take the words out of my mouth!
It's just a bit tricky, and if cost conscious much more so, to put "fair" value to an MC, isn't it?
So the only way I attempt to do it now, is consider them quite separately in terms of cost and this was the basis of my comment of the snake-wood Mantis to be fair (MC)-value at 1.7k$.
If you have a different assessment I like to you to please share it with us.
Thanks,
Axel |
Fernando
y.s.:
>>> I don't mind if this is an MC or an MM cartridge <<<
And if it costs 10x more? No sweat?
I'd take the MM and get more vinyl for the balance...
Cheers, |
Hi Flg2001
the figure last mentioned (by me for) the snake-wood cart with alu cantilever was ~ $1'800, and I'd also mentioned it was a "fair" price in deed for a good MC.
Raul had a small issue with this, so I explained my take in a follow-up.
Yet, I have a cart that sounds as good as a good 1.8k$ cart and it cost $150 --- NOS "M20FL super" --- and that is where I'm coming from, and that is what Raul had in mind also when I'd called the MC price fair, which I still think it is, going simply by what MCs go for these days.
Now you mention 'south of 5k$' -- hell that's a long way to go in getting to 1.8k$, so I'm not TOO sure if there was too much left for vinyl, which like hell it is looking at a 150$ NOS MI (moving iron) cart.
Cheers, |
Just for some interest and still on the M20FL super subject.
My Audio friend, a VERY fussy stickler to sound performance and owner of Transfiguration Orpheus-L has heard both carts in my system and conceded that the M20FL was doing A LOT of things better the his Orpheus! (I'm shocked) ---- he also agreed with my earlier statement of the M20FL bettering a Kontrapunkt-B, and being at least on a level with a Jubilee performance, possibly even slightly better.
What more to say then, that MCs are just in another -cost- but not -value- bracket?
(I do own a ~ 3.5k$ MC just to mention)
Greetings, |
Flg2001
as I said earlier, a 2.2k Mantis (snake-wood or what ever)seems a very good MC pick, and that is MC-fine in every respect.
If it was 5k as advertised by some 'operator(s)' I'd be not so sure of course.
In fact there will be very few, I any MCs at that price point giving you the performance you found.
Visit my recent post on: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&&&&&st450
Starting with: "Lewm, well thank you, --" ... were I gave some impressions of mine on the odd 'MC competition' at this price point and you might be pleased :-)
Axel |
Chosenhandle,
hm, that 'smells' like some $$$ issue to me.
Again, if his stuff was moved at 5k then again going a ~ 2k also, maybe he is not interested in too much low profit business after all?
I'd be little surprised you'd get service for 5k...
I guess, he also has to pay the rent ---- and then he might be 'full up' with orders and good for him. Get a M20FL super for 150$ in the meantime and give the man a break to catch up with his orders :-)
Axel |
Davidsss,
y.s.:
>>> ...I came here to discuss the Mantis, not some other cart, please start your own thread. <<<
So you did, didn't you!
Thanks for sharing this detail, hey!
Now back to this strictly limited, and nothing other then Mantis subject:
Chosenhandle,
One of my dealers in Durban had one (nake-wood) in good condition not too long ago. So if you are interested I can give you his email of line.
Greetings,
PS: DS, now I hope I was not trespassing YOUR subject, my oh my. |
