Hi Nandric,
That is no small disappointment. The Glanz 1G-55R is a notably lower end Glanz and I think the seller needs to refund your money. Maybe it is a genuine mistake and he has simply boxed the items wrongly.
Fingers crossed and let us know.
As always... |
Hi Vetterone,
"It [the MFG 61] is a wonderful sounding cart. Maybe someday I can compare it to a G7. That would be interesting don't you think?"
I will glady supply my contact details if you fancy sending yours on a short journey!
As always... |
Hi Vetterone,
"the 31E does not have the detail or the speed of the 31L but it does have a seduction to the music that will make most listeners smile. As nice as both 31'a are, the 61 is in another league."
I am seriously open to some cross-cartridge exchange, as I am becoming dubious about the ready availability of either the 61 or G7. Maybe we could start with you sending me your model to compare and then I could send you my G7 to the same end. Failing that, I'd still be interested in a copy or scan of any Glanz literature.
Let me know
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
:~)
As always... |
Hi Raul,
I just found your post of 09-21-09 on the MM/MI thread and thought I detected a change in your comments a few years later. This does make me wonder where the intervening problems reside:
"Dear Dgob, You point out the advantages that a integrate headshell cartridge ( like the Glanz you own or the Audio Technica AT-25 or Technics Pc100 and some other MM type cartridges. ) has but I think that you don't mention what IMHO is the more important subject: in a cartridge that comes with a integrated headshell there is no headshell wires/connectors ( at least not in the form we know. ), the connection is more direct and in " theory " less signal degradation that with a so low level signal is something important to care about."
Nothing added or taken away.
As always... |
Hi Raul,
I was only sticking on a point that recurred and I am of course pleased that you accept the possiblity of being wrong (although I am not really sure that I believe it is as simple as being right or wrong when it comes to aesthetic judgements!). I have shared and will no doubt share that position again.
My interest here is only with a piece of equipment, which my auditioning leads me to believe is an excellent performer. Personalities are not an issue. Honestly.
As always... |
Hi Raul,
Am I missing something or did I start this thread (with a clearly announced focus and purpose) and you then select to contribute opinions herer that I cannot appreciate?
Either way, let's keep it to the cartridges under discussion!
As always... |
Hi Raul,
BTW, I was using the term "aesthetic" in its wider Baumgarten sense around sensitivities that include 'sonic beauty' (the limitations of his wider political applications not withstanding). But as I say, let's keep it to catridges and you are welcome not to contribute anything further on this thread: if, as you seem to be suggesting, that is your wish.
However, as long as I find your apparently contradictory criticisms holds concerns that need to be addressed for the benefit of any potential users, I will attempt to address them.
As always... |
Hi All,
Any knowledge of and/or experience with the above noted Glanz tonearms (or about Sibatech) would still be appreciated. Feel free to respond off-site if needs be.
As always... |
Hi All,
Just to note that I had a few friends over for the weekend: two of whom are gifted musicians. On hearing my Glanz G7, they suggested that they 'believed'the performances (including Miltstein's Bach) - meaning that they felt it presented the actual live events.
This was in comparison to my Technics P100c Mk4 and was based on the greater dynamic abilities of the Glanz. The classical guitarist was particularly impressed by the sheer quality of detail/information that was passed through it and how (to paraphrase) 'the music simply did not seem to emanate from mechanical and electronic equipment'. He has heard many manifestations of my systems but this was the first time it was greeted with such shock and awe.
I mention this because it pleased me beyond words. I respect more than I can say their musicianship and honesty and found an unexpected degree of satisfaction. Yes, it was easy for me to appreciate their views because they obviously complied with my own. Nevertheless, I am now even more hopeful that others will be afforded the opportunity to share that experience.
Simply magnificent!!
As always... |
Hi Dover,
I am still using the Audiocraft with its AP300 armwand. If you use this, you need to use its own template to check and adjust the cartridge but once you do so... I would still like to explore other arms to see if there is even more to be eeked out of its performance. I have spoken to Hiroshi at Sibatech who informs me that:
"Mr.Masataka Hamada (Glanz tone arm designer) confirms both G5 and G7 accommodate and suit very well his new tone arm, called “The Glanz”, even in terms of 18g integrated weight (Maximum adaptable weight is 40g)."
However, with financial times still not great, I would love to hear from other (external) parties who have a view on their arms etc. Fingers crossed, that feedback will be quicker in arriving than has any around the G series Glanz.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
I've just bolted the windows.
:~)
But seriously, I have seen a few come up for auction at Yahoo Japan (sadly missing out myself: most often due to time delays and differences). I finally got mine from Tommy at Topclass (Hong Kong). With time, I am certain more will appear and I can at least see dissenting or supporting perspectives.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
Firstly, apologies for my apparent tardiness in responding: personal life and such has had its way.
Anyhow, the best way to follow or use the Japanese market might be to use Google Translation to translate the actual auction sites, their products and bidding and then join up to Rinkya, Japan. They conduct the bidding, which is especially useful for auctions where the seller stipulates Japanes only bidders! They will then arrange for delivery and shipping to you. This it the way that Sinyo123 advised me and it has worked in my case also.
About the range, many thanks for the additional information. I wonder if the 61o and 31o are therefore later models or part of a similar line. Also, what are the differences between ranges (if such they be) and what are their optimised strengths? I know that the 61 is said to use a Shibata - according to the review piece in the noted Grammaphone. I would guess that the 31 L would be the line contact version in keeping with their labelling. Given their range and options, I wonder do they all use Samarium Cobalt magnets and, if so, how many, what types (MGOe) and in which arangements? I am humbled by the amount still for me to learn.
I think that the chart you show has formed a large part in my uncertainties. It misses so many apparently linked cartridges (the G series, 61o, 31o) that I become more curious about the links between these and, of course, the differences. The cartridge database gives the G series but has clear gaps and limitations to its information. Bit by bit, maybe we can piece together the cartridges that represent the Glanz range and their merits.
I do hope so.
As always... |
Hi All,
With nearing 20,000 readers, I am pleased that this thread is still of interest to others. However, I really would appreciate more input - particularly concerning the Glanz tonearms.
The G7 (and G5, although hugely different in performance) is still very much recommended for your 'best of the best' shortlists!
As always... |
Nandric,
Many thanks for the feedback. Good luck with your serach for the 61 and I would, of course, love to hear your results and any further opinions about the Glanz.
Gratefully received
As always... |
Vetterone,
I know what you are saying about the 61 because I feel exactly the same about the G7 (and in different ways, about the G5 - they are so different in various areas and I suspect the G5 would be closer to the MF200). The more I test them the more certain I become of their magnificence and the more frustrated I feel that I cannot find anyone (apart from the Hong Kong retailer) who has experience with these and can/will discuss. Given that, I would dearly love the opportunity to hear the 61 and compare.
I still think that the restraint and control of the bass on the Technics 100Mk4 is slightly superior but the differences are more in accord with distinct venues than distinct or inaccurate renditions of the instrument itself. Again, marvellous! I stand in hope of hearing further from you on these matters.
Do give some form of exchange or audition plan a consideration and thanks for the information.
As always... |
Hi Nandric/All,
On the issue of cartridge comparisons, I am currently optimising my Morch DP-6 tonearm with the kind assistance of Mt. Moerch. As I have told Raul and demonstrated to close friends and family, the combination of the DP-6 and Technics 100 Mk4 cartridge moved my expectations of analogue replay to a new level.
My Glanz G5 and G7 cartridges in my Audio Craft AC3300 LB tonearm are the closest comparison I have come across and the G7/AC3300 seem to exceed the Moerch/Technics combination in certain aspects of their performance. HOWEVER, my Moerch has been a trusty companion for over thirty years and needed optimising. Hence my current preoccupation.
Once I have completed the work, I will be able to run a full comparison of both cartridges and tonearm/cartridge pairings. I'll most likely post my findings and impressions once that is completed.
As always... |
Sorry,
I am not aware of the existence or location of a mount moerch!
I was of course referring to Hans and should have said: "with the kind assistance of Mr. Moerch". |
Hi Nandric,
:~)
I will keep a keen eye out for them and notify you (possibly off site) as soon as I spot anything. Is there a spending price limit that you would set for each of them?
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
If you're sure. Good luck looking and let me know if you find any of these targets and about your consequent impressions.
You're also undoubtedly correct about all Glanz not being exceptional. I can really only vouch for the G5 and G7 (which still stands as their ultimate cartridge in the literature that I have read). Incidentally, I know there is a G3 available for sale at present but have no experience with that model. Maybe worth a punt if you're of the school of trying all of a producers line and not accepting their perception of the pecking order. I know many are.
I'm honestly not certain if the various series were produced by the same engineers or companies and any time line differences. Much to learn.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
I have emailed you the details about the cartridge and hope it turns out well. Do let me know.
On the issue about the similarities across brands and cartridges, I am not so certain. If you look at the patent data that I posted here on 05-30-12, you see that the differences seem to exceed styli alone. I believe that both Glanz and Astatic used Mitachi who - as the OEM - designed to distinct customer specifications and/or conditions at the time/s. And, yes I am acutely aware of Goebbles' maxim concerning the forceful repetition of an inaccuracy leading to it becoming accepted as fact. Yet my logic here relates to the noted patented distinctions, my own auditioning of the top the range models in both makes, and now to the styli distinctions that your reseach has helpfully identified. (On your question, "no" I really don't think there would be any mileage in sharing your findings on this particular matter with Raul.)
As I also suggested in my second post of 05-23-12, there are other grounds why I am not certain of the distinctions between the noted cartridges. I think I've also raised the question on 06-24-12 about distinctions regarding types of magnets and their arrangements.
Yet, as I say, these reflections are based on my noted triangulated logic and need not be wholly accurate: except that the performance distinctions are certainly profound and notable. Maybe your experimentation will prove the case to be otherwise regarding construction and so I'm hopeful that you do get hold of the cartridges and share your findings and impressions. It can only help.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
Sorry, my points only relate to the Glanz G series and their distinctions really and I should have made that clear. My triangulation only works in that domain - no real experience with the others (only the specified Astatic and Glanz): although I have observed the cosmetic similarities between the Glanz MFG and Astatic MF ranges. I think your logic and experience here seem sound.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
All I can really say is that the Glanz G series are designed with the aid of fortune. By this I mean that they are perfect fits for the Audio Craft AC3300 LB tonearms (with AP300 wand) and can be checked against their own protractor. My fortune was simply to have tried it on the AC3300 in the first effort and JOY!
I am certain you could find similar fits with other arms but I simply have had no need to assess their stunning performance in any other combination. Maybe it would be a fine fit on one of your other arms. I know that the only expert that I know on my cartridges (G series) suggested they might also be a good fit on the SME 3012R. I do hope you have the opportunity to try one to assess their performance for yourself. You already have some experience of the direction that these cartridges take you musically and I share your positive and mature assessment of that experience.
As always... |
Banquo363,
I appreciate what you are saying but with the Glanz G series and AC3300 there is no error. It is, as my expert had asserted from the start, a precise match for the Audio Craft template and their performance in this combination really needs to be heard to be appreciated. I suspect you can find such a tonearm match for your Sony if you feel it merits it and have a mind to undertake the necessary work.
Either way, happy listening and good luck.
As always... |
Hi Banquo363,
No inference drawn but my point still stands. You're obviously mature and intelligent enough to appreciate what you hear and, equally, what you read. My Glanz operate the way they do because I fell upon the correct combination and I was only trying to confirm that finding the correct arm/cartridge combination is no more essential with the integrated cartridges than it is in optimising their stand alone brethren.
I recall that without electricity even the finest equipment is just scrap metal and therefore realise that there are always interdependencies in our hobby. And againm we should be acutely aware of Geobbels' contention that if one asserts an inaccuracy with sufficient force, many will accept it as fact.
As always... |
Banquo363,
Equally, I accept your point about Sony's thinking. It is a thinking shared by Glanz and Nagaoka (except both emphasise the importance of correct VTF and overhang) - to name two brands that I know of. I also accept completely that your ears and the intelligence that informs them must be the final arbiter.
No offence intended and pleased that you found your way to my Glanz thread. Sensible contributions are always welcome.
As always... |
Banquo363,
:~)
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
You have precisely interpreted my intention.
Thanks
As always... |
Raul,
I appreciate your restatement of some of your concerns. I have already tried to explain that when considering "the importance of VTA/SRA/VTF/AZ/Overhang and accuracy in all those parameters" the Glanz/AC3300 LB combination has no concerns.
I do not believe in argumentation and, as a minimalist, I don't enjoy repeating myself. Repetition rarely convinces and so I will leave it to others to listen and/or read, consider and decide as they will. Was it ever but thus...
As always... |
Alright posters,
Just to depersonalise this and bring it back on point: there is no error in setting of the Glanz G series on the Audio Craft arm and concerns about the (apparently still unheard) performance of the cartridges in question can therefore not be brought down to alignment induced distortion. Of course, this does not preclude other arms being suitable matches but the steel template that comes with the AC3300 LB (not to mention extensive auditioning) leaves no doubt about accuracy.
Just saying.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
Sorry, I just realised that I might have misread your post as questioning my general sanity when it seems you were actually questioning whether I was annoyed with the MM thread. If that is the case, my answer is "no". Sadly, I have turned my attentions elsewhere recently and so do not find the time to follow or respond to much of the interesting commentary on there. I do still try and follow it when the time and inclination allow though.
As always... |
Oh well,
I tried!!
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
True, but I thought the actual auction answered your point and so felt it insignificant.
As always... |
"Just when I think I'm out, they drag me back in".
Axel has revamped an Acutex 420 STR and sent it to me. When put on an Audio Technica MG-10 magnesium headshell on my AC3300 LB, it is simply a great cartridge. I recommend anyone who already owns this cartridge to consider sending it to Axel for changes.
A worthy contender
As always... |
Timeltel,
"Now, out of respect for Dgob shall we return to the discussion".
Don't mind me.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
"Dear Dgob, We will return to your 'thematics' as soon as anyone succeed to find any of those misterious Glanz carts."
Totally acceptable by me and no sarcasm intended in my response to Timeltel. Just reading it back I can see how I might have lent to that impression.
As always... |
Hi Acman3,
Just ask him to make the adjustments that he made to my (Desmond Bailey) 420. I can see that this involves a new stylus and cantilever but am not certain what else it involves. I know that the last revamp had his most exotic and expensive stylus but I was not fully satisfied with this. Unlike that shibata tip this one is elliptical (I know this denies logic) and the performance is much warmer (more midrange detail) while maintaining the tracking and staging abilities of the original. I hope this helps and let me know if I can be of any assistance or how it goes for you.
As always... |
Hi All,
On the performance of the Morch/Technics, I recalled a conversation with Raul where he asked me: "In the other side: why do you think the 100CMK4 performs fine only in that tonearm?"
My response read:
"Hi Raul,
I don't know if it's because that is the only option I have which does not need additional (headshell) wire connectors, no seperate headshell or some other feature(s) but the detail and balance that I acquire with the Morch/100Mk4 combination far exceeds the other options that I've tried. It just seems near perfect (especially concering detail retrieval and timbral accuracy). A good example would be the fantastic aspects (cymbals, percussion etc) that you get from the Andante P76, the transient speed you get from say the XV1s and the midrange texture you get from the 1000 ZE/X plus a detailed and unbloomed bass. I can get aspects of these from the 100Mk4 with other tonearm and headshell combinations but not all of them in any other single combination. Indeed, I have apparently convinced Jonathan Carr to try this combination for himself and I do hope he likes it as much as I do. If you haven't got around to giving it a go, I would value your view on the combination."
I think that points you in the general direction of the performance to which I have referred above and I hope it can stand by way of a proper review.
As always... |
Hi All,
Sorry but one final(ish) word of reflection on the above themes.
My reference to the greater refinement of the Technics set up over the Glanz one, can be 'partially' understood in the light of the notable distinctions in (Technics 1.2 mv/Glanz 4.2 mv) their output voltage.
When I note that apparently heightened refinement a better way of appreciating what I am trying to get at might also be to follow the Martin Colloms assessment in light of a perspective obtained from 'distinct seating positions in the same venue'. The Glanz is more front row perspective and the Technics more mid-stalls.
I have already suggested the importance of venue differentiations and some relevant literature (on Raul's MM/MI thread) when assessing component performance and their proximity to a "real life musical performance". These two options bring that distinction and the supporting literature into startling relief. In that perspective the Glanz might be seen as offering the perspective more of a stage side table in your favourite jazz bar compared to the Technics offering more of a back of hall perspective in a large and more acoustically treated hall. Both unbelievably great. And both with my sincerest recommendation.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
:~). I appreciate the point but I really do believe that all the noted components will come up for sale in the future. Every item that I have sought I have managed to obtain sooner or later (MC's obviously withstanding, as I am about to become manic in a whole new way!)
If I come across them before you do, I will drop you a line.
As always... |
Hi Timeltel,
Thanks for the link, it fits well into these sources: http://www.vinylengine.com/search_results.php?cx=partner-pub-3664363573068202%3Aic4isxra6dt&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Glanz&sa=Search.
Have you seen any of the models going? I believe the MFG 71L is the closest to the G7 - with only slightly lower performance statistics. I'd be interested in hearing anyone's view on its performance. As I think I've said, the G7 seems to me to be at the pinnacle of MM/MI technology and must still be (or will at some point 'become') available. I'm keen to hear the response when someone else lays their hands and then ears on one.
As always... |
Hi All,
At 33,000 readers, I hope this thread inspires others among you to explore the G5 and G7 cartridges. I know that one amongst our numbers now has the former and I look forward to hearing his impressions once set-up and run in optimisation has been achieved. Either way, it will be good to have company.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
On my sanity, I'm not fully certain and see no way of answering that: a mad man rarely thinks he is thus (rather like turkeys being asked to vote for Thanksgiving).
But the changes do have a major impact on the cartridge. The main change is in the midrange and seeing as that was the only area in which I was unhappy with the original, it seems a major change to me. As I said, it has amazing staging and tracking abilities and this means that the resolution in large scale orchestral works (I cite Mahler's 8th - Solti, Decca as a litmus test here. Just compare its rendition of the colour and detail, say on Side 1, to renditions of the same by other top cartridges) is phenomenal.
I'd therefore still suggest that it's worth a try if you already own the 420 STR and, like myself and a few other present or former owners, are not fully satisfied with its performance.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
I am really, really pleased that you also now own this gem. I cannot say just how much I still believe the G5 will reward you in the days ahead.
It's also great to have another tonearm (the FR-64 S)through which I can compare its performance. I look forward to swapping notes and impressions.
As always... |
Hi Halcro,
I hope to be listening to great music when those outcomes manifest:)
If I see another one come up before you do, I will let you know.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
I think you can put away your guns: for now ;~)
As always... |
Hi All,
Just to let you all know that I see that there has been some noise made about the Spectral Moving Coil Reference (MCR-1) cartridge on the MM/MI thread. I have an original blue bodied MCR-1 available at present. It served me well for many years.
Sadly, I sent it to a potential buyer in Italy some time ago and he returned it "without" the stylus [Claim? "the infamous Italian postal service"]. Still, it is in perfect condition apart from that and I am certain that Axel could quite easily replace the stylus if anyone is interested. Feel free to contact me and I am certain we can come to some arrangement for its purchase.
As always... |
For anyone interested, there is currently an Audio Technica ATML-170 OCC for sale on eBay UK. |
Hi Audpulse,
I think you must have post while I was posting my above response to Acman3 and Nandric.
I hope that helps but let me know if you think I can help in any other way.
As always... |
Hi Nandric,
I think the issue of Agon holding posts has played a part here. If you start a thread (as in this Glanz one) any comment you post on this is automatically listed. However, if you submit on another person's thread (as in the MM/MI one), they hold it in moderation for a while (between 4 and 8 hours). I had originally posted on both threads simultaneously.
Regarding the revamp, it is possible that other people are getting what I get now from their original 420s. I'm not certain and so my suggestion is really only for those who feel that there are clear performance limitations on the original. I share your reluctance to over egg and omelette or retip a perfectly fine original stylus.
As always... |
