Glanz moving magnet cartridges

One of my earliest systems had a croft preamp-phonostage with a Leak ST60 amp. I still have fond memories.

Welcome aboard

Thanks Dgob - just putting my system details together - will upload piccies later. Have 2 systems the OL/Croft/Cyrus/Epos and a Quad 67 CD - Quad 33/FM3/303/ heavily breathed on by Net-Audio (http://www.net-audio.co.uk/) - Quad 21L's - very nice.

Steve

OK so the Astatic MF-100 is now installed in my OL Silver II tonearm having flown across the pond and displaced my AT 150MLX. Import duty/Customs charges were a bit steep! Setup and installation was straight forward although the stylus tip is difficult to visualise on the alignment gauge. Tracking force is hyper-critical I think with this unit. 1.3g seems the best compromise and at this it tracks 3 out of 4 of the Hi-Fi news bias test tracks 100% with zero bias applied - test track 4 is a bit of a torture but this is still better than the AT 150 MLX which was pretty good and seems as good as the MusicMaker III. First impressions are very favourable. Presentation is very different to the AT 150MLX. Very neutral but still dynamic with great timing and poise. Bass is deep and tuneful, highs very detailed without being harsh and the midrange is sublime. More revealing than the AT 150MLX, more layers and fine "background" detail is audible. Perhaps biggest improvement is in the expression of voices - far more nuance and emotion than I have heard before. Before listening I was a bit worried it might sound a bit flat - previously I had an Ortofon Rohman bought unheard but on recommendation and I hated it - dull as dishwater but the MF-100 just seems to do everything right although very early days. My only "criticism/concern" is that it sits very low on the record and the slightest warp knocks on the base of the unit - at tracking weight of 1.5g (max) this was not uncommon - much less at 1.3g but still occurs. Not tried at 1.0g (min) as tracking fell off.
Anyway, a very pleasing first impression and I am sure it will get better the longer I listen. Thanks to Raul for his recommendation as otherwise I doubt I would have taken the plunge.

Steve

Steve,

Congratulations and happy to have been of help. Be mindful of compliance on the Astatic and positive VTA and it should reward behond your expectations.

Do keep an eye out for a Glanz. Owners rarely sell these but if you're patiant and can find one, these will open your eyes to new musical vistas - at least they have done so with mine.

Happy listening

Thanks Dgob - yes you are absolutely right on both counts. I initially setup the VTA/SRA with tonearm parallel to record and was pleased - then read that shibata stylus likes a high VTA to work best - I have a pete riggle VTAF on my arm so increasing VTA was easy - hit the sweet spot with just over 1/4 inch arm raise - wow! Also seemed to "cure" the previous tendency for the cartridge to bottom out on a warp.
Which Glanz would you suggest I look out for?

Regards
Steve