Hi All,
Just a quick noted about the design of the G series Glanz cartridges. The distance between stylus tip and end of afixed headshell is 50mm. It uses silver connector cables in the headshell. Once afixed to your tonearm, the key issue is that the tonearm is exactly set at its correct mounting distance. You then need to ensure VTA and VTF.
Once you achieve these (very simple) tasks, the cartridges are designed to operate at their optimum. Regardless of tonearm recommended overhang parameters (and here one of course recalls the error in the Ikeda IT407 tonearm set up instructions and template!!), the cartridge headshell design will be at its optimum. You will, for example notice that off set is accurate at both null points.
It is not a cartridge for the uncreative nor for the hifi obsessed: because you will need to use your ear (and/or those of professional musicians or piano tuners - as is my case) and follow the above instructions above anything else. What it/they are is a tool with an unrivalled - in my experience - ability to convey live music in a manner that recaptures live performances at specific venues where I have experienced these.
However, forget any dogma and - as I suggested to the last poster - let your ears guide you. They are VERY special. |
Raul,
I hear your opinion and appreciate the received logic that underpins it. It is too difficult to explain the lengths and depth of testing that this has gone through.
Really, and honestly, if you get the chance you need to hear this cartridge. The design of cartridge in headshell was in fact the preferred manafacturer's set up and the performance statistics are also higher on these G series cartridges.
Some say that a millimetre here or there is not essential but for me that is "way off". You might differ but you really would not be able to question the performance of the Glanz G5. I know your commentary well enough to be certain that you would not want to continue to talk from a position of ignorance and I'm sure you will let the cartridge speak for itself - when you get a chance.
The entire frequency range is far superior to so many of the popular cartridges that I expect nothing but complete satisfaction and I am willing to be that you will love it (or the G7, MFG-71E or MFG-71L, assuming the G7 to be superior according to performance statistics).
Thanks for your kind comments they are always interesting and you will no doubt be surprised. |
Dear Dgob: +++++ " his means that overhang and off-set are way off the standard and, obviously, cannot be adjusted in their permanent headshell. " +++++
now I can see why a similar cartridge design than the Astatic MF line could sounds different and especially when the G-5 is not the top of the line.
I had, at least, two similar experiences with two cartridges ( FR-702 and Nagatron 350E. ) where ( by " accident ". ) the overhang and offset cartridge set up were way off.
In both cases ( and not over the full frequency range. ) I was really happy for what I was hearing ( especially on treble. ) that I never heard it with any other cartridge at that top quality performance.
I heard the FR-702 for more than two weeks and I was so " happy/satisfied " that I did not aware of what was happening and was unaware of the " problems " in the other frequency ranges but after that time to hearing one day I take in count that something was wrong with what I was hearing and then check the cartridge set-up and take in count the " wrong " set-up ( with the Nagatron it take me 4 days to be aware on that wrong set-up. ) and made the cartridge set-up according the " rules ".
At the beguining I feel that I was missing something ( that treble especial performance. ) but after two-three hours everything comes in place and for the better.
What happen when we have a cartridge set-up out of target ( way off. )? the distortions ( every kind )/tracking error ( between other things. ) goes up and that's what you are hearing.
Some of those distortions could gives to the cartridge performance more " transparency "/better higs/extended/etc but are only distortions not music on the recording.
In your cartridge sample an additional source of distortion are the internal cartridge headshell wires.
That you like those higher distortions against other lower distortion cartridges performance is IMHO not the subject, you have the right to like or dislike what ever you want.
Of course that this is only an opinion with foundation on similar experiences.
Anyway, the important subject is what you think because is you who have to live with that kind of " distortions " and if you like it then go a head.
Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul. |
I have been testing the Glanz G5 extensively and I've grown more impressed with each comparison that it has undergone in relation to other renowned cartridges.
A curiousity around its stellar performance is the fact that I use mine in my Audiocraft AC3300 tonearm with the s-shaped wand. This means that overhang and off-set are way off the standard and, obviously, cannot be adjusted in their permanent headshell. Nevertheless, the Glanz outperforms everything that has been reviewed in comparison to it. This finding being based on my own criteria of assessment and reference to specific live performances at familiar venues. Simply phenomenal but difficult to find!!!
If the Glanz G7 is indeed an improvement on my G5, my mind is literally boggled. I should suggest that although the G7 claims better performance parameters statistically, you need always to be careful in following these as the sign of a better cartridge. Similarly, one needs to be careful in accepting a manufacturer's necessarily claimed hierachy of its products. These often fall back on a parameter of improved statistical behaviour, with prices and performance being seen as increasing year-on-year. Only careful auditioning will tell the true tale (a case in point here being the ADC XLM range).
If you get the chance and love live music (and your system is generally up to it), the Glanz G5 cartridge simply demands your attention. |
I just lost out on a bid for a Glanz G7. Believe it or not, I fell to sleep and missed being outbid at the close of the auction (it closed at 3:55am local time). I feel physically sick over this. The struggle continues - with slightly less happiness at this particular moment:~( |
Many expert threads run on other sites and one that might be useful in considering issues of capacitance and cartridge loading is: http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6674
I hope this leads to offering some help |
Anyone interested in a decent cartridge who cannot get hold of a GLanz, might be interested in this: http://cgi.ebay.com/High-End-MI-Cartridge-EMPIRE-1000GT-NOS_W0QQitemZ190343705632QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c515e7420
Good luck |
Alec,
Could you direct me towards the picture you posted (URL)?
Many thanks for your refreshing feedback in what was looking like a complete drought |
I don't know the Glanz line, but I have Astatic MF-100 and MF-200 cartridges. They are exceptionally fine, IMHO. The sound is similar to a Grado Signature 8, but with better extension at both ends. I posted a pic on Vinyl engine of that odd pivot through the top of the widely tapered cantilever. The patent referred to previously shows it (thanks).
Cheers,
Alec |
Is there anybody out there??? |
Siniy123,
When you note that, "In my opinion Glanz G7 is basically is Glanz MFG-71L, which is same as Astatic MF-100", the Vinyl Engine article gives quite distinct characteristics and suggests that the G series of Glanz are superior (at least as far as calibrated measurements are concerned).
I've already posted this on Raul's 'MM v MC' thread but would just like to repeat my plea for any information on the Glanz G5, G7 or MFG-71E or L.
Many thanks |
All,
Just one additional factor that makes the Glanz G5 a true joy: so long as the tonearm mounting position is spot on you just need to set VTF and VTA. Everything else (SRA and overhang) disappear as issues. Given what I am hearing at this early point, this begs the question, why were more top range cartridges not built with an integrated headshell and the loss of the usual set up dramatics??
Oh well... |
Siniy123,
Many thanks again. I am currently using it to excellent effect in a high mass tonearm. However, I really want more rigorous information and comparisons as a key part of the learning curve that I am hoping to go on with this remarkable cartridge.
My interest is proportional to my surprise and pleasure at getting acquainted with this most unexpected arrival. I do not know (ie. have not knowingly heard) the Astatic range but if it truly compares in performance, just excellent.
Any first hand experience or even second or third hand experience with the G range of Glanz cartridges (and/or with the MFG line) would therefore be just brilliant. All contributions are exceptionally welcome.
Kindly |
Dgob,
I guess you are talking about Glanz G series of cartridges - integrated into headshell. For many integrated cartridges the overhang adjustment is possible, e.g.: Audio Technica AT-25, Technics Technics EPC-205Cmk3. I'm not sure about Glanz G series. What is the distance from tonearm connector to stylus tip in your G5?
I link Glanz MFG and Astatic MF series by the fact that they look alike, the stylus assembly look alike and spec are the same.
Regarding the tonearm for my Astatic MF-100. I had a difficulty to match it at first (technics 1200, Micro Ma-505), but I found that tonearms with effective mass above 16 g should tried first. For example: there is excellent match between my Kenwood L-07D tonearm and this Astatic. One of my other friends reported that it works very good on his Audio Technica 1503 tonearm. Both of them have effective mass around 19 g.
Hope this helps. |
Thermonicavenger,
Many thanks for that. No, anything you can tell me about the MFG line will also prove very useful - as with anything else that you might glean in the days ahead concerning Glanz in general and the G line in particular.
All and any contributions welcome |
Siniy123,
Many thanks again. Is there anywhere that I might find the Astatic MF series linked to the Glanz line? Also, as always, anything further would be truly appreciated.
For example, is it true that you cannot set effective length/overhang nor SRA with a glanz cartridge but that they operate wherever the tonearm drops them - as long as the tonearm is set at its correct position? What tonearm/s play best with the Glanz and all the other questions about performance, peception and comparisons...?
Any help... |
Here is the USA patent that registered by Mitachi corp and used in Astatic MF series
http://www.google.com/patents?vid=USPAT4123067 |
I unfortunately am still looking for that brochure. My experience is only with MFG line so I cannot comment on the G line. Cheers |
Thrmonicavenger,
Many thanks for this. Do you know about any difference in sound and performance between the MFG line and the G line? Also, do you recall how the two lines were esteemed at that time?
Raul,
Again, many thanks. I think that is correct and would tie in with my above suggestion about producer/owner distinction. I respect the technological fervour of both Japanese and German engineering. The word "precision" can hardly be used without these two nations springing to mind.
No, my interest is in knowing the tool that I am about to use. Ultimately, I'd hope to be in dialogue with users who can advise and recommend on issues such as tonearm matching, general set up and performance characteristics.
In the meantime,knowing the history of its production and its standing within its line and time is an interesting part of this learning experience. I am amazing grateful for all contributions and any scap of informaion would stil be welcome.
Thanks all |
Dear Dgob: You have to re-read the Vinylengine paper about.
That someone say its " German " could not means is made in germany, in those times almost all cartridges was made in Japan ( OEM too. ). Btw, what difference can make if was made in Germany or Japan?
Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul. |
Glanz are a moving flux design I will dig out the little brochure I have when I find it tomorrow. What I remember is they sounded pretty damn good for the money. I owned a MFG 71S and it rocked. I found a MFG 71E with a busted cantilever and I keep it just in case I find a replacement somewhere. Replacement stylus/Cantilever on these just snap into place. My front of house is worth $55,000 so that should be recommendation enough. Cheers |
Hi All,
I just had another thought. The G5 and G3 cartridges are not noted in the French review of the Glanz range. Could these products be later, German productions?
I'm dubious about that argument though, if only due to the serialisation of the range. Would Glanz (Japan) make a G1 and G7 skipping the G3 and G5 for these latter two to be subsequently produced (German)? I doubt it and believe they are all the same manufacturer (even if only German 'owned'). However, you can see my confusion and need for clarification!
Again, any help really appreciated
Many thanks in hope and anticipation |
Todd,
Many thanks. I saw this but am very dubious about it.
All,
In fact, I have already seen all of these pieces (for which I am truly grateful) and this only heightened my curiousity.
The claim that Glanz is German would seem to be substantiated by the name of the range: "glanz". However, the pieces from Vinylengine and the cartridge data base make explicit claims about it being a Japanese product. Maybe the Astatic link would be the answer (meaning, Japanese made under/for a German owned company).
Raul,
They are all cited as being moving magnets. Even the Japanese retailer from whom I bought mine has them down as Japanese made moving magnets. What makes you think they are moving flux (or, excuse my unabashed technical ignorance but, are they the same thing?)?
Please keep an eye out and if anything further can be found out (maybe by a former owner), it would be hugely appreciated
Many thanks |
Dear Storyboy: Reading here: http://www.vinylengine.com/library/glanz/cartridge-data.shtml
and seen the cartridge/headshell picture looks like an Astatic and both operate in the same priciple: Movin Flux, so it seems that you are right.
Regards and enjoy the music,
raul. |
Dear Storyboy: Just curios: Where do you read what you posted? or how do you know that Glanz is Astatic?, thank you.
regards and enjoy the music,
Raul. |
|
Some of the Glanz were actually Astatic MF series cartridges. |
Not much but it is a start. GlanzRegards, Todd |
