Any word on the Blue Angel "Mantis"?


Hi all! - I am trying a cartridge that raised the bar in my conception of analog reproduction, the "Mantis" is keeping me awake rediscovering my entire vinyl... but I have found not too much information on this South African jewel.

I will appreciate any word regarding this marvel and help me in my investment decision.

Thanking in advance.

Fernando
128x128flg2001
Axel - just for curiosity, would you consider selling to me your 3 5k cartridge?
(you can answer me privately if you wish).

Raul - your note left me speechless and I really can't tell where that
agressiveness came from. I enjoy the music but also my friends. I feel sorry if I
said something that disturbed you in any way and apologize in advance if that
did happen.
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 1 year one has been replaced by Ortofon.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..
Dear Flg2001: There is no " agressiveness " like you say there are IMHO only facts.

My advise to you before you go on other big price cartridge is that you try/test that Ortofon M20FL because IMHO till you have that experience you can understand where is the " music ". I know that you are enjoying what you have as ever in the last " 30 years " and that is good, what I'm telling you with all that " agressiveness " ( sorry for that ): is realy pushing you a little to open a new" window " at your home audio system, the MM/MI alternative is something that can/could like you or not ( after hearing it ) but worth to try it, is part IMHO of our own audio learning curve.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
Thanks Axel/Raul - As I said I already bought the "Mantis" and, to my ears, it is the best analog reproduction I have had in my system.

I will defintely consider listening to MM/MI in the future since I am open to all options (I am currently listening digital thru mi iPOD (WAV files)/Wadia 170i/Reimyo DAC as well) - so you can tell how "open" I am in this regard.

I am sure there are better options out there - I have learned that system sinergy and balance is a critical factor to obtain great performance - and that does not neccesary mean to pour top dollars at each link.

I would like to thank all who privately or thru this thread shared their opinion, it all served to document my decision for the "Mantis".

Regards,

Fernando
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