Fremer's review of the Anna cartridge

Mike I think people have just taken notice of an 'outlier' from the norm review of an expensive piece of gear ($8K cart) that was defective multiple times. It naturally raises concern about quality control of this specific model - not Ortofon in general.

Clearly Ortofon is stretching the boundaries of manufacturing with the Anna and its complex, sophisticated design. I also think that a 14 mo review from you about its great sound and zero problems along with a few others you know with the Anna having a similar good experience is very important to the discussion.

I also think Jeff Catalano at HWS has been spinning an Anna for a few months without any issues too.

Again probably the Fremer experience was an 'outlier' but justifiably unnerving. And good experiences like yours is great to hear and reassure propsective buyers. I have no doubt that someone from Ortofon has to be watching this thread (those industry guys in high end are everywhere!).

By the way, as much venom and lack of objectivity that Romy the Cat guy spews, why would anyone listen to him? Credibitlity factor is low with that guy from what I have read from him. Strong opinions, objectivity lacking.

I have NOT heard the Anna. I have to use my imagination to construct its sound based on reviews and opinion. So far it sounds fine in my head but it does need VTA adjustment.

Yeah Wolf, I haven't heard it either. And at $8500 its out of my price range. But when Mike says its the best sounding cart he's had in his system (and I believe my memory serves he's had some stellar ones) then the Anna must be something. And for the price, she better be!

I probably won't get to hear an Anna until I go to one of the audio shows. And even then, I really won't know what I am hearing as the room and associated gear I will likely not be familiar with. Sigh.....

Mikelavigne, my post about relevancy was meant as humor. My true opinion on this topic is contained in my earlier post dated 5/5. As an actual owner/user of the Anna I welcome your comments. I can only speculate as to whether the OP welcomes your comments in that he seems to have made up his mind, along with others, about the Anna "debacle". Yes, someone actually used that word to describe the course of events outlined in the review.

As a general comment, I still think genius exists more in the ability to make great things that aren't "cost no object" and work really well. I'm often stunned at how beautiful my analog rig sounds with great recordings...and the used Linn/Akito table (rewired with a Jelco Mogami din cable) with a newer Sumiko Pearl (laughably inexpensive) into a Cambridge 640p absolutely astonishes. The State of the Art is always interesting, but when lunacy takes over as it did with Fremer's article there is just too much mirth to ignore.