Who is Michael Fremers'


Okay sometimes I just got bored and like to poke fun. Let us all send in our guess as to who in Mexico owns an Allerts MC2 and loaned it to Uncle Mikey for review? No personal attacks please. (May Issue Stereophile Vol.3, No.5; Analog Corner)
gregadd
Dear Gregadd: Sorry to take your thread for this:

Some Agoner send me an email asking for something ( Brinkman/Transrotor ) unfortunatelly my computer blokade his email and I losted ( I'm terrible with computers ), please email me again.

Regards and enjoy the music.

Raul.
I like the Michael Fremmers. He very nice man, I think. I watch the DVD movie program he make and have hand party explosion while I watch him talk records.
Audiopile.... If you don't have anything good to say, why say anything???

Chris
I've had many private conversations w/ Audiofiel, and want to assure all of you, he's not mean-spirited. Like him, I too have a rather low 'silliness' threshold. Unlike him, I choose to just smile and ignore it -- most of the time ;--)
Audiofiel you must be busy at xmas time. You have perfected the role of Scrooge. "Bah Humbug"(-:
>>I feel alot better about my past "dumb" posts!Maybe they weren't so bad afterall.<<

Yes they were dweeby. Don't underestimate yourself.

Ebalog - I found particularly cogent your comments about reviews and reviewing. Permit me to add to them based on my own experience.

1. The best reviews are those whose authors approach them as an expository rather than an editorial activity.

2. You don't need jewel encrusted cochlea to be a reviewer, but you do need the ability to reflect on your own awareness of sonic phenomena and put those reflexions into words in a way that communicates them to others.

3. A reviewer needs a reasonably descriptive vocabulary for assessing sound - one that he is willing to be accountable to over time. This can take some real work and sometimes separates the casual forum commentator from the rigors of formal reviewing. (Whatever else you may think of him, Harry Pearson has done seminal work here, both in developing a vocabulary and educating readers in its meaning.) Describing a component as, for example, 'musical' doesn't impart much information to a reader.

A shared vocabulary gives us a start on validating our experience in a common world. I'm unwilling to presume I communicate effectively all the time. Therefore, seeking validation from others about my "opinions" (my words describing what I hear) is not (for me anyway) a shortcoming but a means for improving my descriptions both to them and to myself about what it is I perceive.

4. Any review worth its salt will explicitly reference the music on which its sonic comments are based. "In the opening bars of 'The Storm', the fourth movement of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony, as performed by The Berlin Philharmonic with Andre Cluytens (EMI ALP XXX), I heard .......". This at least provides the reader an opportunity to use the same source material and gauge the extent to which their percepts match the reviewer's, regardless of system or room differences.

5. Fwiw, I've never known a reviewer who has not urged his reader to listen for himself.

If "valid" means cogent or efficacious or based on sound reasoning, the fact that everyone can have an opinion does not rank each equally valid. When someone regularly describes components that I've heard in terms that I understand and can agree with, I'm more likely to accept what they say about a component I have not heard.

Across the years, the marketplace of audiophile opinion has conferred a certain authority to Mr. Fremer's reviews. This does not mean everyone always concurs with his written descriptions of what he hears, but in general many do and many have found his views helpful. Personally I think the analog community would be lesser in his absence.

Tim
What's keeps me reading Analog Corner is that you do participate in the "community" of Audiophiliacs! As for the Stereophile "over-exposure" of Musical Fidelity, FINE by me! When I came to the States Anthony Michaelson personally put a US transformer into my The Preamp - 23 years ago mind you - F.O.C with the request I write to The Rags highlighting the importance of a pre-amp. Happy to oblige. Another person with a mission. Why should not such people make money?
On the other hand the air is somewhat rareified in your neck of the woods, so I guess things like the Bellari VP129 hum problems got ignored. so one was required to experiment to solve the problem: I did eventually. Is that not the stuff of Audiophilia?!It could of course be that with super-hi-end equipment such didn't even occur: in which case my apologies; chance of a follow-up review?
Shane,

I stopped listening to Vinyl these days. What??? Yes yes yes. Been busy w. a distraction where I don't want to pick up a stylus at the end of a record. How I love CD/SACD in those rare times.

Truth be told, I just love the SQ, ZYX combo. The Denon is just sitting. I don't want to recalibrate my arm for the Denon & take off the Jade. The Jade gets 40% playtime compared to 50% for the ZYX & 10% CD.

Once the new arm comes the Jade or ZYX will move around and then the Denon will get some playtime & maybe break in.

A funny note. As some of you know, I live abroad and don't get my Stereophile in hand until I travel to the US. I did not get to read the review of the Raven AC, but instead had a friend read it to me. As he was reading it he skipped over parts. He then mentioned that the Raven A/C was closed in on the treble. I started laughing. I was like, he must be using the Millenium Mat which gives a darker/warmer balance. Then I read the review myself a few weeks later. Basically, the review echoes my experience exactly. I have noticed this on a few occasions. That basically says it all. Is it an absolute? No. But it shows that the reader must question the review and read it carefully to understand what is often between the lines. For a reviewer to truly knock on a product it really must be bad. They can put someone out of business. They need to be even handed and diplomatic.
Darren / all - agree in spades

"The Dynavector XV-1s is a perfect example. Loved by most, but hated by a few. Is it the tonearm? Does the person have the right system? Can we trust the person's ears or listening bias? Maybe it was just bad luck "

I am a classic example of listening bias. I have owned the dyna XV1 for 6 years or so now, so call me an early adopter I guess. I went up the dyna line from XX-2, te kaitora to finally the XV-1 in 2001.

late 2005 it was well and truely time to trade in my worn XV-1. I upgraded to the "superior" XV-1s. kept it for 6mnths and never liked it as much as the XV-1. Ended up sideways swapping it with a friend who paid for the lower price XV-1. Luckily dynavector had enough parts to make another XV-1. back to being very happy and the XV-1 just looks cooler with its RED :)

To my ears and bias the XV-1 is the musically superior cartridge to the XV-1s. To me the XV-1s has more dtail and slightly better transparency at the extremnes and sounds closer to a Lyra for my liking. I value organic musicality and drive v transparency. There is no right or wrong, only personal preference.

Hows the denon 103r going. Killer cartridge!!
I generally don't read reviews to determine what to buy, but that's because I'm happy with my system and I find my priorities quite a bit different than many others. I do find the writings of people who are experienced with componentry (particularly analog) that I may not have the ability to hear in my own ouse to be interesting and pleasurable. This might include formal reviews or even one-off posting from people that clearly do not have a large frame of reference. It's all good -- I just like to know where people are coming from to characterize them.

PS Dan_ed
I've got moose over here, not cows. :)
P.S. Ebalog, I've got cows in my back yard. Can't get much more rural than that. :)
Read all the reviews you want. If you believe they help you, fine. I know they don't help me because I've learned that I don't make good decisions based on written input. I have most certainly take advice and input from people. I couldn't have assembled the first class system I have now without such input.

I have found that I make much better decisions after I have met, listened, and talked face to face with people while listening to the equipment in question. I've even had the pleasure of such an experience with Raul. Because there, in that space and time, I have the best input I'm ever going to get short of listening in my own system, in my own room.

For the record since some seem to think it matters. In the last 6 years since I've gone hi-end, this is what I've had in my system, in my own room, listening with my own ears. Doesn't include what equipment I've heard while traveling to demos around the country.

5 different turntables
7 different tonearms
5 different cartridges
5 different phono stages
5 different preamps
4 different amps
4, soon to be 5, different speaker systems

Obviously, this in no way makes me any kind of an expert. I'd never claim to have "the most golden ears". I'm sure it provides many folk with whatever ammunition they're looking for to point out my shortcomings. Well, have fun.

Speedy, you really are the pot calling the kettle black.
Every now and then a goodly amount of regular "serious" posters come off like a little "club",of African wild dogs getting a grip on weary prey.God forbid someone tilts the balance and denegrates an aspect of someone's component choice,or voicing,or some favorite dealer/mfgr,even if he/she(the poster,or dealer/mfgr) is a very fine individual,with a real track record.
The little(really small in stature,these days)group,who probably E-mail eachother regularly,like a mah-jong club,to wax about their similar component choices,and comments made by some,go from being what I thought were decent,enthusiastic hobbyists,to "petty/phoney ingrates".Of course if one is complimentary to their stuff,or have similar,or agree with the theory,you are "IN".
One week the pack is kindly to a "certain hobbyist",the next week they want to flex their egos.A goodly bit too much,but that's only an opinion."Oooh,he may have just insulted my friend".Time for an obnoxious, quick response!Who said you had an obligation to be a yutz,when nobody was speaking about you?
If you are NOT being indicted,"stay out of it"!!...PALS!
There was a time many,here,were "oh so" concerned about newbees,and their response to these threads.Now some could care less,and "scope" these pages regularly for an opportunity to be "stupid cute",or impress one's web-pals or dealer/friends!Or maybe just themselves?
A sorry state,with virtually nothing for anyone to gain,except a smug poke in the ribs.Almost proclaiming to oneanother.."that was a good one".Make you feel better,or important?You probably are NOT!(even if A.Salvatore proclaimed the Audiogon analog site to have the most knowledgeable hobbyists,he was wrong,as they are just the most vocal)...BTW,I'm not speaking about any "one" specific individual,so don't go nuts.Yet,I am sure some will view my comments as an opportunity to make some cute, smug come-back....My point,exactly!
Of course Raul is caught in a bind,wanting to stay in good grace,for obvious reasons(sometimes I wonder why).Yet just some months ago some of the exact folks who are now "piling on",were oh so obviously "Phoney Complimentary" about him,to his face,in some cases.As it appears to me!I don't think I'm far off the mark,either!!
I really had a good time attempting to be truly myself,and attribute a "minutiae" of input(a come-back opening,here),and now I am sorry for even making any attempt to be decent.Many of you guys are "not",as time has demonstrated to me.
I feel alot better about my past "dumb" posts!Maybe they weren't so bad afterall.
I didn't even have to go "off line,to re-think" this one!It was all SO clear.
LOL
Dan_ed wrote:
"While Mike may have much more experience writing down his opinions, that doesn't make his opinion any more valid than anyone else's. Some people need to see their opinions and theories in print to somehow validate to themselves (and maybe others, in this case) that they are correct. I don't and I quit looking for validation in magazines year's ago."

I happen not to read audio publications, either, but I do think you are missing a few things here.

The act of writing down one's thoughts often indicates a level of attention that most of us do not put into our own comparisons. (I'm not saying you -- I don't know what you do.) Writing down ideas and observations does a few things:
(a) it preserves a record of one's thoughts for the future;
(b) it forces you to be more clear in defining observations;
(c) it highlights areas that might go missing in less formal reviews.

I think that 2 people who are rigorous and thorough in their approach can have equally valid opinions. While the *potential* is there in all of us, the reality is that many audiophiles do not do such formal comparisons (beyond A-B tests) -- and quite frankly, it's a chore. I think reviewers (good ones) have a tough job. I'd rather get emotionally involved in a performance, which is something reviewers must constantly stay away from as it would cloud a review.

Dan_ed also wrote:
"Sure, I don't have a train load of components in and out of my system year after year. Who of us does? But really, what good does it do read about what someone else says that they hear? Does that really supercede the necessity to hear for one's self?"

Well, I think that having a train-load of components to review does give one a more broad base of knowledge to really separate the wheat from the chaff. While the above rigorous/formal approach is a good thing, in the extreme case what if one is "formal" in their review of only one or two components? Is their opinion less meaningful than someone who took the same rigorous approach but has reviewed 10 components? 1000?

I would rather hear the opinion of someone who has heard as much as possible and is consistent. Everyone is biased to some degree and has their own priorities -- that's human nature. Over time, if I can understand those preferences of a reviewer, I can adjust for them as I read their reviews. It doesn't make their reviews less meaningful.

Yes, we need to hear things for ourselves, but the fact that you point out that you've not had a trainload of gear in your own home illustrates why reviews have a place in the world -- they make you aware of things you might not have the opportunity to try on your own. They can help narrow a field so you can focus on your personal opinions of a limited number of items, rather than conducting a new search of everything the world has to offer.

PS I live in a small rural town, don't subscribe to stereophile, and am actually curious about this review. Is there anywhere to see a copy? I'm intrigued by it.
Dear Dgad: +++++ " I would suggest the reader needs to be intelligent enough to know that a review is only a guide. The consumer must decide for themselves. " +++++

Absolutely true.

+++++ " I often purchase electronic equipment based on user reviews .. " +++++

This is a good practice. My advise with this method is that every one of us that use it first take a look to the quality of the audio system where was made the review and ask for the music sound reproduction priorities of the reviewer and his audio/music experience. Of course that we could take advantage of the magazynes professional reviews along with this method or other ones.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Dear Thom: +++++ " To the point of all of this, let's not construe anything dirty about trying to get a certain full function preamp into Mikey's hands for commentary. At the same time, Raul, please don't let anyone mistake that either you or I are wearing a crown of thorns.

As much as we love music and hi-fi, making a product "real" by manufacturing it is a lot of hard work and deserves a proper reward. There is nothing impure or shameful about this, and you needn't hide behind a shroud of benevolence. " +++++

No, I don't. We have at least three magazine offers ( no Stereophile and I never ask MF to do it.) to make the Essential review and we have to refuse because we are not ready for a lucky " rave magazines reviews ". Let me explain it: we build unit by unit by hand ( no mass production system. ) testing/ measuring every single stage ( and I don't mean with " single stage " for example the line stage or the MC stage, no I'm reffering to several " single stages " inside that big line/MC stage. ) before we are satisfied, very time consuming ( but we like it that way and we don't want to change our very high build quality execution. ), for example our RIAA calibration is a " weeks " time consuming not only because we must to achieve ( at least ) an accuracy of 0.015db but because that accuracy must stay in that way over long run conditions, complex!!!! We are trying to reduce our build/test system production and when we think that it is time then you can be sure that I could ask for those magazine reviews that IMHO every serious audio manufacturer needs.

Thom, this is excatly what move me to ask MF about the MC2 review: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1177643811&openflup&27&4#27

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Don't laugh,the "poindexter gig" paid good money.I paid for my system with that "dough".The pocket protector sold on E-Bay,for serious dollars.
I find that the reader must be intelligent enough to understand the listening bias of the reviewer and learn to read between the lines at times. I find most reviewers consistent to their biases. Certainly, some are gifted writers helping our hobby grow. They often inspire new interest and often entertain us within the hobby.

There is no mistaking that a reviewer is human. They can be wrong or off base at times. Instead of being upset with the reviewer, I would suggest the reader needs to be intelligent enough to know that a review is only a guide. The consumer must decide for themselves.

I have learned through vast experience that all changes are room and system dependant. I can go to a friends house and he can claim that he has a remarkable improvement in sound. I can leave without being impressed.

I remain even more confused on absolutes due to the fact that I have listened to extremely similar systems in different rooms (both rooms designed for sound) and had completely different experiences.

Both rooms used the EMM Stack, w. Wilson Maxx IIs and Halcro amplification. Both used the same cables. One used the EMM preamp, the other a VTL preamp. Without indicating which room I preferred, I left one in shock of how lifelike the presentation was. The other room sounded just like a great stereo system. It just didn't have the magic of the other system.

What does this tell me? That if the same system can sound different, how can we expect a reviewer to echo everyone’s opinion.

The Dynavector XV-1s is a perfect example. Loved by most, but hated by a few. Is it the tonearm? Does the person have the right system? Can we trust the person's ears or listening bias? Maybe it was just bad luck.

While reviewers can be biased and advocate something they like or prefer, we must be reviewers ourselves. That is the great thing about this forum and others.

This past year Time Magazine's Man of the Year is a mirror. This truly echoes the importance of each of us. Nothing has contributed more to this than the internet. We are the reviewer, we are the consumer and we can make or break a company. I often purchase electronic equipment based on user reviews. I read the reviewers article, but qualify it with the user comments posted afterwards. I am not the first to purchase but benefit from the experience of others. Most reviewers know that they are subject to public scrutiny in today’s age. What a wonderful time we live in.
>>Speedy, I like you better when you aren't such a milk toast.<<

You mean when he was playing "Pointdexter" on television? I loved that pocket protector he wore. It was sirdweeby at his best.
Raul, I'll be the one at the Zocalo WITH clothes. :)

Speedy, I like you better when you aren't such a milk toast.
Dear Dan: +++++ " While Mike may have much more experience writing down his opinions, that doesn't make his opinion any more valid than anyone else's. " +++++

I never say that and I agree with you that our opinion is valid too, no question about.

See you at the Zocalo.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
As an adjunct to my response to you Dan,I have to say that your response was a downright insult,to me!"My sorry ass",and my apparent "extremes" as you interpret me??...and this,coming from the same guy who so respectfully sent me a condolence E-mail,last summer?....As to my "plebian" comment...simple humor!Get a life!I'm really surprised with you!
Someone's "ego" seems to be getting the best of them here(not mine),and maybe I was wrong to think I could become a more responsible and pleasant poster,after feeling terrible for my provocative attitude towards some,in the past.
Hi all,

I'll tell ya all a little story that will likely put you to sleep. Save it for your bedtime reading (grin).

Three years ago, a former importer of English high-efficiency drivers mentioned my turntables to Art Dudley, and I subsequently set up a loaner for Art to write about.

While I approached this situation with caution (sending a high-mass turntable to a Linn lover), I felt that the benefits outweighed the risks. At the time, my installed base was fairly small, and my goal was to convey that Galibier was a real company, and not merely a pattern of electrons viewed on a web browser.

The risk was one of getting hammered in public, but I considered anything more than a lukewarm commentary from a Linnie to be more than a moral victory.

The fact the old Quattro Supreme fell into Stereophile Class-B is still the subject of friendly ribbing from more than a few friends and owners. You can my private as well as published reply to the article on my Rants Page if you're interested (Sterophile officially limits replies to 750 words and this only scratched the surface).

To the point of all of this, let's not construe anything dirty about trying to get a certain full function preamp into Mikey's hands for commentary. At the same time, Raul, please don't let anyone mistake that either you or I are wearing a crown of thorns.

As much as we love music and hi-fi, making a product "real" by manufacturing it is a lot of hard work and deserves a proper reward. There is nothing impure or shameful about this, and you needn't hide behind a shroud of benevolence.

If the cost of entry for a write-up of a certain phono / line stage is the loan of a cartridge, I say be honest and be proud - you have taken the first step toward gaining recognition.

As far as the veracity of reviewers is concerned, I'll leave this to the good Mr. Salvatore who more closely mirrors my views on the subject. That's a whole 'nuther topic.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier
Dan,you surprise me with the sudden "attitude".I was being humorous,and as for the "extremes" you see in me,I have decided to be more pleasant in my posts.Sorry if I bother you,these days.
As to Mikey,I suspect there is a REAL effort, being done on his part, to be pretty fair.Not easy,and knowing a few reviewers it is NO easy task.I wanted to be complimentary,so what gives with your response to me?
Have you gotten overly confident,and ancy,since you now have a little experience,under youyr belt.
?-:)
Well, Raul, here again is another point where we can agree to disagree. If you really want to share your love of that cartridge with me why not send it to me so I can hear for myself in my own system and form my own opinion?

While Mike may have much more experience writing down his opinions, that doesn't make his opinion any more valid than anyone else's. Some people need to see their opinions and theories in print to somehow validate to themselves (and maybe others, in this case) that they are correct. I don't and I quit looking for validation in magazines year's ago.

I understand that you are trying to get something accomplished. I also understand that to be successful in this you need to stridently uphold Michael Fremer's opinion or your efforts will have been in vain. So once again you have taken the opportunity to belittle me. Big deal. Sure, I don't have a train load of components in and out of my system year after year. Who of us does? But really, what good does it do read about what someone else says that they hear? Does that really supercede the necessity to hear for one's self?
Anyway it is a novice method to start a business like this. Audiogon is a good place to build ones reputation and understanding of ones product. After all it is free for nothing. This forum is contribution of ideas and feedback from audiophiles and allows all of us to express freely our experiences and feelings toward components that we own and the sound which we could derive from the combination of components which we have. Not in particular, referring to the set up in specific that is highly raved by reviewers. It is what all of us who want this forum to be like in future. Personally, I want to continue to enjoy the contribution by any member and to learn more as I usually miss by having those magazines around.
Dear Dan: +++++ " an individual who is given credibility simply because he gets his opinions published in some magazine ... " +++++

I respect your opinion but you really don't have any idea of what you are saying.

What is your experience/know-how that you think to have for speak in that " light " way? how many and which audio items do you heard in your own system over the last 30 years: TTs/tonearms/cartridges/amplifiers/phono stages/preamps/cables/speakers/etc, etc? for how many time each one?, how many records do you own? which are your experience on live music? in how many Music Halls around the world do you have experience?, which is your experience with big name symphonic orchestras? which ones? how many times? with blues/jazz/pop/rock artists? and I can go on and on.........

IMHO a magazine ( any ) does not " make/develop " a person/reviewer ( any one ). Any person/reviewer has to work/gain its " place " through the long very long run and based on its good or not so good job.

IMHO too almost no one of us ( including you ) have the great opportunity ( in all our audio life ) that almost all reviewers have: to have in their audio system almost all the best ( and some not " the best " ) audio items out there month after month year after year, sharing with other reviewers/persons/designers/manufacturers experiences that you or me could only have on dreams.

All those experiences certainly have a high value that I respect a lot. If I agree or not with a reviewer that is another/different subject.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Plebians? I'm sorry Speedy, but speak for your own sorry ass. You seem to go from one extreme to the other. That's fine, your opinion. But don't lump us, as in we all here in A'gon, in the same class. Especially just to garner favor with an individual who is given credibility simply because he gets his opinions published in some magazine. Sorry Mike, nothin' personal, but you know what they say about opinions.
Michael,

I want you to know I really have enjoyed the interviews on your web site especially the one on gold star studio.

I don't read the stereophile/review anymore it seems almost the same as 20 years ago only the names have been changed to protect the innocent and guilty. Look how Bob Carver and Henry Kloss where treated in the trades years past, now they are heroes while before they where treated shabbily by experts.

The jealousy and petty pot shots are from the "iluminati" are uncalled for. Still Arthur Salvatore has a point and you are not the only one standing in the shadows. Arthur has the forensic evidence to prove it.

Thats why there is no winning. It is not Journalisim or literature or rocket science. Its a joke business that supports a trade that supports a magazine. its a job its a paycheck.

We expect integrety and we get capitalisim instead

Groovey Records
Actually Mikey,you come across as doing quite a good job balancing thoughtful opinion,with fairness these days(as best as one can,I guess).You will always find the contrarians.Even I've gone that route at times.Sorry I did,in retrospect.
Why even bother with us plebians?
Just rotate some vinyl,when the need occurs.
Hi Michael,

Nice to see you post here! I was happy to see your review or Raul's Allaert. Most people will not have the opportunity to hear as many products in the analog world as you do and I find that important. We may not always agree, but you have the benefit of much more direct experience than me and I value your commentary because of it. There are many posters here I feel the same way about.

Apparently, Audiofeil has some sort of axe to grind with just about everybody, so it's probably best to ignore his comments. Oh, he'll love this too, but if you get the chance to hear Raul's Essential 3150 Phonolinepreamp, I think you may really enjoy it. I don't know if Stereophiles rules would allow you to review it, but that's not important, just my recommendation from one analog lover to another.

BTW, great news about the Warner Bros./Hoffman/Gray reissues + new releases coming, eh? I'm looking forward to them!

Matt
I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread. I will now put it between my teeth and use it for dental floss. I don't understand what motivates some folks. Differences of opinion about something is to be expected. What I find interesting is how some people invent nefarious motives for everything I, or some other reviewers do. I buy virtually all of the gear in my reference system. Yes, I get a discount but I do not have "long term loans." I try to be above board and transparent, but apparently that's not good enough for some, and recently a manufacturer told me he was disturbed that I actually own my reference system because now I'm "invested" in it, and am less likely to give a competing product a fair review or say it's as good as, or better than what I own. So, there's no winning. Oh, well.....
Raul , it's good to see you slugging it out with some of these folks. Your comments and manner are most appreciated by me.
I agree---"Enjoy the music". :)
Little Richard Said

Shut up !

Can I read this review online ? I looked at stereo review site no dice.

Nuff said

Shut up Shutin up

Watching Heros on TV

Groovey Records
Sirspeedy: Can,t agree with you more.
Audiofeil: Thanks a lot for your approval..I really needed it!..specially considering how constructive are your comments and contributions throughout this forum.
I think,rather than find some stupid(why am I not surprised)way to belittle the generosity that Raul has shown,we should applaud him!
It is hard to gain much feedback on some great products.To gain even more insight,even from Mr.Fremer's somewhat "forgiving" review,adds to our little computer banks.File it all away,for future comparative reasons.
Also,I hope Raul's pre/phono does get reviewed(even in the same manner).It could not happen to a more well deserving person,IMO!
Too bad,if some don't like it,I say!!
Don't be sorry. It's wonderful you have $6500 to spend on a cartridge.

Go for it.
Theo: Thanks for the link to the review; Of special interest to me is E. Barker statement at the the end concerning the value of the Allaerts.
" The kind of effect on a system is almost priceless but I'm also going to call the Allaerts good value. Why? It's estimated the stylus will last between 7,000-10,000 hours. That is, between 7 and 10 times as long as an ordinary one. If you calculate that out, it makes it on par or cheaper than a Music Maker."
Sorry Audiofeil, but i think i,ll better save for the Allaerts.
Let's look into the crystal ball and see what Mikey will be reviewing a few months from now.

It's a little fuzzy but clearing up somewhat. Stay tuned.
Hi
I've always liked Fremer's writings about analog gear. However, I think Edward Barkers review of the MC2 Finish definitly is reading.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/allaerts/finish.html

Theo
Dear friends: The MC2 Finish Gold Allaerts cartridge is so good that I think that it was a " shame " that we can't find any " professional review " about, I think it deserve it.

I choose MF because he has all the know-how to do it and he own an analog rig where the Allaerts " could be happy ".

For all of us is very educational to read reviews from the same person ( almost with the same analog rig ) on top cartridges like: Dynavector XV-1, myabi 47, Transfiguration Orpheus, Allaerts, Lyra Titan i, etc, etc. This is a great opportunity that almost no one of us could have alone.

I posted several times about the quality Allaerts sound reproduction performance and MF review give to all of us a more precise " view " on that cartridge.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
R_F Sayles- you're not missing anything. Sometimes things are exactly what they appear to be.
Gregadd, am I missing something or is this like Zen poetry? Raul invented the term "phonolinepreamp". Is the genius in putting three commonly used words (as a phrase) together? …or is it in cunningly removing the two spaces? I don't get it.

GollyGeeWiz Happy Listening!
Gregadd---I did not put that in for you as you already have said and I quote:

"No personal attacks please."

But to the people who have tipped the line. Guys pleasea be careful as even the slightest words can do a lot of damage. Believe me I know.