Any word on the Blue Angel "Mantis"?

If you can get it for a 'sane' price? I've only heard good reports about it --- (but not exactly for $5k as it was offered some time ago)
Some seem to get it either discounted OR there are those cheaper versions (in fact there are, same motor I think, but anodised ALU housing only i.e. no fancy African 'wood-works')

Axel - this is the ruby canteliver and exotic wood model, I can't disclose the asking price right now but it is far low the 5k you mention.

Any source of the reviews you mention?

Thanks

Mike Fremer reviewed one model rather favourably, plus there is other detail on the manufacturers web-site.
Greetings,

A lot more discussion can be found at the Vinyl Engine forum
Even the Mantis's creator is a regular poster over there.
I will be hearing a Mantis myself in the next few days as a friend of mine bought one recently.
Terry

I have one: it is a great cart and substantially below $US5k, mine has a wood body but aluminium cantilever as the ruby was a bit much for me. It pushes all the right buttons for me: clean bass, detail without being sterile. It just sounds quite neutral to me and very musical. You can contact Andre via his web site and get a price. I don't want to give the price I paid as he said the prices were going to rise because of the global financial crisis and the fluctuations of the South African Rand, however, $US5k is not even close.

The problem with carts is that you often have to buy on reputation and trust, I have never regretted buying a Mantis, the most expensive, but far and away the best cart I've ever owned.

DS