GLANZ IS BACK!

Glanz tonearms are once more available in Australia, this time through Melbourne-based distributor Absolute Hi-End. The brand is now under new ownership, but it’s really new old ownership as the new owner is none other than Masataka Hamada, the engineer who, many decades ago, was responsible for designing some of Glanz’s original tonearms. The range currently comprises the entry-level B-series, the mid-priced S-series, and the top-line Reference SD. Some models are available in all three standard effective lengths (229, 254 and 309mm or, if you prefer, 9, 10 and 12 inches) and all are manufactured in Shizuoka, Japan.

Whereas the more expensive Glanz arms have stainless steel arm tubes and string-andweight anti-skating systems, the entry-level MH-9B (229mm) and MH-10B (254mm) tonearms’ arm tubes are made from chrome-plated brass and have spring-applied anti-skating. Other parts of the tonearm post are made from stainless steel. In Australia, the MH-9B and MH-10B tonearms each sell for $3,250 (RRP).

The Glanz S-Series tonearms (MH-94S, MH-104S, and MH-124S) are said by many to be the best available. The design is unusual because point-style bearings are not used. Instead the various moving parts are connected across the surfaces, and the lower bearing in the direction of the vertical axis uses a high-precision thrust bearing deployed via a strut structure that allows heavy arms to move with high sensitivity. The design is also unusual because the anti-skating mechanism is detachable to accommodate those audiophiles who do not believe it is necessary.

Reviewer Nick Tate wrote of the Glanz MH-124S in the UK’s Hi-Fi News magazine that: “It is an absolutely top-tier modern tonearm whose sound quality leaves nothing to be desired … it is lovingly built, beautifully finished and a joy to use — making it extremely good value for money, even at its not-inconsiderable price.”