Thanks to all who sent me information about this rare ML product.
Niels told me that this cartridge has nothing to do with the Madrigal Carnegie One or Two (built by Benz Micro much later) but shows many similarities with the Cello cartridges.
Kent says thet only about 100 units were built. Kent has one !
Kent sent me another email, with more information :
I believe that by the late 70's Mark had the entire system (HQD) and wanted to complete the system front-to-back, i.e. recorded material(the Levinso records) tonearm,cartridge, table, etc. The Goldmund arm was part of this project and I believe that the table he was planning on using was the large Micro-Seiki(I forget what model number, but it was the dual chasis monster; I have seen this Levinson s/u). The MLC-1 was the cartridge design; it is a round unit that weighs in around 11 grams, and is a moving coil design. Virtually no output; about as low as I have ever seen. I believe the units were manufactured by Nakamichi. These were really only prototype units since I don't believe Levinson every really moved forward with the project. There were about 100 or so units built and sold. I managed to acquire (6) new units in 1981 that were later serial numbers, 105-111. I currently have units 109 and 111. They retailed for the unheard of price(for its day) of $600. My how things have changed in 20 years. The sound was incrediable; very similiar to the Koetsu Black but with the most extended and sweet top end I have every heard. None of the moving coil glare that was/is typical of moving coil designs. I know the audio mags of the time had reviewed earlier prototype samples and loved the unit, but were cool about the actual production units. I do have some of these reviews. The cartridge was packaged in a nice oak box, but did not come with any technical information. The unit need to track at around 3 grams. I hope this info is of help.
You can also read "The Absolute Sound" review (march 1980).
