Hi unoear, I already have two FR1 MK3F's which are both in great condition and exceptional performers. Out of curiosity I recently bought a beautiful condition and rare Shinon Red Boron which is a Medium Output Moving Coil at 1.0mV.
The reason I bought it was because the reviews back in 1991 were very complimentary and even stated "that it offered most of the virtues of a top end Koetsu or Kiseki" but at half the price ($900 in 1991). I have to say that I have not been disappointed.
In comparing the FR1 with the Shinon Red I would say that the FR1 is like a full bodied super smooth red wine or a deep rich dark chocolate. Loads of presence, fully immersive, it just wraps you in the music and gets everything right tonally. Very easy on the ear with no listening fatigue ever. I guess I now understand when people say the cartridge gets out of the way of the music.
The Shinon is very similar in rich tones but has slightly more refinement in the bass and a provides slightly better rendition of solo vocals.
I have decided the FR1 is still my favorite and will be my daily driver, with the Shinon being brought out for the audiophile quality jazz albums and female vocalists.
The reason I bought it was because the reviews back in 1991 were very complimentary and even stated "that it offered most of the virtues of a top end Koetsu or Kiseki" but at half the price ($900 in 1991). I have to say that I have not been disappointed.
In comparing the FR1 with the Shinon Red I would say that the FR1 is like a full bodied super smooth red wine or a deep rich dark chocolate. Loads of presence, fully immersive, it just wraps you in the music and gets everything right tonally. Very easy on the ear with no listening fatigue ever. I guess I now understand when people say the cartridge gets out of the way of the music.
The Shinon is very similar in rich tones but has slightly more refinement in the bass and a provides slightly better rendition of solo vocals.
I have decided the FR1 is still my favorite and will be my daily driver, with the Shinon being brought out for the audiophile quality jazz albums and female vocalists.