rauliruegas
I never thought your comment was anything but logical concern, certainly not a mistake. When I thank the forum, you are high on the list of helping members.
Once again, I learned everything I needed here to make an informed choice.
Not everyone takes the risks I do with vintage stuff, I am more careful than is apparent, and take the long view, if a THING is a problem, it should be the biggest problem in my life.
In this case, returns accepted, it was minimal risk for an extremely versatile unit with presumed quality, and settings closely bracketing the 'formula ideal' of my specific cartridge, and future options. Luckily, I have never had to return anything except new stuff, which encourages more vintage risk.
I am very happy to report the Fidelity Research FRT-4 unit arrived from Japan in 6 days, and is absolutely invisible audibly, except what it does, and the subtle differences when you alter the input settings as you experienced MC people know.
Hooked it up last night, and played my Father's Day prize from my son, 'Best of Sade' Double LP, and heard MC cartridge in my system for the first time. New AT33PTG-II, .3mv; 10 ohm, MicroLine on boron.
It sounded fantastic. Bill is forgiven for pushing me down this rabbit hole I refused to look down for so many years. All the MC boosters I heard on Stereo Row in NYC many years ago had hum, I had no idea how silent good ones are. And, let's face it, MC is an expensive road.
First listen I preferred the 10 ohm/118 ohm setting rather than the 30 ohm/148 ohm setting, however, the slight volume difference undoubtedly influenced my initial impression.
Today comparisons to my MM Shure V15Vxmr body with Jico SAS on boron, and equal volume comparisons. btw, I'm not using the Jico brush any more, it sounds better without it. The real dampened brush of Shure OEM stylus never sounded different like this one does.
The big risk was that 'no return' tonearm from Russia, whew, took me months of desire before I went for it. I had eBay/PayPal protection, and I bought a 3 year warranty from Square Trade (discussed it was singular from Russia with Sq. Trade first). Very tricky install, but paid off. Wanted long, got 12.5" effective Carbon arm.
The MC is on the vintage Acos Lustre GST-801 magnetic adjustable arm, I think you were instrumental helping me decide and get it.
Thanks again!
