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Fidelity Research cartridges

Any FR cartridge experts out there? Raul? Dertonarm? Syntax?
I have had an FR-7 which I bought a while ago. I tried it ever so briefly when I got it on an arm I now recognize as not being able to handle that weight (close, but no cigar). I just now pulled it out for kicks and after getting it adjusted with the big counterweight, I am VERY pleasantly surprised. Actually, I'm feeling kind of bubbly. It does not dig out the utmost in detail, but it just sounds very right.

Are there any other FR carts out there which are real steals if still in good condition? I know the MC-702 and the FR-1Mk2 and Mk3f by name, with good reps being assigned to the Mk3 and the MC-702. Given that the MC-702 and the FR-7 look quite similar, and they were offered at about the same time, what is different? And is the FR-7 just an integrated headshell version of the FR-1Mk3?
t_bone
ddriveman
171 posts
 
Hi,

Does anyone have any knowledge of the Fidelity Research MCX-5 cartridge. There is a seller of this cartridge and he claims that this is similar to the FR7 but without the integrated headshell. Can anyone shed some light on this subject??

Rgds
dertonarm
1,042 posts
 
Hi Ddriveman, the MCX-5 has nothing to do with the FR-7 series cartridges.
Not in terms of construction/design - nor in terms of sonic virtues.
This is however often claimed to be the case by sellers to get a higher price for their MCX-5 or MC-201/202.
The only other cartridge of the FR-line up worth getting and mentioning is the FR-1 MK3 F.
t_bone OP
1,182 posts
 
The MCX5 was in part designed by Ozawa-san who started Shelter in the mid 1980s after spending a few years at Fidelity Research. It came out (with the MCX3) many years after the FR-7 series and was designed for use with the XG-5 and XG-7 transformers. As far as I know, as Dertonarm suggested, it is not anything like the FR-7.

Jcarr above recommended the FR PMC3 as worth a listen. They are not easy to find.
ddriveman
171 posts
 
T_Bone and Dertorm, Thanks for your inputs. Guess I will continue my search for a FR7F or FR702.
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
Just seen this after many years, so I have dragged this into 2017.

I had a Micro Seiki LC80w back in the 1980s when it was released. It had rave reviews in the UK press, particularly when partnered with an AT1100 tonearm. Sadly I broke the cantilever may years ago, after Micro went bust. Of course, I stupidly threw it away, rather than get it rebuilt (I was a junior doctor/surgical resident at the time and not particularly flush with cash).

My memories (faded with time) are that this was a pretty fine cartridge when compared to the Supex SD900, Dynavector Karat Ruby and Linn Asak. Tonally, it was very balanced and not bright at all. It was less plummy than the Supex and tracked very well.

I would certainly look to buy another, if one came up (if only for old times sake)

Charlie
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