Each of these has been inspected under a 100X microscope and then given extensive listening tests. While they qualify as vintage, they are in perfect playing condition with fantastic sound, no signs of stylus damage nor loss of compliance. Detailed specs on all three available at cartridgedb.com.
Fidelity Research FR-2 - asking $225 - This was purchased new in Japan for $850 in the mid 1990's.
Review:
"The FR-2 was designed to be sold in Europe to compete with the Micro-Benz series. It has a line contact stylus and is fairly low in compliance. It has a very open and airy sound and excellent lower bass. The FR-2 is certainly still in the top 20 cartridges built in the 1990's."
Marovski MIT-1 - asking $300 - Purchased new for $750 in New York 1987.
Review:
"The John Marovsky (JMAS) MIT-1, was the first cartridge with a Van den Hul stylus sold in the U.S. It is a moving coil with 0.25 mV output. It tracks at 2.25-2.5 g and does better at the higher end. It sounded detailed, but slightly bright."
http://www.cartridgedb.com/docs/mit1review2.pdfMark Levinson MLC-1- asking $575 - The MLC-1 cartridge had a very limited life span and low production numbers. Purchased for $600 (from Mark Levinson) in New York, 1988.
Review:
http://www.marklev.com/MLC1/index.htmlThe MLC-1 cartridge was designed and built by the designer of the now legendary Miyabi cartridges. When this cartridge needs a rebuild someday, Miyabi will completely upgrade it (for $1500) to the specs of their Miyabi Standard, currently retailing for $2900.
As I said, each of these is in perfect playing condition and are sought after by collectors. I'm listing them here as I try to avoid the ebay route except as a last resort. See my online photos for up close pics of the cartridges and (styli?) or message me for more info.
http://picasaweb.google.com/JohnBrie...ey=1irVTyARPLkThanks for looking.
John
