FS Fidelity Research FR-T5 MC step up transformer (SUT)

[anubisgrau]

Fidelity Research FR-T5 MC step up transformer (SUT)

A nice example of top Japanese analogue production from late 70s/early 80s: FR-T5.

A 3-input permalloy core, toroidal transformer for pickups between 2 and 10 ohm output impedance. Gain is between 29 (3ohm) and 31db (10ohm)...

Good with any Ortofon, Koetsu, Lyra, Fidelity Research, Airtight, Goldring and similar low impedance MC pickups.

It can accommodate 3 cartridges/tonearms with a front panel switch so very easy to use.

Originally designed for FR-7, it used to be a FR top of the range SUT before they produced a really amazing silver wound AGT-5X which usually goes for about 2k. So no comparison....

This unit is fully run in, so you get a 100% performance straight away.

From the brochure:

"Designed and built specifically for use with the FR-7 and other very low load impedance MC cartridges, the FRT-5 core material is a new type of permalloy, specially processed to obtain virtually ideal performance characteristics. The toroidal core design offers the best possible response available with today's most advanced technology(1980). A front panel selector lets you switch between three cartridge/tonearm inputs"

The unit is in an intact condition, not much traces of age and use. The original cable could be upgraded but I would leave it to the next owner.

In my system it sounds bold and rich, completely silent, it just marginally loses on transparency from much more expensive Tango MCT-999 which is a current benchmark. A friend described it as "an Alpha-male of SUTs".... On a recent SUT shootout with Ortofon SL15Mk2 it came surprisingly close to Ortofon super-SUTs T-3000 and T-5000.... certainly much closer than a price difference.

http://img.usaudiomart.com/uploads/large/1217049-fidelity-research-frt5-step-up-transformer.jpg

http://img.usaudiomart.com/uploads/large/1101640-fidelity-research-frt5-stepup-toroidal-transformer.jpg

425 UKP delivered...

[anubisgrau]

I was asked about the history of the unit. I bought it in Japan on a recent trip with an idea to use it as a 1-stop solution for more arms/pickups. However at the moment I use cartridges of different impedance so I need the SUT that can accommodate both low and mid impedance pickups. This SUT is optimized for 2-10ohm.

The SUT is thouroughly cleaned, checked and most important - fully run in (it's amazing how it changed character and improved with the method I use). Basically this one is as good as it gets and only marginally loses against very expensive league of Tango (~3000e) and silver vintage Ortofons (~1000-1500e), in terms of absolute details. Tonally and dynamically, it's there.

[Audio Al]

Not seen one of these before , Looks nice in a classic way :)

[struth]

Geoff(walpurgis) had a FR sut and was mightly impressed with it.. That one really looks the business.

[anubisgrau]

It is the business, no matter if you use it as a single or a multi input SUT. I was really surprised how it developed after the rapid burn-in process we employed. It even surpassed Luxman 8030 (also for sale) which being a silver, toroidal, permalloy core SUT I considered as a benchmark for 500 UKP range of the 80s units.

Btw the pics are from the net, I'm just taking the proper ones. The back panel on mine looks much better.

[struth]

It is the business, no matter if you use it as a single or a multi input SUT. I was really surprised how it developed after the rapid burn-in process we employed. It even surpassed Luxman 8030 (also for sale) which being a silver, toroidal, permalloy core SUT I considered as a benchmark for 500 UKP range of the 80s units.

Btw the pics are from the net, I'm just taking the proper ones. The back panel on mine looks much better.

Naughty... best get those up ;)

[anubisgrau]

voila, sir!


https://scontent.fbeg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13240478_10153691841762643_7859685034209711069_n.j pg?oh=4cab792de9001fc4a973aa6ee2ba7f4d&oe=57DD02F4

https://scontent.fbeg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13310615_10153691841702643_1570898672531267600_n.j pg?oh=9ec72cfdcbf3ef82168bb5aeacb27496&oe=57D1CC0E

https://scontent.fbeg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13244659_10153691841642643_6079316999259162548_n.j pg?oh=4f36abe7a3490eeba81a52befed8827f&oe=57D8066B

[julesd68]

I was lucky enough to buy the FR-T3 from Geoff, which is the baby brother to the SUT advertised here.

It really is a superb unit, totally silent in operation and offering a level of transparency that I had not previously heard in my system.

Anyone needing a SUT for a low output MC should give the FR-T5 serious consideration!

[vanko21]

Dear friend,
I do not understand what is the price?
Regards,

[walpurgis]

£425.00

[helma]

I was lucky enough to buy the FR-T3 from Geoff, which is the baby brother to the SUT advertised here.

It really is a superb unit, totally silent in operation and offering a level of transparency that I had not previously heard in my system.

Anyone needing a SUT for a low output MC should give the FR-T5 serious consideration!

I also have the FRT-3 and it's a superb unit and no matter what cart I plug into it always seems to sound great despite a bad match on paper. I believe the FRT-5 cost more than double the price of FRT-3 when new, so should be a really fine unit. I also have the Fidelity Research FR-54 tonearm which is a great sounding arm and pretty good value at the prices they go for, so I've kind of developed the idea that anything with Fidelity-Research printed on it will sound good.

[walpurgis]

I also have the FRT-3 and it's a superb unit and no matter what cart I plug into it always seems to sound great despite a bad match on paper.

I've found that too. It has worked just fine with a big variety of MCs.

I sold my last one, but weakened and bought another. My third now :).

I have a couple of better SUTs, but they expensive and rare, if possible to find at all. When used alongside these, the FRT-3 is very enjoyable and just as musical, it only lacks the last, slight bit of refinement in comparison. It's a great unit and a bargain at the current used prices. I suspect that may not last though.


(Sorry Gordan. We seem to be cluttering your sale thread, hope you don't mind)

[anubisgrau]

No worries, your writing completely reflects my findings. I have a good reference with a few top of the range Ortofon and Tango SUTs and yes, they are better exactly for what you said, a bit more refinement and un ultimate midas touch to the music, but given the 3-6x higher price the differences are certainly much smaller and not worth the price. I also agree that whatever you plug into sounds very very decent, we even tried Denon 103 and it was superb (for that pickup :))

[corgi 1]

ive just got a ortofon windfeld, am running it through a Whest 3.0rdt have been thinking of getting a sut as well, to get every bit out of my lovely cartridge, is this up to the job?
Pete

[anubisgrau]

ive just got a ortofon windfeld, am running it through a Whest 3.0rdt have been thinking of getting a sut as well, to get every bit out of my lovely cartridge, is this up to the job?
Pete

how can you ask a seller? you know the answer :)

[anubisgrau]

This lovely thing is still available. The Ebay prices are rising in the last months, I hate to mention the cost but that's what it is - 425 Pounds delivered.

If you need a SUT - and there was a plenty of discussion recently - you will hardly find anything to beat this at the price point. It's wound for 3-10 ohm moving coils so Koetsus, Ortofons, FRs, Lyras etc. It's not for Denon or Miyajima - I tried and it won't work optimal. I also doubt for AT and Benz Micro unless you have the top of the line ones with <10 ohm impedance.

This household has seen a plenty of SUTs but if you prefer to float under the level of top silver Ortofons (T-3000, T-5000), let alone Tango SUTs, you won't do better than this - it wasn't beaten even by Hashimoto HM-X (same quality, different presentation).

[Brian28]

Wish you were in the UK

[anubisgrau]

Wish you were in the UK

why? :scratch:

[lordmortlock]

Dbl post

[lordmortlock]

Wish you were in the UK

Buy from Gordan with total confidence Brian. I've bought a number of items from him over the years and they're never anything other than expertly packed and promptly delivered.

[anubisgrau]

Thanks.

In case that anyone is interested in this (or other SUTs I have for sale) I will be in Hamburg end of March so able to dispatch things to the UK even without a fear of import duties (not likely anyway with such a small items, never happened before with my buyers).

Some of the SUTs currently for sale apart from this include a totally exotic and unobtanium Lumiere step up based on the vintage Neumann transformers that go for a crazy money on Ebay (the last I've seen were $1750). My Lumiere is much cheaper.

Ortofon T-5000 is not for sale yet, and the rest is gone - Luxman, A23 etc. Minimizing a count of unused boxes....

[Brian28]

Buy from Gordan with total confidence Brian. I've bought a number of items from him over the years and they're never anything other than expertly packed and promptly delivered.

Thanks for the nod .. I was more thinking if he was in the U.K. I could possibly try it on my system before shelling out a load of cash 💰 only to find its no better that my current SUT .

[lordmortlock]

Gotcha

[anubisgrau]

Thanks for the nod .. I was more thinking if he was in the U.K. I could possibly try it on my system before shelling out a load of cash �� only to find its no better that my current SUT .

what is your current SUT, out of curiosity?

[Brian28]

audio innovations ..

[anubisgrau]

It seems that someone sent me a PM with an offer that looked reasonable but i managed to delete the whole message without noticing the nick.

In case you see it, please contact me via PM. The offer was fine and I can send it from Hamburg after 20 March (costs included).

Cheers G.

[colonel]

It seems that someone sent me a PM with an offer that looked reasonable but i managed to delete the whole message without noticing the nick.

In case you see it, please contact me via PM. The offer was fine and I can send it from Hamburg after 20 March (costs included).

Cheers G.

I sent the PM, Gordan.

I've sent you another one

[anubisgrau]

Sold to colonel, STP

[colonel]

Your inbox is full, Gordan

[anubisgrau]

Your inbox is full, Gordan

Yes, cleared now. Just sent you a PM...

[colonel]

Yes, cleared now. Just sent you a PM...

and, replied to

[anubisgrau]

Sold.