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

Showing 9 responses by parrotbee

So guys I have my fr64 good to mount on either my TTS 8000 or jvc ql10/101. I am thinking about an fr7f - I take it that’s the one to buy - there are a few sellers out there - any recommendations?
I have an fr64 and either a jvc tt101 or Sony tts8000 for it. My question is are there any reputable people who have an fr7 and if so which one to get? If new stylus what type? I use expert stylus for re-tipping in the uk
While we are the topic of an old/vintage carts - what did they use as phono stages when the carts came out? was it pre-amp and step up? if so which pre-amp?
I am immune and ahhing between a brand new Benz LP-S and an fr7-f what say you - it’s to go with an fr64 on jvc ql10
Yeah - the brand new LP-S
I can get them at a very 'reasonable price' which is comparable to an FR-7f - plus it will be new
Unlike the likes of many on Audiogon - I have to make choices between components.
I have heard a lot - particularly on this thread that the Fr-7f is a uniquely brilliant cartridge. Likewise I am told that the LPS is superb - truly self-effecting and neutral.
TBH - I'd ultimately like to have tried all the 'great' carts - one never gets to audition them.
It is fr64s
my only fear is buying such an old cartridge...
i normally buy new carts ever since I got an OC7 with a wonky cantilever 16 years agos
I'm going to make a couple of armboards for my FR64. Can I just ask. is the 231.5 pivot to spindle length for all cartridges - or for the FR7? or do I need a hole mounted at 230mm? I'm curious because the FR64 instructions have the length at 230mm.
On the issue of alignment - I currently have a clearaudio gauge which I understand is actually a different alignment to Bearwald, Lofgren et al. So what protractor would I get? mint? Wally? anything else?
And here was me being complained at for comparing a Benz lps to and fr7-f to purchase 😉