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FR64 cartridge suggestions

Been out of the loop for quite a few years due to some 'life' events, with system in storage.

I have been able to pull my system from storage, and last year worked enough overtime to upgrade or purchase new equipment, but I have not upgraded my turntable/tonearm/cartridge yet.

My turntable is a Technics SL1000 MKII which for those not familiar, is the Technics SP10 MKII turntable mounted on a factory plinth.
I have two Technics B-500 bases with an 'E' armwand and 'H' armwand that I don't use.
The tonearm I do use is a Fidelity Research FR64, so I need a low compliance cartridge.
The cartridge I used last is a vintage Fidelity Research FR-1 MK3 F, which needs to be re-tipped, and I will do so once I get a replacement.

The rest of the system includes:

Zesto 1.2 Andros tube phono stage
Zesto 1.5 tube preamp
Quicksilver V4 tube amps (new KT150 version)
Green Mountain Audio Continuum 3 speakers
JL Audio 113 Fathom subwoofers (pair)

Curious what cartridges other high mass tonearm owners are using, especially those who use Fidelity Research FR64/66 tonearms.

Looking for cartridges under $2000 USD at most.. probably should spend half that.

I have over 20K records, so I am very anxious to get this back into service.

Really curious about suggestions and thanks in advance.



128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrich121

Showing 10 responses by chakster

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Fidelity-Research PMC-3 is reasonably priced alternative to more expensive FR-7f, both are made for your tonearm, i’ve been using those on my FR-64fx along with Ortofon SPU Royal G mkII (one of a few SPU with Replicant 100 stylus, the best stylus profile ever). They are all fairly low compliance LOMC cartridges perfectly matched for your high mass arm. 

PMC-3 is much better then your ex FR-1 MK3 F, so instead of re-tip why not just try a different cartridge?


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
The cartridge I used last is a vintage Fidelity Research FR-1 MK3 F, which needs to be re-tipped, and I will do so once I get a replacement.

Posters
The OP is looking for replacment while his FR-1 mk3 will be off for re-tip.

@rich121 i think you have to read this thread first of all:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/fidelity-research-cartridges?highlight=fidelity-research%2Bca...

Simply read J.Carr’s comments

If you really like FR sound then Fidelity-Research PMC-3 is the one to look for until you will find FR-7f or FR-7fz which is the ultimate. 


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I will be able to compare FR-64fx to FR-64s tonearms in my system. While i really like the FR-7fz (and my ex FR-7f was also great) with original diamonds, i love my rare vintage MM of another level. Life is much easier with MM and some of the vintage ones are absolutely amazing, the rest is just curiosity and hobby. 

But i won't give up, at least i have to try that FD-64s that so many people in love with. Wish i could find B-60 base for reasonable price. 

 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Over the years i've seen about 5 different IKEDA cantileverless models, some of them are headshell-integrated as one piece, some can be removed from the conventional headshell. All of them are probably extremely close to the record surface in operation. Very little info availabe online about those different models. I think some of them are made by Ikeda himself and not new, some newer are made by someone at his company. Would be nice to learn more about the difference between them.  
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@best-groove i really like how you transform us to italian speaking persons :) 


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
This is how it works: video
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Do you have both counterweight of the different mass for your FR tonearms or they are all have the same big and heavy counterweight ? 

If the compliance is 10μm/mN @ 10Hz then it's fairly low conpliance and heavy mass is what you need. But if the compliance measured at 100 Hz then your cartridge is twice as much in compliance. So you have to ask them to make sure! 

Actually i'm surprised if the SoundSmith cartridges have such a low compliance as 10cu ... (it's a bit old fashioned for a modern cartridge designer). Not sure how heavy is your headshell to balance with the tonearm counterweight. 

BTW: How did you sent then to Ideda Sound Lab ? Do you have direct contact ? 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
You can buy silver cartridge leads on eBay. They are a product of either Yamamoto or Oyaide; in other words, the source is reputable. No need to purchase an entire headshell. In fact, I don’t know of any of the better Japanese-made headshells that come with silver leads. @lewm



This is a nice set of Silver Lead Wires made by Audio-Technica, i think they are from the 80’s. I’ve bought two sets (NOS). Has anyone else tried them ?

There is a nice Audio Craft headshell which i am happy to use on high mass tonearms. That models designed to solder leadwires directly to the headshell pins (less connectors in signal path). This is a dual-lock headshell. I think it's top quality. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@rich121 

i'm still wondering how did you proceed with Ikeda service of the old FR tonearm ? Just through their website ? Is that expensive ? 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Does anyone have a contact for "Tien" ?
Maker of B-60 clone.


who's got his email ?
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