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.



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Showing 3 responses by kdogsy

RE-surfacing an old thread here. Wondering if someone can tell me about head-shell compatibility with these FR64 tone arms?. Can I use regular headshells like I would on a technics 1200g arm for example? . If so what can be said about the native FR headshell eg- is it recommended?. So far I can just assume its a weighty headshell.   

Also as I am digging up this thread does anyone have anything recent to share on cartridge synergy with these arms?

I am considering swapping out the Technics 1200G arm with FR-64s to use with a Koetsu Rosewood standard. 

Great Replies thank you @mulveling ​​​​@lewm 

I have a few headshells I can start with and will experiment from there. 

I guess the 64s or 64fx question was in my mind also. Someone convinced me the 64s was the one to go for out of the 2 if I wanted something really special. 

I can only see them on the used marketplace for sale in Japan. I have never purchased something like this in terms of cost, age and "delicate-ness" used from an overseas seller. I guess if I am careful of who I buy from I could be ok?. 
The 64S is generally about 30% more cost than the 64FX.

Would you say the 64S is the way to go if I am only getting one to start with and using with my Koetsu standard ?