FR66S vs Ikeda IT-407 vs FR66FX

Another Reed 3P (with vdH Colibri) and FR user here, although my experience is limited to the 64s and 64fx. In terms of ’adjustability’ I agree with chakster that Reed is most versatile. But my sample of the 3P has a fixed headshell and mounting and/or dismounting the Colibri is not exactly my idea of fun. So for my other cartridges I use the FR arms. Therefore in terms of ’usability’ the FR are better and I do prefer the 64s (with B-60) over the 64fx, especially with the heavy FR7 and SPU type cartridges.

There is much information about the FR64/66 series and opinions are divided about which is better. The original price difference between both models was modest (ca. 35.000 JPY if I remember correctly), but apparently most buyers chose the 64s. Consequently the 66s is much rarer, which explains the huge price difference on the current market. This does not seem to be an indication of a major quality difference, so 64s is indeed most ’bang for the buck’.

Most folks who had the opportunity to compare them do seem to prefer the 66s. But I guess if they had to pay the current market price they’d want or even demand it to be better. I know I would....

Of course there are more 'classic' Japanese tonearms to consider. The Micro Seiki MAX-237/282 series is highly regarded but very pricey. And if it is usability you're after, you might also look at the Audiocraft AC-3300/4400 series (10" and 12" respectively).

This system with two point bearing offered a wide choice of interchangeable armpipes: three straight pipes with fixed headshells for different effective mass, an S-pipe with universal SME bajonet and even dedicated pipes for EMT TSD and Ortofon SPU A type cartridges. Also variable oil damping and a VTA tower, similar to the Reed.

In my experience this tonearm will accomodate just about every cartridge you can imagine, both modern and 'old school'. It is the most universal tonearm system I own. It's also an absolute joy to use and sounds terrific. I have tried my Colibri in the AC-4400, using the lightest straight armpipe and sonically it is at least on a par with Reed 3P.

Unfortunately a 'fully decked' AC-4400 isn't exactly cheap either, but at least you can spread the cost, adding more armpipes and counterweights as you go along. These can still be found in Japan as separate items. The more common (and thus cheaper) armpipes of the earlier AC-3000/4000 series - in black or silver - will fit as well.

If I was forced, I'd choose it over the Reed 3P and FR64s.