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 ?
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.
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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- 69 posts total
Speaking for myself, not ever having owned a 64fx, let alone heard one, I can only confirm that the 64S is the more prized version. Says nothing about SQ. For mating to Koetsu, which is how I use mine, the 64S is superb. I use the 18g Ortofon 9000LH headshell (I think that's the correct alphanumeric code), not the FR headshell. In the case of the Koetsu, you do want high effective mass. The 64S is higher in effective mass than the 64fx. |
@lewm thats what I thought. Yes it is 10 grams heavier I think. |
If you've already got a Koetsu, it's hard to go wrong with 64S. The 64fx might be a bit more versatile with more medium-ish compliance MCs. But the 64S is better with Koetsus, certainly. On my Clearaudio Innovation, 64S is the #1 arm. And it looks stunning - great aesthetic from the gleaming steel. It looks like a serious instrument. Whereas 64fx looks a bit dingy by comparison, in the #2 slot (which it alternates with a Graham Phantom). On my SOTA Nova, the 64S is too heavy to work, so the other 64fx (I have 2) fits and complements the aesthetic quite nicely. |
- 69 posts total