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FR64 to FR66 conversion Analogmagik

Hi guys

 

I read the thread started by @syntax whose opinion I genuinely value. I have decided to get Richard Mak to refurb my FR64s arm.

 

Whilst on the website I saw you could get an FR66 replica arm tube.

 

Has anyone done this conversion?

What is the benefit of going 9 to 12 inches?

There is a very solid school of thought advocated by the maker of the SAT arm and the late great Max Townshend that the shorter the arm the better - rigidity and also resonance outweigh tracking improvement…

 

I would be grateful for the input of anyone particularly those who have both arms or got the conversion 

 

thanks 🙏 

 

lohanimal
lewm
12,510 posts
 

Also check out Halcro’s plinth for his TT101, photos to be found in his long thread where we argued about outboard tonearm pods. Key word for reference is “Copernicus”.

mke246
30 posts
 

I had my FR-66s modded by Richard Mak with great results. My use is pretty unorthodox, though. I use the FR arm because I need to track heavy (5 grams) with 78s and the FR arm is probably one of the best-suited if not the best for such a task. Richard upgraded the bearings to ceramic and direct-wired it RCAs to pins. I’m sure the modifications hurt the resale value, but I don’t really care.

I realized later in the game that he offers the 'upgrade' from FR64S to FR66s. I probably would have just bought a FR64s and upgraded the arm tube rather than buying a used FR66s on Yahoo Auctions Japan, but live and learn.

warnie7
6 posts
 

@lewm I live in Md and Ill like to see the mass loaded board you mentioned

 

lewm
12,510 posts
 

If you live near enough to Bethesda, you are welcome to visit in person.

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