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Fidelity Research cartridges

Any FR cartridge experts out there? Raul? Dertonarm? Syntax?
I have had an FR-7 which I bought a while ago. I tried it ever so briefly when I got it on an arm I now recognize as not being able to handle that weight (close, but no cigar). I just now pulled it out for kicks and after getting it adjusted with the big counterweight, I am VERY pleasantly surprised. Actually, I'm feeling kind of bubbly. It does not dig out the utmost in detail, but it just sounds very right.

Are there any other FR carts out there which are real steals if still in good condition? I know the MC-702 and the FR-1Mk2 and Mk3f by name, with good reps being assigned to the Mk3 and the MC-702. Given that the MC-702 and the FR-7 look quite similar, and they were offered at about the same time, what is different? And is the FR-7 just an integrated headshell version of the FR-1Mk3?
t_bone
parrotbee
103 posts
 
Yeah - the brand new LP-S
I can get them at a very 'reasonable price' which is comparable to an FR-7f - plus it will be new
Unlike the likes of many on Audiogon - I have to make choices between components.
I have heard a lot - particularly on this thread that the Fr-7f is a uniquely brilliant cartridge. Likewise I am told that the LPS is superb - truly self-effecting and neutral.
TBH - I'd ultimately like to have tried all the 'great' carts - one never gets to audition them.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
I think that many prefer FR-7 fz above FR-7f. However FR-7f
is more easy to find. Considering its ''modest price'' you are very
lucky to get ''brand new LP-mr'' for similar price. Lucky b...
bukanona
174 posts
 
if tonearm is FR64 S version FR-7f will be better match.

in case of FR 64 fx both are good match.





parrotbee
103 posts
 
It is fr64s
my only fear is buying such an old cartridge...
i normally buy new carts ever since I got an OC7 with a wonky cantilever 16 years agos
bukanona
174 posts
 
Yes it is a lottery.
Although 35 grams of effective mass is a lot for majority of modern cartridges. 
I don't own FR-F7f but my Ikeda 9 CV is low compliance. So low that I think it's close to  Ortofon SPU and compliance figures are quite equal  of of 6 CV and F7f at least on paper.
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