LONDON Decca, Tzar DST and similar cartridges


I have always been curious about these phono cartridges and the Stereophile review of the Tzar DST has heightened my interest. When I read about the peculiarities of these cartridges, I am put off from trying them. Can anyone offer persuasive reasons to try them and also provide real practical advice on how to make them work reliably?  Tonearm suggestions? Phono preamp suggestions? Damping recommendations? How badly do they grind out record grooves?  Any other words of advice? Thanks. 
128x128kmccarty
To any LDR fettlers, my continuing odyssey into its set up continues.
For a while I ran it in my FR66s at 2.0 gms and no anti skate.
i now run it at 1.82 gms with a tiny amount of bias (on the FR using the small weight at just a little in from the minimum setting) and I think it’s better- more texture and delicacy without any loss of tracking ability.
On the Hi Fi news test record the results are : lateral test - the cartridge shakes (badly !) at 7hz;  vertical test - same shake at 15 hz.
Those tests are not affected by VTF.
i use the Arche headshell - it may be OCD but the titanium headshell screws they also sell helped with the LR - I guess “ every little helps ...”
@howardalex, I'm curious about this one-off PW-1 version of the FR7. Do you have any info you might like to share?

@halcro I asked Yip for 231.5mm alternative distance. The UNI I believe is an evolved version of the Dennesen (I have Nerva audio copy, very well made!). I also have an alternative protractor made to order by late Wally Malewicz (sadly was his last job). I guess I'll start with Mint which I know best. Got the point with setting P2S as precisely as possible, thanks!
@howardalex While not the LDR, I track all my Deccas at 1.65 grams. Speeds it up and lights it up. No AS on 12" arm.
@edgware - I bought the FR7 “PW-1” from a Japanese seller on eBay (touching wood I’ve only had positive experiences so far buying like that ...); According to him the “PW” stood for “professional world”, as in Fidelity Research made one offs for radio stations or that sort of thing. I’ve no idea if that’s actually the case or just an educated guess, but that’s what he said.
Sonically it’s really good, I immediately preferred it to the FR 7 and FR7 fz I already had when I got it as it seemed a bit more refined in the high frequency range - more airy on the midrange too.
It must have a lower output (like the fc) as it produces less volume.
If I can figure out how to post a photo I’ll put one on.