Fidelity Research FR-64 vs. FR-54


In a prior discussion, I had asked about tonearm suggestions for a Luxman PD-441 table that currently has a Denon DA-307 tonearm and Grado The Reference high output cartridge.  Many suggestions were provided.  A Fidelity Research FR-64 was suggested as a simple replacement.  I'm wondering if the FR-54 would also be good, being that it is mentioned in the Luxman manual in the same category as the Denon arm on there now?
bdunne
Um, hello out there. Has anyone heard the OP's question? Cuz I got to this thread by googling the same. He didn't ask for comparisons between the FR64S and the Denon DA307. The FR64, in all it's versions I believe, is dynamically balanced and the FR54 is not. Radically different designs. I've never had a dynamic. Has anyone heard a FR54 and a FR54? No sermons needed. ;^)
It seems like even black 64fx is not so popular as 64s, i wish to know what's the difference between them?  

The FR54 is a much cheaper tonearm, so i assume it's not on the same level as 64s, not even close, right ? 

I've never tried. 
Haha! 
You're probably right, 2channel.  I plead guilty to letting the exchange degenerate into a mano a mano.  However, someone wrote very early on that the FR64S is generally considered to be far superior to the FR54, and I, for one, assumed this is a given.  The FR64S/66S were Fidelity Research's best efforts, along with the fx versions of the same tonearms.  Most end users also have written that the FR64S is superior to the FX version, by a wide margin.  I cannot attest to that, either way.  

With any tonearm capable of dynamic balancing, it is usually not imperative to use the dynamic mechanism; one can optionally achieve the desired VTF by re-positioning the counter-weight, just as with any tonearm that lacks dynamic balancing.  Among those who have an opinion, dynamic balancing is controversial.  One would have to try it both ways with any particular combo of tonearm and cartridge.  I do use the dynamic balance with my FR64S, largely because the Acutex cartridge is so light in weight that I cannot otherwise achieve VTF.  I looked around for a heavier FR counter-wt, which would make it possible to balance the tonearm mechanically, but did not find one.

Lewm
I do use the dynamic balance with my FR64S, largely because the Acutex cartridge is so light in weight that I cannot otherwise achieve VTF. I looked around for a heavier FR counter-wt, which would make it possible to balance the tonearm mechanically, but did not find one.
This don't make sense, if the Acutex is too light you would need a lighter counterweight. Most people have the 250g counterweight with the FR64S.
I have the W170 ( 170g ) lighter counterweight which is useful for lighter cartridges; you should try and get hold of one if you are going to use a variety of cartridges on your FR64S.

dover, Lewm may want a heavier counterweight because with the light one he has, even with it positioned all the way back on the cw stub, the arm still can not achieve the tracking force his cartridge requires---the front end of the arm, that ahead of the arms pivots, having too much mass to make that possible. A heavier weight WILL make it possible, as the cw will need to be closer to the arms pivots to balance the arm.

Anyone desiring a higher mass counterweight can attach to it the little lead weights that are available at hobby shops. They are backed with double-sided tape, thus can simply be stuck on the c/w.