Fidelity Research FR-64x

@karl_desch
I actually already have an LH-8000; I’ve had it for several years now! That’s impressive that you preferred its sound to the Yamamatos. I never did sound-quality headshell comparisons on the FR64fx, but I do know that the LH-8000 certainly sounds very good, especially with Ortofon silver leads. I’m actually interested in trying out the LH-9000 (carbon fiber + magnesium). There’s nothing else out there, really, that looks "normal" and is made from higher-end materials (how did you cope with the Titanium Yamamoto’s mounting holes vs. slits?).

I enjoy the debate on alignments. I’m probably gonna splash out for a SMARTractor, and go with a Baerwald alignment (maybe with the longer than 230mm S-P distances, as has been suggested). Fortunately the CA turntable facilitates easy adjustment of S-P distance. And I never play any 7" discs, and I don’t want to cater to inner grooves at the expense of the rest of the record, so no Stevenson for me.

Dear Raul,

"overhang: 16.5mm, offset angle: 21.95° and P2S: 233.5mm. The distortion levels goes down again as tracking error. That is Löfgren A/Baerwald alignment but now with and EL: 250mm. "

Yes, but we need very very long headshell (I do not know such a sample) and we can not use Ortofon SPU and FR-7 cartridges.

My choice for FR64S is P2S 230mm. Löfgren A/Baerwald aligment via headshell: overhang: 16.7mm, offset angle: 22.25°, effective length 246.7mm.  If I use Ortofon SPU and FR-7, I am just on Stevenson geometry (by the way with great results).

Normally i prefer to use manufacturer recommendations first, then i need some time get used to the sound, then i can make changes (maybe). But i can't hear any single problem with Stevenson for FR-7f, at the moment FR64fx + RF-7f is a great combination. What i realized is thast my new First Watt F2J power amp and First Watt B1 passive preamp makes huge different compared to my tube gear i used before. The resolution is so high, First Watt gear must be neutral, tube gear was colored (i believe). Even my belowed WLM Phonata mm/mc phono stage sounds completely different with new First Watt amps. It was much darker with tube gear, but with high resolution First Watt gear it's just great. 

@mulveling Well I guess you have no excuse not to try the LH-8000.  I admit I was surprised too about my preference. It’s one of those things that was subtle but I kept going back to the Ortofon headshell and ultimately that’s where the RSP sounded best and where it ended up staying.  
I was able to use the Yamamoto HS6 despite the mounting holes because I can adjust overhang with my table’s sliding magnetic armboard.  

I find it extremely difficult, with Koetsu, to see the cantilever well enough to adjust lateral angle at the null points.  I rely on the cartridge body sides assuming they are parallel to the cantilever. I know this is a compromise. Let us know if the SmarTractor allows you to visualize the cantilever on your Koetsu if you end up grabbing one.

-Karl