Long time ago i’ve come across this page in japanese, revisited it last week i realized the price for Fr-7fc is the highest among all of them (100 000 Yen in 1981), even higher than FR-7fz with refined LineContact tip (80 000 Yen in 1981) for some reason. But the "fc" has a conical tip, what is the reason for higher price?
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?
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?
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Ok, time to give some update since this thread has been revived and almost 4 years have passed since my vintage MC Cartridge mini-shootout review. Thanks to Chakster for finding that review. Firstly, I was able to listen to the Ikeda 9C III again with Ikeda headshell and Ikeda headshell wires. This time, I preferred the 9C III to the FR7fz. I've also added a SPU 85th Anniversary which is now the best SPU in my inventory. Finally, I moved from the Koetsu Coralstone Platinum to the Koetsu Coralstone Diamond Platinum which has a diamond cantilever. This is now my reference cartridge. All of the attributes of the original Coralstone Platinum but with more detail and PRAT. I'm still hunting for a Ikeda 9R, 9REX or 9 MUSA as I really like the cantileverless Ikeda 9 sound. Additionally, I also have a Sony XL-55 Pro. It was nice but not better than the FR7fz in my system. If anyone is interested, I'm willing to part with it. Finally, the cartridges that get most used in my system are : - Koetsu Coral Diamond Platinum - Ikeda 9C III - FR7fz - SPU 85th Anniversary - Acoustical Systems Archon Cartridge - Technics EPC100 Mk IV FWIW |
Yes, the SPU 85th anniversary has the Urushi body. Really nice. My firend has the SPU 95th Anniversary. he likes it a lot and prefers it over my 85th Anniversary. But I prefer my 85th Anniversary on my system and his system. The 95th has a "modern" sound compared to the 85th but I preferred the vintage SPU house sound. Damper on my Technics EPC100Mk4? Not sure if there was a problem? Plays and sounds fine. |
Dear friends, since i bought the uber rare FR-7fz i have to rise some funds for this expensive hobby. If anyone interested in my FR-7f in exellent condition let me know. I will keep only one cart for myself, another one looking for new home. The sunlight was nice today to make a picture of it: https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37958622_2358568874161266_3769234174796365824_n.jpg?_n... |
- 174 posts total