Cartridge upgrade

FR-7fz (which would also cost you around $1500 in ’previously cherished’ condition).

Once in 5 years only if you’re lucky, more realistic price nowadays is something like $2500 and it will be sold pretty quick as they are mega rare. I’ve noticed that even FR-7f is often available for sale re-tipped, but sellers didn’t give a word about it in the listings (i can see too much glue around the diamond). So the buyer must be an expert to recognize fake diamond.

Interesting info about Phasemation, they are popular only among the Japanese audiophiles. Have you tried PP-1000 ?

@chakster,

Yeah, you’re right, the FR-7 series have appreciated in value. I believe the even rarer FR-7fc (with conical tip of all things!) is now listed on eBay for over $3k. Phew.

So far I only tried the P-3G (= PP-300), but if that is anything to go by the PP-1000 (or previously P-1G) must be truly fantastic. There’s now even a PP-2000 if you really want to let it hang out......

Another vote for ortofon cadenza bronze.