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FR64 cartridge suggestions

Been out of the loop for quite a few years due to some 'life' events, with system in storage.

I have been able to pull my system from storage, and last year worked enough overtime to upgrade or purchase new equipment, but I have not upgraded my turntable/tonearm/cartridge yet.

My turntable is a Technics SL1000 MKII which for those not familiar, is the Technics SP10 MKII turntable mounted on a factory plinth.
I have two Technics B-500 bases with an 'E' armwand and 'H' armwand that I don't use.
The tonearm I do use is a Fidelity Research FR64, so I need a low compliance cartridge.
The cartridge I used last is a vintage Fidelity Research FR-1 MK3 F, which needs to be re-tipped, and I will do so once I get a replacement.

The rest of the system includes:

Zesto 1.2 Andros tube phono stage
Zesto 1.5 tube preamp
Quicksilver V4 tube amps (new KT150 version)
Green Mountain Audio Continuum 3 speakers
JL Audio 113 Fathom subwoofers (pair)

Curious what cartridges other high mass tonearm owners are using, especially those who use Fidelity Research FR64/66 tonearms.

Looking for cartridges under $2000 USD at most.. probably should spend half that.

I have over 20K records, so I am very anxious to get this back into service.

Really curious about suggestions and thanks in advance.



128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrich121
lewm
13,296 posts
 
I'd buy one from you, Nicky.  I was referring to the notion of sending US$2000 to some stranger living in Europe or Asia who is selling an FR-7fz on eBay, where the condition of the cartridge is typically described only as "used".  That's not much to go on for $2000.

I'm glad you ended up happy with your replica B60.  I'm happy with mine as well.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

Dear Lew, I knew that you are sportsmanlike. I may be able

to post to you my Ikeda 9C,mk 2 to try. If the REX is better that

is. In about 10 days I will know. You get your best possible

scenario. First listening and testing than deciding.

lewm
13,296 posts
 
Thanks for the thought, Nikola, but my current curiosity is mainly about the FR 7FZ.
rich121's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rich121 OP
187 posts
 
Wow... so much knowledge out there... love these posts!

I'm learning and having a good laugh at the same time... some very interesting personalities here  :)

Keep the posts coming!


solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
My experience echos others vis a vis effective mass- the fr64s is surprisingly flexible with carts of various compliance/weight. I have an fr7 and it is very nice but not fantastic. (Never tried better versions, have wondered about retipping mine with different styles profile). I got mine for well under $1k and it's musical and nice to listen to.
Since I import the Sensitive Sound carts I've tried the lighter ART series as well as the heavy weight bigger brothers and am quite pleased with the arm match to both...
So....if you're retipping your FR cart maybe decide if you want a different flavor, or maybe a mono cart? Variety is nice :)
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