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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
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rich121's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rich121 OP
187 posts
 
lewm,

email sent.

Not sure if Colby wouldn't be the best bet, but still hope that Tien will come thru... I have been pressing for a fix for quite awhile and my patience is waning....  

:)
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
If there is a list for a new B60 guide pin from Tien I would like to be on it!
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

My recommendation is Ikeda 9 C , cantileverless kind.

See latest post by ddriverman in FR carts thread.

BTW I assume that you mean with FR-64 the 64S (S=steel).

There is also an FR-64 with aluminum arm wand and round

lateral balance.

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
You can buy silver cartridge leads on eBay. They are a product of either Yamamoto or Oyaide; in other words, the source is reputable. No need to purchase an entire headshell. In fact, I don’t know of any of the better Japanese-made headshells that come with silver leads. @lewm



This is a nice set of Silver Lead Wires made by Audio-Technica, i think they are from the 80’s. I’ve bought two sets (NOS). Has anyone else tried them ?

There is a nice Audio Craft headshell which i am happy to use on high mass tonearms. That models designed to solder leadwires directly to the headshell pins (less connectors in signal path). This is a dual-lock headshell. I think it's top quality. 
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