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Fidelity Research 64s vs Jelco SA-750e

Currently I have a Jelco SA-750e (10 inch) arm on a Sota Star Sapphire with a Koetsu Rosewood Signature. This runs to an EAR 834p, Thor TA-1000 pre, Quicksilver v4 monos, and Verity Audio Parsifal Encores. The sound is very good now, but I wonder if I could decrease record/surface noise and increase bass and dynamics with a better tonearm.

Obviously the Fidelity Research 64s is better than the Jelco, but can anyone offer opinions about what kind of differences I might hear and the magnitude of difference, if I change the Jelco for the FR? Trying to decide if it is worth the extra $1300 or so to upgrade.

Thanks everyone!

montaldo
montaldo OP
202 posts
 
Yes I have no doubt, basednon your and others' comments, that the 850 would be a great upgrade. I am just wondering how much I would be missing by not going all the way to a FR arm. I kinda feel like I might get 80% of the benefit by going to the 850, in which case due to cost and hassle, the 850 would win.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,990 posts
 
 @noromance I am getting a quote for the 850 M to go on the recently back from rebuild at factory Saphire. The Ft-3 that came with it is shot...

Not exactly sure what cartridge..yet...something below $2 K


montaldo OP
202 posts
 
I bought a used Koetsu Rosewood Signature for $1400 that I use with my Jelco 750e (10") and old star.sapphire and it is pretty amazing sounding. I have trouble envisioning how it could improve, with the exception of perhaps less groove/record noise. But  buying used cartridges is high wire work... A little scary. I got lucky.


noromance's avatar
noromance
9,898 posts
 
@montaldo The 64 is not a 66. Legacy reviews say the 64 is a little lacking in top end detail. The 850 is crystalline clear. AFAIK, George Merrill has the best Jelco pricing.
montaldo OP
202 posts
 
Thanks noromance. One thing I want to be cautious of when changing tone arms is I don't want to significantly change the tonal balance. Right now it is about perfect and so I was hoping staying with jelco brand would give me a very similar total balance and house sound but reducing record noise and may be improving things without Shifting the balance. Is your experience with the 850 versus the 750 consistent with that or is the 850 very different sound?
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