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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?
t_bone
bima
30 posts
 
Thank you Chakster! Invaluable contribution. 

I have a few NOS FR MCs, but only two models. Alas, neither is included in the listings (FR1 Mk3F and MC201).

But that doesn't diminish the value of such a thorough listing, with hard-to-find reliable specs.

I'd also like to note that the suspensions on all my FR cartridges seem just fine. Unlike some (notably AKG) FR chose a durable material that doesn't significantly change with time. 
parrotbee
103 posts
 
So guys I have my fr64 good to mount on either my TTS 8000 or jvc ql10/101. I am thinking about an fr7f - I take it that’s the one to buy - there are a few sellers out there - any recommendations?
parrotbee
103 posts
 
I have an fr64 and either a jvc tt101 or Sony tts8000 for it. My question is are there any reputable people who have an fr7 and if so which one to get? If new stylus what type? I use expert stylus for re-tipping in the uk
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Congratulations on two great decks and wonderful arm.
The FR-7fz is far rarer than the FR-7f and consequently more expensive.
If the stylus needs replacing on the FR-7f.....have it re-tipped with a nude Line Contact diamond pressure-fitted into the original aluminium cantilever if possible.
I had my FR-7f done that way.
My FR-7fz is NOS original.
I find the extra cost for the 7fz hardly warranted but decide for yourself....

FR-7f

FR-7f

FR-7fz

FR-7fz

FR-7f vs FR-7fz

Good luck 😉
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Just curious what Ikeda fans thinking about those last FR cartridges designed by Ozwa Yasuo (founder of Shelter) in the 80's ?

"Born in Tokyo. He was fascinated from boyhood by the timbre of music instruments and started self-designing audio products to realize high fidelity sound reproduction. He designed many tube amplifiers when he was in junior high school age, and majored in electrical engineering at the university with aiming an amplifier designer, but he found the charm of analog pickup which can practice the whole design of sound reproduction that he imagines. In 1982 he joined Fidelity Research (FR) and started its career as a phono cartridge designer. He participated to design MC phono cartridges of MCX-3, MCX-5 and other products during his work at FR. He then became independent in 1986 to establish Shelter, thereafter he has been designing and developing the MC phono cartridge throughout his life."


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