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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
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
was it pre-amp and step up? if so which pre-amp?

It’s an interesting question, probably the SUT was connected to those big oldschool receivers (MM input), there are many of them.

I’m not expert in vintage phono stages, but something like Pioneer Exclussive system was very expensive in the 80’s, looks cute and still popular. The headamp for MC in "Z system" looks like this. Preamp with MM input is C-Z1. And the power amps (monoblocks) from this series is here. Kind of a cute little system for a very high price @parrotbee

I think in the USA at that time all those SUTs were connected to big and expensive Levinson and Krell preamps.

If you will look at the FR catalof from the 80's you will see only this stuff. 
parrotbee
103 posts
 
I am immune and ahhing between a brand new Benz LP-S and an fr7-f what say you - it’s to go with an fr64 on jvc ql10
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
parrotbee, If you mean with ''brand new Benz LP-S the latest
version with micro ridge stylus and bronze insert (16,5 g) then
LP-S. 
parrotbee
103 posts
 
Yeah - the brand new LP-S
I can get them at a very 'reasonable price' which is comparable to an FR-7f - plus it will be new
Unlike the likes of many on Audiogon - I have to make choices between components.
I have heard a lot - particularly on this thread that the Fr-7f is a uniquely brilliant cartridge. Likewise I am told that the LPS is superb - truly self-effecting and neutral.
TBH - I'd ultimately like to have tried all the 'great' carts - one never gets to audition them.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
I think that many prefer FR-7 fz above FR-7f. However FR-7f
is more easy to find. Considering its ''modest price'' you are very
lucky to get ''brand new LP-mr'' for similar price. Lucky b...
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