2. analog
  3. 1413080464

FR66s vs Ikeda IT-407 CR tonearms

Has anyone compared the FR66s to the newer Ikeda IT-407 CR1 tonearm? Any thoughts? In previous years, the Ikeda was available with either copper or silver internal wiring but the recent models don't mention anything about the tonearm wiring. Can anyone comment what type of wiring is used in the latest editions? It would seem intuitive that the later Ikeda IT407 should be a better performer than the FR66s having improved material and bearings over the FR66s but the proof is in the hearing.
ddriveman
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
My Ikeda IT-345 tonearm has arrived, matte finishing, not a CR-1.
Arm tube is stainless steel.   

Everything about this model is great, my first impression is very positive about every part of this tonearm. Actually i feel that it is better made than my FR-64s sample. It is a third model of FR/Ikeda in my collection: 64fx, 64s and now IT-345 

gallus
45 posts
 
@chakster Does your IT345 tonearm come with the vta tower (IT-VTA-06)? It is claimed to work both with Ikeda and FR tonearms. I am considering purchasing a FR64s and quite interested in reports about the Ikeda vta tower, since the original B60 is quite hard and expensive to find.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@gallus I have B60 replica base with my FR64s, it can be used with Ikeda too.

gallus
45 posts
 
Thanks @chakster !
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,951 posts
 
@gallus
I have both the Ikeda IT-VTA-06 base and an original FR B-60 base. Both work fine on my FR64S, but I like the Ikeda better - it's newer and everything tightens up better on it. Those set-screw hex heads on the B-60 can get pretty marginal over the years.

I've settled on the Ikeda base on my setup, and am very happy. I also like the Ikeda headshells with FR64S.

More to discover