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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
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
1,929 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.

nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
Dear chakster, Ikeda IT-345 ''armwand'' is not made from steel.
As J. Carr explained  3 different materials are used for the
''armpipe'' in order to supress resonances. According to Carr
Ikeda got better understaning  of involved resonances after the
FR -64/66 S  series. Also there is no lateral balance on IT 345&
407 ''models''.  I bought IT-345 because  Carr mentioned that
according to Ikeda and his ''mechanics'' IT-345 was their best
tonearm. I sold my IT-345 because I prefer my both FR-64 S;
the silver and copper kind.
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