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FR64 cartridge suggestions

Been out of the loop for quite a few years due to some 'life' events, with system in storage.

I have been able to pull my system from storage, and last year worked enough overtime to upgrade or purchase new equipment, but I have not upgraded my turntable/tonearm/cartridge yet.

My turntable is a Technics SL1000 MKII which for those not familiar, is the Technics SP10 MKII turntable mounted on a factory plinth.
I have two Technics B-500 bases with an 'E' armwand and 'H' armwand that I don't use.
The tonearm I do use is a Fidelity Research FR64, so I need a low compliance cartridge.
The cartridge I used last is a vintage Fidelity Research FR-1 MK3 F, which needs to be re-tipped, and I will do so once I get a replacement.

The rest of the system includes:

Zesto 1.2 Andros tube phono stage
Zesto 1.5 tube preamp
Quicksilver V4 tube amps (new KT150 version)
Green Mountain Audio Continuum 3 speakers
JL Audio 113 Fathom subwoofers (pair)

Curious what cartridges other high mass tonearm owners are using, especially those who use Fidelity Research FR64/66 tonearms.

Looking for cartridges under $2000 USD at most.. probably should spend half that.

I have over 20K records, so I am very anxious to get this back into service.

Really curious about suggestions and thanks in advance.



128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrich121
dronepunk's avatar
dronepunk
64 posts
 
Does anyone have a contact for "Tien" ?
Maker of B-60 clone.

Thanks you
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Does anyone have a contact for "Tien" ?
Maker of B-60 clone.


who's got his email ?
lewm
13,149 posts
 
Did you look for his eBay ad?  Probably it's been taken down, because I don't think he makes them any more for regular sale, but I certainly could be wrong.
taksil
19 posts
 

Gentlemen, 

Were any if you able to get a pin machined or get a new one from Tien?

I was probably one of the first buyers of Tien's B60 replica more than a decade ago probably even predating Nandric.

My first B60 replica unit had a very bad side to side wobble compared to my original B60 that came with my FR66s.I was paranoid that using it on the fly would cause a disastrous accident to one of my cartridge cantilevers.

I contacted Tien on numerous occasions, at first he refused to acknowledge that there could be a problem and he then went awol after promising to send me a replacement. From memory this could have been around 2011.

He finally got in touch with me when I started warning other AGon members about my plight on his B60 for sale threads. Eventually he sent me a replacement where we had to do an exchange of units via a third party whom we both happened to know.

The replacement had less wiggle and I did clean off all the goop he was using and lubricated it with a lighter viscosity which seemed to somewhat alleviate the problem but not cure it totally.

I still do not attempt to dial VTA height while a record is playing so would appreciate  some advice if anyone has managed to acquire a better machined pin/setscrew.

 Thanks 

 

nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

The only correct way to solve the problem is to cut an new thread on 

the screw side of the construction . Say 2,5 mm . Than the nose can

be adjusted ( polished)  to 2mm qua dimension to the vertical slot. 

We all will pay Lew if he can convince his ''master machinist'' to

make ''y  x $ '' for the job .  I am willing to transfer the needed

money to Lew in advance.  

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