Refurbish Fidelity Research Tonearms

I need more butter on my popcorn...

Now, if we can just get Nandric and Dertoarm in here and then stir that pot good (maybe with a good 'ole radical subjectivism vs. scientific materialism debate, throw in some hot peppers) then we might have a real good time!

Old karma...

I have a NIB SME 3012-R Pro sitting here waiting for a plinth, and I wouldn't touch it; just heresy for me. But I'm an originalist in many things I collect - that's just my thing.

But if my audio-buddy down the street wants to rewire his vintage arm with 1000-yr old annealed silver, that sounds OK too...could work.

Irascibility aside, I've always enjoyed Raul and Syntax's opinions. They have the experience to offer valid opinions, and if they want to take each other to task, that works for me too. And it makes the popcorn taste better, of course.

Resume, please.

Some weird communications going on here fellows, I can't comment on that. But  I want to know which arm to buy and also how do any of these precision bearings go bad in these arms? I mean There not under any stress during normal use are they? Did they use an inferior bearing of some sort?

 I understand grease dries out and turns to wax but this can be removed and re lubed!

 I think we can do these ourselves with a small investment of precision tools. 

No doubt a refurbish - relube - process could be performed at home with the correct tools.  Its all about time and money.

I also understand the motivation to not alter a classic.  I just think in this case, the idea of improving the performance of an excellent design through a rewire, cleaning and better materials for a longer life make perfect sense.  Especially if you have no intention to sell the arm. How many of you are using the original DIN to RCA cable that came with the FR-64S? Not me.

Dear @karl_desch  : ""  to not alter a classic. 

I respect your opinion but in the best way could be a " non-sense classic ".


"""   improving the performance of an excellent design ..."""

Well I can see that links in this thread you not read it yet or have a misunderstood about.
. In those links even Mr. Ikeda and his people that worked in the manufacturer all says that that " excellent desing " you mentioned is not true for them, he has a different preferent  self design but not this.

So, I think you are spreading just a " rumor " where even the designer him self: disagree.

False rumors as these is what develops " no sense false classics ".

R.

Raul,  I think maybe a better word for you would be "vintage" then. There is no reason to argue about what tonearms are classics and what are "non-sense"  Your opinions on the design flaws of the FR64S/FR-66S are well known. Obviously, Mr. Ikeda also tried to improve on the design over time.  

I actually think the hesitancy to refurbish older hifi is usually pure human sentiment.  Sure that sentiment drives resale prices but not function of the equipment.