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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
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
12,537 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.  

nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

Lucky me I never become ''master machinist''. So I see afterwards that

my ''solution'' produces more problems than it solves. The problem is

the nose of the screw. If an ''case'' or ''cover'' on the nose can correct

the  (wrong) thickness of the nose (=1 mm?) the problem  can be solved. 

I.e, the thread is 2mm but the nose is smaller while the vertical slot is

also 2mm. 

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