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Fidelity Research cartridges

Any FR cartridge experts out there? Raul? Dertonarm? Syntax?
I have had an FR-7 which I bought a while ago. I tried it ever so briefly when I got it on an arm I now recognize as not being able to handle that weight (close, but no cigar). I just now pulled it out for kicks and after getting it adjusted with the big counterweight, I am VERY pleasantly surprised. Actually, I'm feeling kind of bubbly. It does not dig out the utmost in detail, but it just sounds very right.

Are there any other FR carts out there which are real steals if still in good condition? I know the MC-702 and the FR-1Mk2 and Mk3f by name, with good reps being assigned to the Mk3 and the MC-702. Given that the MC-702 and the FR-7 look quite similar, and they were offered at about the same time, what is different? And is the FR-7 just an integrated headshell version of the FR-1Mk3?
t_bone
ddriveman
171 posts
 
T_Bone and Dertorm, Thanks for your inputs. Guess I will continue my search for a FR7F or FR702.
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
Just seen this after many years, so I have dragged this into 2017.

I had a Micro Seiki LC80w back in the 1980s when it was released. It had rave reviews in the UK press, particularly when partnered with an AT1100 tonearm. Sadly I broke the cantilever may years ago, after Micro went bust. Of course, I stupidly threw it away, rather than get it rebuilt (I was a junior doctor/surgical resident at the time and not particularly flush with cash).

My memories (faded with time) are that this was a pretty fine cartridge when compared to the Supex SD900, Dynavector Karat Ruby and Linn Asak. Tonally, it was very balanced and not bright at all. It was less plummy than the Supex and tracked very well.

I would certainly look to buy another, if one came up (if only for old times sake)

Charlie
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

Hi Charlie, Welcome by the FR-7 club. For all second hand FR

components check: www.hifishark.com 

topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
Hi Nandric,

cheers for the welcome :)

nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

Hi Charlie, I would like to extend my ''welcome'' to Ikeda 9,

the cantileverless kind. My first impression is that this cart is

at least as good as FR-7fz which I consider as the best from

the 7 series. To me this means ''the best ever''. The proviso is

of course the ''subjective impression''. But I am very much surprised

by the fact that there is hardly any info about this cart. Considering

the ''fuss'' about  Decca even more strange. Assuming the right

phono-pre and tonearm (aka FR-64/66) one can end his search

for ''the best''  and spend his time listening to the music with those

two carts. Anyway this is my (subjective) opinion. I am of course

curious if there are others with Ikeda 9 experience?

 

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