• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Fidelity Research FR-54

B

Big Mac

Well-Known Member
Good evening!

Well, I'm thinking about springing for a Fidelity Research FR-54 tonearm for my new (to me) Technics SP25.

What are your thoughts regarding the use of a Denon Dl 103 cartridge, or an Ortofon SPU Classic N E (non-SPU shell), with this tonearm?

Thanks in advance!
 
Register to hide this ad
The FR-54 arms go for a lot less than their higher end arms. They are very basic, a good thing in my book. I was looking at one for a TD-124 project but decided on a Jelco 750D instead. I have seen the FR-54 mounted on a TD-124 so I think the arm is worthy of a great TT like your SP-25. Oh, and the FR-54 I saw pictured had a Denon DL-103 mounted to it....
 
heres mine mounted to my Garrard 401

fr3.jpg


I love the fr54, great arm, yes it has a bit of a simple design but thats why I love it, its all killer-no filler! great arm desigend to be used with the dl103 or spu. I am running a dl103 on mine and couldnt be happier. if you keep looking around you can find deals on them , I think I paid $350ish for mine. good luck !
 
jeremyjustic said:
heres mine mounted to my Garrard 401

fr3.jpg


I love the fr54, great arm, yes it has a bit of a simple design but thats why I love it, its all killer-no filler! great arm desigend to be used with the dl103 or spu. I am running a dl103 on mine and couldnt be happier. if you keep looking around you can find deals on them , I think I paid $350ish for mine. good luck !
Click to expand...

Glad to see you're using the clamp!


Ben aka MacKat
 
KentTeffeteller said:
So, it is kind of like the basic Audio-Technica ATP series tonearms. Nice MC platform in my opinion.
Click to expand...

yeah a lot like the Audio Technica atp 12T arm I have. build quality on par with the AT , which is outstanding! the fr54 is much , much more detailed, open and sweet sounding. I am having some glitches with mine, I hope to have Thedalihaus rewire mine with some silver wire very soon, should make it even better!

not many people have heard of Fidelity Research, this is real high end japanese esoteric stuff, everything they made was top shelf. you wont go wrong with the fr54, great , great arm!
 
I know about Fidelity Research. My Internist is Japanese born and is a high end audiophile. He loves Fidelity Research tonearms. He has a spare he's going to let me use on extended loan with a Coral MC cartridge mounted on it. He's got it mounted on a plinth with a Technics SP-10 Mk II. Which he is throwing in with that loan. Other arm mounted on the Plinth, a Grace 707. He has superb taste in audio equipment, cars, and more.
 
Last edited:
jeremyjustic said:
heres mine mounted to my Garrard 401

fr3.jpg


I love the fr54, great arm, yes it has a bit of a simple design but thats why I love it, its all killer-no filler! great arm desigend to be used with the dl103 or spu. I am running a dl103 on mine and couldnt be happier. if you keep looking around you can find deals on them , I think I paid $350ish for mine. good luck !
Click to expand...

This happens to me my favorite looking arm of all time. Second is the Rega R200 with its pretty titanium armtube...:sigh: :D


Ben aka MacKat
 
mackat said:
This happens to me my favorite looking arm of all time. Second is the Rega R200 with its pretty titanium armtube...:sigh: :D


Ben aka MacKat
Click to expand...

Ben, unless there was a factory upgrade offered, that should be a stainless steel arm tube.:scratch2:
 
Wonder if my R200 would sound good with a DL103...? They have the same eff. mass! Some people say its perfect, while some say it's too light...:scratch2:


Ben aka MacKat
 
Thanks everyone for the input on this arm...and the super pics of it in operation!

Yes, I have the ATP-12T and love it....running it on my SP15 with the Denon 103 and the SPU classic N (nude, no headshell)E, and they sound great.

So I was trolling around for something 'different', but the same, for when my SP25 arrives....

And you guys have supplied the answers! I love the 103, but the SPU 'nude', mounted on a Sumiko headshell, is something special.....therefore, if it will work on this arm I just may have to pop for one.

And I do like the simplicity of both the ATP-12T and the FR 54...I think they look terrific and the voting here says they both sound wonderful, too!

Many thanks to the experts on this forum!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom