Fidelity Research FR-7 Vintage MC Phono Cartridge - Complete Kit

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General:
The Fidelity Research FR-7 is a unique vintage Moving Coil (MC) cartridge from Japan’s golden age of analog. Unlike most MC designs, the FR-7 features an integrated headshell, making it a rare plug-and-play option—especially appealing for Technics turntables where setup ease and rigidity really matter.

We’re especially fond of how well the FR-7 pairs with the Technics Turntables. Mounted on one of our shop’s silver SL-1200G, it delivered the classic sound of a low output MC Cartridge, in addition to looking super cool. The aluminum finish feels perfectly at home on the Technics arm, giving the whole table a nice aesthetic. 

Produced in Japan until 1989, the FR-7 is a low-output moving coil design, intended for use with a proper MC phono stage or step-up transformer.

This particular FR-7 has been cleaned and given a good bill of heath by the experts at VAS, so you know that this cartridge will be performing well. The cartridge also comes with its original box and papers like new which makes it particularly rare.

Important note: when pairing the FR-7 with a Technics turntable, you will likely need the auxiliary counterweight, which is included as an accessory with Technics tables. Please ensure you have this weight before purchasing.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Very lights marks on the cartridge and box shows its age, overall it's in nice condition.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
Measures 2.3 Left and 2.3 Right on coils

After Repair (1/27/26) DV:
- Channel Balance is good.
- Tracks best at 2.5g
- The Cantilever is not centered perfectly (pictures show this)
- Tested with Phil Collins and sounds fine

Ownership:
Second Owner

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:
Everything like when it arrived new

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Approximate Age:
1985

Testing Process:
We start by doing a detailed physical inspection under light magnification to asses the cantilever condition, its position in the cartridge body, and the condition of the suspension.

We also inspect any coil wires and the output connections to make sure it hasn't been strained. We then perform a light cleaning with specialized agents and very carefully blow dry with compressed air.

Following that, we conduct a thorough examination using our Wild Heerbrugg professional microscope. From there we can asses the wear and quality of the stylus and determine how much use it has seen, and if there are any mechanical issues. We can also identify if it needs further cleaning or care.

We then move the cartridge to a digital microscope where we take photos of the cantilever and stylus for future reference.

Next we move to the test bench where we can check for continuity of each channel and resistance.

On certain cartridges (or if the technician feels necessary) we install the cartridge on a turntable and run several test records to ascertain tacking ability, distortion, and compliance.