DIN to RCA cable recommendation for FR66S.

Defiant One

New Member
May 31, 2025
6
6
3
40
USA
Long time reader, first time poster.

A few months back I purchased a Fidelity Research FR66S tonearm and was wondering whether any experienced members here could confidently recommend a worthy DIN to RCA cable for me?

Many thanks,
 
  • Like
Reactions: Young Skywalker
Audioquest Leopard but an even better solution would be a direct wire upgrade.

 
  • Like
Reactions: Defiant One
Audioquest Leopard but an even better solution would be a direct wire upgrade.

I will look into the Audioquest. Thanks for that.
I'm a little reticent to modify such a collectable and valuable arm.
 
Recommendation of a Zavfino cable seconded.

I have just bought an AMG Viella V12 + AMG J2T tonearm and my existing Graham IC-70 right-angled DIN connector was incompatible.

I settled on a Zavfino 1877 "Gold Rush" straight 5 pin DIN to 2 x phono 1.5m tonearm cable and am very satisfied with the performance.
 

Attachments

  • image0.jpeg
    image0.jpeg
    494 KB · Views: 3
I will look into the Audioquest. Thanks for that.
I'm a little reticent to modify such a collectable and valuable arm.

I quite understand your point … However perhaps one needs to approach this from the perspective of maximising the audio signal fidelity of the tonearm that you have acquired.

Perhaps Instead of being swayed by the Flat Earth naysayers who believe that a 60+ year old component will still be matching ,
A. It’s performance specifications as per when new and ,
B. Perform sonically better than a signal chain composed of *More* internal connection points than *Less* and,
C. Believe that the material and manufacturing processes of wire signal carriers has not progressed beyond what was an available to FR back in the last century .

One might have a conversation with a specialist in the field and who knows what he is talking about instead of relying on Eeyore !

 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Young Skywalker
I quite understand your point … However perhaps one needs to approach this from the perspective of maximising the audio signal fidelity of the tonearm that you have acquired.

Perhaps Instead of being swayed by the Flat Earth naysayers who believe that a 60+ year old component will still be matching ,
A. It’s performance specifications as per when new and ,
B. Perform sonically better than a signal chain composed of *More* internal connection points than *Less* and,
C. Believe that the material and manufacturing processes of wire signal carriers has not progressed beyond what was an available to FR back in the last century .

One might have a conversation with a specialist in the field and who knows what he is talking about instead of relying on Eeyore !

Seems you make the same point here also.

By all means, purchase a FR66S, have this work done and report back to us. I may then be open minded.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tima
The FR-66s direct wire upgrade comparison has been performed by a credible source.

 
Seems you make the same point here also.

By all means, purchase a FR66S, have this work done and report back to us. I may then be open minded.

Two disparate threads referencing two different tonearms No ?

Both posts were made with the intention of advising owners , or potential owners , of SME 3012R’s and FR66S’s that a service was available to them , where in the first instance , they might have their vintage 60+ year old piece of equipment checked over and serviced with the option of having any worn components replaced with a new part to specification e.g worn bearings.

The service further offers an owner the option of choosing to replace the 60+ year old internal signal cable and its several internal connection points , with a single continuous cable with a connection at the mounting collar and a second connection to a set of DIN or RCA plugs of choice at the other end of the cable of choice and length of choice . Do you have a problem with this ?

With regard to “reporting back to us” … you seem to have mistaken me for someone who gives a crap whether ‘you’ Deign to consider the information and advice proffered or not , the information and advice is made in good faith and for the consideration of all members here , not just ‘you’ !
 
Last edited:
Neither the 3012R or the FR66S will ever truly be a 3012R or FR66S once all of this is done. Thats the only problem I have with this.
I asked about cables, not modifications.
Let’s please return to my original discussion.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ed.P
Neither the 3012R or the FR66S will ever truly be a 3012R or FR66S once all of this is done.

No , No they won’t , however they will be an evolution in fidelity over a 60+ year old unserviced example … Fact.

Secondly neither will ones original untouched example of either of those tonearms ever truly be operating to the same Factory Fresh levels after 60+ years of aging and use … Fact .

As to your OPQ… I would recommend looking at:

Signal Projects Atlantis , https://signalprojects.com/products/phono-interconnect-xlr-or-rca-7/ medium-long burn in time

Vyda Laboratories , https://vydalaboratories.com/orion-silver-phono-cable/ Very long burn in time ergo a tad thin in the mids to begin

Analogmagik , www.analogmagik.com/phonocable

Nordost Valhalla V2+ , Nordost Odin1 / Odin2 , All good at their price points especially if bought pre owned .

LFD , Raptor or Cobra , Speak to Mik at das.rishi@yahoo.com Or Peter peter@alternativeaudio.co.uk

Stealth Audio Helios , http://www.stealthaudiocables.com/products/phono-cables/helios/

Enough to be going on with methinks.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Young Skywalker

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing