Q on Fidelity Research headshell mounting

[Riislingen]

Hi all,

Contemplating buying an FR S/5 headshell but have doubts to the mounting of the cart.

I understand the mechanics of how it works and adjusts. However, on images I have found it appears carts are mounted with the screws going up from bottom to top mounting plate. I see in pics that the plate has a recess on the upper side facing the shell, likely to accommodate screws going in the cart from the top.

Can someone confirm that any cart can be mounted in such as shell?


>>Random images from Internet<<

[walpurgis]

I can't see a problem, as long as the screws are a suitable length. It's the same idea as the Lenco headshell.

You'd be stuck if your cartridge had a threaded body that accepts screws from above though.

[karma67]

if you did you could always remove the plate and countersink the holes from above,fit the cartridge and then re fix the plate to the headshell.

[walpurgis]

if you did you could always remove the plate and countersink the holes from above,fit the cartridge and then re fix the plate to the headshell.

You could, but that means sacrificing the threads in the holes. It would make sense to try and obtain a spare plate if trying this (or making one).

[Riislingen]

I appears the holes from above already are countersunk with recesses to fit the screw heads. Just not sure if that's designed on purpose to accommodate carts that are not drilled through. Have either of you seen a cart mounted from the top on these?


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[Riislingen]

You'd be stuck if your cartridge had a threaded body that accepts screws from above though.

This is exactly what I have. Dl103R in an Uwe Ebony body. Plan was to fit that in it


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[Barry]

I have several Fidelity Research headshells, and in all cases the cartridges are fitted with screws mounted upwards into the tapped headshell plate.

This makes sense as the FR cartridges used un-threaded holes in their bodies.

To do what you want to do, requires the tapped holes in the headshell plate to be drilled through and the cartridge to be fitted with short screws whose heads can fit the countersunk recess. You will also have to place the headshell plate fixing nut in the slot before you fit the cartridge, as this will be covered up by the cartridge body when fitted. You should be able to 'pick up' the thread of the nut with the headshell overhang adjustment screw (the big domed screw with cross slots).

Be careful not to over- tighten this screw: it's made of aluminium and the thread can strip easily.

[hifi_dave]

I have several of these lovely headshells but they aren't the easiest to use. Their RS-121 is more conventional and practical.

[Riislingen]

I have several Fidelity Research headshells, and in all cases the cartridges are fitted with screws mounted upwards into the tapped headshell plate.

This makes sense as the FR cartridges used un-threaded holes in their bodies.

To do what you want to do, requires the tapped holes in the headshell plate to be drilled through and the cartridge to be fitted with short screws whose heads can fit the countersunk recess. You will also have to place the headshell plate fixing nut in the slot before you fit the cartridge, as this will be covered up by the cartridge body when fitted. You should be able to 'pick up' the thread of the nut with the headshell overhang adjustment screw (the big domed screw with cross slots).

Be careful not to over- tighten this screw: it's made of aluminium and the thread can strip easily.

Thanks Barry! Exactly what I thought. Think I'll leave it alone.

[Riislingen]

I have several of these lovely headshells but they aren't the easiest to use. Their RS-121 is more conventional and practical.

Thanks Dave. Will check it out.