[S Clark]

I'm trying to put together a Technics SP10 and need some input about headshell.  I've got a couple of cheap ones laying about, and a second hand Orsonic on another table.  What's the difference?  Prices are all over the place, materials from plastic to carbon fiber to titanium.  What are the specific issues involved in head shell choice?

Scott

[S Clark]

I'm going to bump this.  I'm still in need of enlightenment about headshells.

[SET Man]

Hey!

   Beside different weights to choose from to mate your cart to the arm for specific total mass and length for correct cart mounting. They are also made from different materials from metal, carbon fiber to wood and etc. All these materials will have they own resonant and will effect the sound.

   I have SME 3009 II Improved arm and I'm using the SME headshell that came with it. I do someday want to try out other headshell, especially one made of wood.

   Well, that's all I know.

Take care,
Buddy

   

[S Clark]

Thanks for the reply, Buddy.  Yep, weight is an obvious one, but is light weight always better. Is stiff better than flexible.  I've got a massive Denon 102 cartridge that tracks incredibly heavy, an ADC mkII that tracks at about 1.5 grams, and a new dynavector 10x5 that I have yet to mount.  The 102 is mono and makes the most realistic music of the bunch so far.  It's on an Orsonic, the ADC is on a universal generic aluminum, and I've got a couple of plastic ones sitting around.

[simoon]

I believe the 2 most important factors are: rigidity and vibration/resonance damping.

[SET Man]

Hey!

   Well, stiffer is better in this case. As for the weight, that depend on how heavy your cart and the mass of you arm. I think ideally that the total mass of the arm, cart and headshell should have resonance of about 9Hz or something around there. I have Hi-Fi News test LP and my set up show resonance around there.

   Orsonic is very interesting. I think Clearaudio still make something similar to that. I've been wanted to try wooden headshell from Yamamoto and Ortofon, but never have budget for it.  I think the material will have a big impact on the sound, so try and error is the only way to find out if you will like the headshell.... easy if you got time and money to burn of course.

Take care,
Buddy

[neobop]

Thanks for the reply, Buddy.  Yep, weight is an obvious one, but is light weight always better. Is stiff better than flexible.  I've got a massive Denon 102 cartridge that tracks incredibly heavy, an ADC mkII that tracks at about 1.5 grams, and a new dynavector 10x5 that I have yet to mount.  The 102 is mono and makes the most realistic music of the bunch so far.  It's on an Orsonic, the ADC is on a universal generic aluminum, and I've got a couple of plastic ones sitting around.

No, light isn't always better, but rigid is mandatory IMO.  Some also have azimuth adjustment.  I noticed that the Sumiko is now $90, it would probably be good with the Denon.   This one might be a good substitute:
http://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGZHEAD.html

I'm not sure about the Technics arms, but some arms have azimuth adjustment.  The Sony PUA-7 has two tiny screws on the bottom of the armtube just behind the headshell collar. You can turn the headshell socket with that.   Most headshells don't have provisions for that.  Not all cheap headshells are created equal.  Believe it or not, I got good results with a cheapo like this, with high compliance carts like your ADC:
http://www.turntablebasics.com/hardware.html

I ground down the front lip and extended the slots to aid in alignment.  Aluminum is soft and easy to work with.  I don't know why it sounds better than a few other light weight headshells, maybe the sides help keep it rigid.   I also used a little bit of clay to damp the aluminum.  TT Basics is a good place to pick up a carbon fiber brush for $12.
 
These can sound great, especially with a high res, moderate compliance cart:
http://www.joynetmall.com/shop/index.php?cPath=60_381&sort=2a&page=2

The HS-2 should sound a little sweeter, the HS-1. Ortofon has a nice looking wood one for $139 at Needle Dr.
Have fun,
neo

[WireNut]

 Dude, I don't know. But after setting up my TT after 10-20 years, I am in audio Heaven right now.