Cartridge headshell, what would you choose and why?


Hi Audiogoners,
It is price from $15 to $800. What is the advantage of buying an expensive one? What do you hear?
Thanks,
Calvin

dangcaonguyen
I like Sansui and AudioTechnica headshells in general. They deliver the best sound close to solid tonearm. The higher end is DynaVector ones but at much higher price point.
Cartridge I would prefer with sufficient output: medium to high moving coil or MM cartridges would be my choices. Also ones that match good with phonostage I use. In $4...500 range you can find very solid performers. I came upon Pioneer MC6 vintage cartridge with replaceable stylus and can't stop enjoying it. I wish they'd start making these styluses again.

I like the Sumiko HS 12 because it has adjustable azimuth. $90 is the price.
I purchased some headshells from Ortofon, and didn't like them. Sold them here on Audiogon. The best headshells for the price I've found are from LP Gear. They have a solid machined aluminum headshell with azimuth adjustment for around $50.

Dan 
Islandmandan,

Those $50 head shells at LP/Gear are the same ones that Yogiboy likes at $90 except the name Sumiko has been left off.  Even the leads are the same!
Regards,