Dynavector DV501 with a Grado?

With the DV501 (or any DV tonearm), you have good control of the effective mass in the vertical plane, because it’s virtually identical to the mass of the headshell plus cartridge body plus any hardware fasteners, due to the very short and lightweight arm wand. (Also, choose one of the 3 optional counterweights that gets closest to the pivot at the needed VTF.) So, if you want to calculate the needed weight of a suitable headshell, just use the equation relating resonant frequency to compliance and effective mass. For that there are calculators on line. But a wide range of headshells weighing from 10 to 15g would probably work fine without any real need to calculate resonant frequency. Due to the design of the DV tonearms, the effective mass in the horizontal plane will always be on the high side, but since its motion is well damped magnetically, no problem.  If you want a more direct suggestion, I like Ortofon or either the Yamamoto or Oyaide carbon fiber headshell. Those latter weigh about 10g.

Bill, I've been using my 501 on my Garrard 401 for around fifteen years now, and I've used quite a few different cartridges on it, without problems. I don't claim to be knowledgeable about analog details, but I do know the 501 arm will acomodate many diferent cartridges without presenting problems.

The table, arm and cartridges are getting old with me, but they still satisfy on a daily basis.

Best regards,

Dan

I mounted this arm to the Thorens in 1992 for a reference of getting old. I have only once had to use the heavier counterweight. Most of my carts and headshells are matched within a few tenths so I don't have to fiddle with the counterweight. The Vertical is also a small pain which keeps me form changing carts much. I am hoping one of those Grados will be stop me from wanting to swap carts. I keep going back to the 30+ year old AT-1000 and yet it does not hold my attention well enough. 

Thanks for input

Best Regards

Bill

I moved up to the Statement3 today. I don't have it yet but was told it is 12 grams. I am still unsure what headshell to use with this. I would like to continue using the small sub weight on the 501 so it's easier to change carts around. The Dynavector headshell that the AT1000 is mounted in (Ill sell the AT) is my lightest @ 11 grams but has fixed holes. I also have an Orsonic but not sure how that would work. Any experience with this?

Thanks in advance.

Bill

"I don’t have it yet but was told it is 12 grams"

10 grams!

 Grado Labs - Statement3