Thanks to all for your input so far. Banquo363 it's funny you mention leads because I've read about the importance of high quality connectors. Totally makes sense. In essence they start the chain of events as signal moves through your system. I've been collecting vintage gear for quite some time and have put together some high quality gear for its time. Now it's at a point to attend to the details to get as much out of it as possible. I'm really looking forward to tapping into the brain trust available with this community.
Which headshell to use?
Hello. I am a new member to Audiogon and am seeking some adivce. I have a vintage system consisting of a Pioneer SX1980 receiver, Teac X2000 reel to reel, Klipsch Belle's and most recently added a Pioneer Series20 Model PLC-590 turntable. It is set up with the Pioneer PA1000 tonearm, but has an aftermarket headshell by Audioquest. Ive installed an Audio Technica 440ML cartridge that I was previously using on my Empire 698. Given that you guys know just about everything with regard to turntable setup and I know just enough to get myself in trouble, could someone please reccommend an appropriate headshell. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to becoming part of your community. Rick
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Yes, what banquo said. May I add, I have found that a $30 jelco can be the best choice for a particular cart while I use a $100 cherrywood Yamamoto with my Denon 103. I have an sme 3009 but have found that the sme headshell with holes all over is the poorest performer. Choose heavier solid for better sound ~ aside from all/magnesium I use ebony, cherry wood, and graphite depending on the cart. I also agree with silver headshell leads. I do not like silver connecting preamp to amp or digital to line stage or speakers. But I have found as mush silver as possible from cartradge through phono to line input is best sounding for me ~ I use VDH silver. |
Surely the leds are important but silver or copper is a matter of taste. Also if your tonearm internal/external wires are copper what's the point to use silver led wires in headshell or vise-versa? If your cartridge coil is copper why you need silver wires or vise-versa? Some of the best tonearms use one set of wires from cartridge to your phono stage. About Audio-Technica headshell with fixed screw holes: Yes there are no slots to move cartridge in headshell but on the backside of the AT Technicard or Magnesium headshell you will find at least two sets of mounting holes. The most important thing about this type of AT shells is FULLY ADJUSTABLE OVERHANG AND AZYMUTH and with thus option you don't need any slots, you move the whole shell to adjust cartridge with your protractor! |
If I had money burning a hole in my pocket, I'd be tempted to try this headshell. Evidently, inspired by the Orsonic. |
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