Headshells..........why change them!!

[willie garvin]

Hi,

Having read posts here & on other forums I see that some people show in their signature that they have changed their headshells to Sumiko or Jelco & I've also seen this one mentioned too, Audio Technica http://www.joynetmall.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=1520&osCsid=8354bdd1ce9dae7f045ac454f1de5dfc

Please can you explain to a newcomer to the world of TT's & vinyl just why would you change your headshell for another make/brand!!

What advantage does it have please & from the three that I've mentioned which should you go for!!

Cheers,

willie G

[Reid Malenfant]

Put simply different cartridges require different arm mass to work at there best. You can add mass to an arm by putting something like a Sumiko on the end of it.

That's about what it boils down to ;) Simple eh! What's more difficult is knowing what kind of arm mass will work better with a certain cartridge :eyebrows:

From what I gather a look at the cartridge compliance may well give clues here, but like everything it's just not as simple as that.

[Marco]

Also, better quality headshells have superior construction, and as a result often improved resonance characteristics, which can sometimes drastically improve the sonic performance of your cartridge!

When you consider that most headshells that come 'free' with detachable headshell arms (yes, that's the best way of putting it!) are pretty poor quality, in comparison to some of the excellent aftermarket varieties, often seriously hindering the sonic performance of your chosen cartridge, replacing such headshells with better ones can be a fundamental and significant sonic upgrade :)

Marco.

[Roy S]

Think I'm right in saying (shoot me down in flames if not) but the aftermarket headshells also have better wires in

[Marco]

Indeed - that's another factor! :)

Marco.

[selfaddict]

Another important advantage for me is that some aftermarket headshells offer adjustable azimuth.

Not to forget the cooler looks :eyebrows: either.

[worrasf]

To amplify Reid Malenfant's response. By changing headshells in my Jelco 750 (a medium mass arm traditionally suitable for medium/low compliance cartridges) I can use a Decca Blue (low compliance) in a Sumiko Headshell with additional 5g weight or a Sonus Gold Blue (high compliance) in a Technics headshell and both perform supremely well. I have used "better" third party headshell leads (in my case Ortofon 8 nines) but there is of course nothing to stop you doing this with the stock OEM heashell.

Steve

[StanleyB]

Some cartridges won't fit on some headshell designs as well.

[selfaddict]

I noticed this painfully with Clearaudio Stability headshell :doh:

http://www.clearaudio.de/_en/zi_Stability%20Headshell.php

There was no way of adjusting the overhang other than moving the tonearm, which I could not do on that time. so had to sell it. It is a copy of Orsonic anyway :rolleyes:


Some cartridges won't fit on some headshell designs as well.

[jostber]

I have a new Oyaide headshell coming my way shortly. Will be a nice upgrade. :)

[Tarzan]

I have a new Oyaide headshell coming my way shortly. Will be a nice upgrade.

Oh, a few words on this please jos:)