Headshells for Jelco SA-750 Tonearms [Archive]

Ammonite Audio

10-10-2013, 16:01

This is for anyone using either the Jelco headshell provided with their SA-750/SA-250 or the largely identical Sumiko product. As Marco and others found out years ago, there are very significant gains to be had by moving up to an Oyaide headshell; indeed having done this the arm sounds 'broken' if I use the original headshell. The Oyaide product fits much more securely and requires almost no azimuth adjustment - compare that with the Jelco/Sumiko headshells which are rather 'floppy' at the connector.

The Oyaide headshells are not cheap, but they do help a modestly priced arm to hold its own against pricier competition. Believe me, Jelco users, you have not heard the arm at its best if you have not already tried the Oyaide headshells.

Looking at other composite headshells, Yamamoto of Japan do some at lower prices compared to Oyaide - has anyone tried one at all? See http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Yamamoto-Sound-Craft-Carbon-Fiber-Headshell-HS-4-/171145270662?pt=US_Record_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item27d90d9586

twotone

10-10-2013, 17:53

Hi Hugo, do you have a link to the Sumiko arm?

Thanks

Ammonite Audio

10-10-2013, 19:42

It's the Sumiko HS12 headshell that I'm talking about, sold by many outlets, including Analogue Seduction (http://www.analogueseduction.net/headshells/sumiko-hs-12-universal-replacement-headshell.html) in the UK. My simple advice to anyone is: resist the temptation to buy this product to save money - your Jelco arm is capable of way better performance in every respect, if you're prepared to spend (quite) a bit more on the Oyaide.

mike1210

10-10-2013, 22:05

Interesting post, I'm guessing my Denon dl103r would benefit from one of these. Using the standard headshell atm.

Just seen some on the bay for 120 odd from Japan which isn't bad to be fair.

Ali Tait

11-10-2013, 07:17

I've been looking at the Oyaide, as I'll be fitting a 250 to my 401 in the near future. Sounds like it's worthwhile then.

worrasf

13-10-2013, 11:00

The Oyaide headshells are not cheap,

This is the best price I've been able to find to date: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271296634195

Of note is that the price includes headshell leads which some of the cheap eBay listings do not.
It will be a while before it arrives but I am looking forward to how it works with my Jelco 750/Dynavector 20x2

Steve

Tarzan

13-10-2013, 11:11

This is the best price I've been able to find to date: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271296634195

Of note is that the price includes headshell leads which some of the cheap eBay listings do not.
It will be a while before it arrives but I am looking forward to how it works with my Jelco 750/Dynavector 20x2

Steve

:popcorn:

johnB

13-10-2013, 22:42

Andrei

14-10-2013, 07:12

Steve, what's the difference between the TF and the CF Headshell?
Cheers
John

http://www.oyaide.com/ENGLISH/AUDIO/products_category/analog/pg543.html
AND
http://www.oyaide.com/ENGLISH/AUDIO/products_category/analog/pg544.html The HS-TF is the 'Second Edition'. The 'features' and 'specs' are on the links. Not sure what to make of it (especially the bit written in Japanese).

worrasf

14-10-2013, 09:10

Steve, what's the difference between the TF and the CF Headshell?
Cheers
John
From what I can gather from the eBay sellers listing info the composition of the CF and TF are the same. The CF seems to be black in colour with a straight finger lift in the centre of the headshell whereas the TF is light grey with a curved finger lift at the front of the headshell. On the websites I have seen the TF is more expensive than the CF so I think the price offered by this seller is very good. From memory IO have bought from them before (AT cartridge) with no issues.

Steve

johnB

14-10-2013, 09:43

From what I can gather from the eBay sellers listing info the composition of the CF and TF are the same. The CF seems to be black in colour with a straight finger lift in the centre of the headshell whereas the TF is light grey with a curved finger lift at the front of the headshell. On the websites I have seen the TF is more expensive than the CF so I think the price offered by this seller is very good. From memory IO have bought from them before (AT cartridge) with no issues.

Steve
Thanks Andrei....interesting read.

Thanks Steve...any idea what the sales tax would be?

Cheers
John

worrasf

14-10-2013, 10:01

Thanks Steve...any idea what the sales tax would be?

Cheers
John

I presume you mean Customs duty as the price I paid £109.61 includes all taxes in Japan and shipping is free.
Looking at the HMRC site http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/tax-and-duty.htm it looks like duty is between 5 and 9% depending on value of item so if this is the case the duty will be less than £10. I have had items sent from japan where no duty was charged not sure if that's just the luck of the draw of because the item value was below the threshold.

Steve

Ammonite Audio

14-10-2013, 13:52

I presume you mean Customs duty as the price I paid £109.61 includes all taxes in Japan and shipping is free.
Looking at the HMRC site http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/tax-and-duty.htm it looks like duty is between 5 and 9% depending on value of item so if this is the case the duty will be less than £10. I have had items sent from japan where no duty was charged not sure if that's just the luck of the draw of because the item value was below the threshold.

Steve

Plus the Parcelforce handling fee, of course!

worrasf

14-10-2013, 15:46

Indeed :mad:

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mike1210

14-10-2013, 17:41

I've taken the plunge and ordered one.

With my 103R I've put an extra weight on the headshell. Would I still need to use this with the Oyaide?

Ammonite Audio

14-10-2013, 17:59

I've taken the plunge and ordered one.

With my 103R I've put an extra weight on the headshell. Would I still need to use this with the Oyaide?

Yes - the Oyaide headshells are lighter than the standard Jelco ones, so the extra mass is even more important with a 103

worrasf

14-10-2013, 18:09

I've taken the plunge and ordered one.
Think I might email "Japan-Excite" and suggest they give me a referers discount but guess it might get lost in the translation :confused:
Steve

Johnnie7

23-10-2013, 22:21

look very nice--- do they have any azimith adjustment shug?

Ammonite Audio

24-10-2013, 12:47

look very nice--- do they have any azimith adjustment shug?

Not much - there is a very small amount of play that I assume is inherent to the original SME locking headshell design. That's enough to ensure it's level, but possibly not enough to compensate for a badly orientated tip.

worrasf

26-10-2013, 11:15

Plus the Parcelforce handling fee, of course!
Just this second had the invoice from Parcelforce pre-delivery. £37.52 to pay.
£24.02 VAT - £13.50 clearance fee.

Steve

Ammonite Audio

26-10-2013, 11:39

Just this second had the invoice from Parcelforce pre-delivery. £37.52 to pay.
£24.02 VAT - £13.50 clearance fee.

Steve

Believe it or not, the parcelforce fee is still £8 for standard mail items, but 'Express' mails attracts a higher fee of £13.50 even though the overall process is anything but express because of HM Customs and Parcelforce!

worrasf

29-10-2013, 21:07

Now I have the Oyaide TF installed I echo Shuggie's comments - transforms the arm - sounds so much more solid especially bass. It's much thicker than the Jelco and with a tall cartridge like my Dynavector 20x2 and a slim platter like the Vantage the arm pillar has to be right at the bottom of its height adjustment to get the headshell parallel - especially as I don't use a mat. Nonetheless a very worthwhile upgrade so thanks for the tip
Steve

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mike1210

31-10-2013, 09:12

worrasf

31-10-2013, 09:27

I got my head shell yesterday. Can I ask, is there a knack of fitting it onto a Jelco 750D?

Reason I ask is that mine doesn't fit. I still have about 2 millimeters to go before it will not any further.

In the process of trying to get it on I have broken the arm holder:(

Bummer!

No, I had no issues at all - just slotted straight in. I did note that it only has 1 locating pin not 2 like the Jelco shell and that the collar was longer but no issues installing it.

Steve

mike1210

31-10-2013, 09:57

http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n517/mikejrg/IMAG1088.jpg

:brickwall:

Ammonite Audio

31-10-2013, 11:08

I have no such issues either; and cannot understand why this should occur with a standard connection type that's been around for years.

worrasf

31-10-2013, 17:32

Yikes! mine just slid in as normal - felt snugger than the Jelco/Sumiko but required no force
Steve

mike1210

31-10-2013, 19:34

The locating pin seems to be a bit higher than the standard head shell, I think that's what's stopping it.

I thought maybe rub wet and dry paper over the point and see if that helps. Bit stumped tbh:(

worrasf

31-10-2013, 20:08

mike1210

31-10-2013, 20:46

http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n517/mikejrg/IMAG1099.jpg

I have a Sumiko head shell as well which I have never used. That fitted fine onto my Jelco, I have taken a picture of them side by side, I'm sure the loading pin is too tall on the Oyaide

worrasf

31-10-2013, 20:53

I agree that pin does look taller than the Jelco - a small file should sort it out pretty smartish. I have a box of "watch makers" files you are welcome to borrow.

Steve

mike1210

31-10-2013, 21:15

Thanks Steve, my dad's got a few things I can try. If that fails I may pester you for a lend:)

worrasf

31-10-2013, 22:14

Thanks Steve, my dad's got a few things I can try. If that fails I may pester you for a lend:)

No worries - pm me if you want to borrow them

DSJR

01-11-2013, 17:20

Have you had a chance to try that little amp from the 'dark side?' yet?

worrasf

01-11-2013, 19:09

No - all the kit is still in boxes in the loft. Just finished fettling a pair of stands for the JR149's (nice 5mm thick 200mm diameter circular top plates) so as to release the Kan stands for the Ruarks (it's complicated) I must say if it sounds as good as it looks I'll be pretty pleased
Steve

pure sound

02-11-2013, 20:21

I have an odd issue with an FR64s. While it seems fine with the FR shell, the ADC LMG1 and some other shells, it doesnt like my Orsonic or an SPU I had here (no output) both of which work perfectly well in a Jelco 750L. Something non standard somewhere...

AlexM

03-11-2013, 13:47

Again I had no problems with the pin - it also fits the Technics cartridges alignment gizmo

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/01/qa6e4ada.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/01/zyvy8yje.jpg

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I'm quite surprised that your Dynavector aligns where it is - on my Oyaide and the Benz Ace SL cartridge I ran out of travel with the slots and had to use an additional washer on the mounting to get the effective length right. It also feels as though the pin might be too long and it is bottoming out on the slot on the collar. I might try shortening it fractionally.

Regards,
Alex

mike1210

03-11-2013, 14:35

Got my headshell fitted this morning with my dads help..........Well, my dad did all of it.

Needed longer screws compared to the standard one.

Really impressed with it fair dues. Everything sounds more separated and clear. Headshell has a much better feel to it also

Mike:)

worrasf

03-11-2013, 18:12

I'm quite surprised that your Dynavector aligns where it is - on my Oyaide and the Benz Ace SL cartridge I ran out of travel with the slots and had to use an additional washer on the mounting to get the effective length right.
Regards,
Alex

Hi Alex
I aligned it to the Jelco null points (59.1 & 112.5) and its spot on. You can see from the photos that this automatically achieves the correct overhang as per the Jelco setup template. The Oyaide is longer than the Jelco but the mounting slots are set further back from the front so the end result is the same. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/04/zana4eva.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/04/sa4ary5e.jpgHowever, I have never been able to align to Baerwald of Lofgren with my arm setup.
Interestingly, I also have a Mint tractor which I suspect is Baerwald and I was about 1mm short of the overhang on that as well.
With he current Jelco setup it tracks and sounds just fine.

Steve

AlexM

03-11-2013, 22:19

Steve,

Thanks for that - did you download that protractor from Vinylengine?. It didn't occur to me that there was a non baerwald alignment that would work with this arm... I did manage to get it to align... just... With a baerwald protractor, but I needed to double up with rubber washers, which didn't seem ideal. I'll give it a go with the jelco null points to see how that works out.

Kind regards,
Alex

worrasf

04-11-2013, 10:20

Hi
The protractor came with the arm if I remember correctly - I have a spare laminated one you are welcome to if it would help. I used the Jelco null points from vinyl engine and a protractor that came with my HfN test disc.
Steve

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