WANTED: Headshell recommendations for Denon 103 and SME 3012.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I'm torn betwen Graphite / Carbon fibre / Ebony ?

Anyone had any experience of any of these materials?

Andy

[PaulStewart]

I'm torn betwen Graphite / Carbon fibre / Ebony ?

Anyone had any experience of any of these materials?

Andy

Hi Andy

About a zillion years ago at the Harrogate HiFi show in '78 or '79 we did a shoot out of Japanese MCs. Denon had their already venerable 103 and we had the JVC MC1, there were a few others in the mix as I recall, Coral, Supex etc but these two were head and shoulders above the others. The test TTs where a Garrard 401 with SME3012 JVC QL10, a Denon DD (I forget which one) and an LP12. The Denon was in a Magnesium shell and sounded OK, then the denon tech put it in an ebony Hshell and it bloody soared on the 3012. We then put the MC 1 in the ebony and again great result with the 3012. Great with the QL10 too.

[Marco]

Remember that as good as ebony is as a material for headshells (and indeed tonearm boards); to optimise a DL-103, you need sufficient MASS - and in that respect, think MINIMUM of 15g, and anything up to 18g. I'm not sure that there any ebony headshells around which are as heavy as that...

Personally, I'd rule out carbon-fibre, as I don't think it would be a good match with a DL-103... Of the three materials you mention, I suspect that graphite would work best. The Isokinetik one discussed on Martin T's recent headshell thread would be superb, with a 103.

However, with a lovely vintage arm, such as a 3012, you should also think about aesthetics! ;)

For a leftfield choice, consider any of the superb vintage Fidelity Research headshells. One of the best sounds I've had from vinyl was with a 103SA inside an FR 'S5':


http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/marco_system/2009-01/aosm01.jpg


http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2636/kgrhquokjce0kc1qrbncmte.jpg


One of those, Andy, would not only do the biz, sonically, but also look the part on your SME 3012!!

Marco.

[MartinT]

My graphite headshell is a Thomas Schick. Sounds superb, but that's with a Shelter 5000, couldn't comment on its suitability with a Denon.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Thanks for the input, I've been busy. I followed Martin's route and have organised a loan of a Thomas Schick graphite headshell, and I also purchased a metal bodied Denon 103 from this very forum. So I should have enough mass. I'm not bothered that much about aesthetics so much, it's always nice to have a nice looking piece of kit but its the sonics that I'm interested in. ;)

[Spectral Morn]

An Ikeda Headshell might be another option.

http://www.soleberry.net/Headshell.JPG

I bought one awhile ago and haven't tried it yet, frankly I just haven't had the right frame of mind, as fitting it + setting up my Denon 103, with a Mint protractor is a long drawn out task :eek: so I will do it in the future, some time when I have a few spare hours. I must say I also wonder if I will need a heavier counterweight than the heavy option one I have for my Jelco750. I suspect I will.

The Ikeda is based on a FR headshell, so is a modern, easily available option. S/H FR headshells sell for a lot and the price varies depending on how many enthusiasts are bidding :eek:

link to Ikeda website http://www.soleberry.net/cartridge.html

Here's one http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/IKEDA-IS-1R-Cartridge-Headshell-by-ROJIUM-SILVER-VISION-/280702892742?pt=US_Record_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item415b323ac6&_uhb=1 The photo on the listing also shows you the clever way Ikeda found to adjust the length of the headshell, which I think is better than the original FR way of doing it, which I found a bit limited when I tried one of Marco's once.


Regards Neil

[Wakefield Turntables]

Neil,

You rotten sod! The last thing I need is MORE options :lol:. Seriously, many thanks for taking time to post, good old, 2juki, I forgot about him. I may have a little look around his site later this evening when I've finally finished painting the back bedroom. :(

Thanks

A

[Barry]

.......

However, with a lovely vintage arm, such as a 3012, you should also think about aesthetics! ;)

For a leftfield choice, consider any of the superb vintage Fidelity Research headshells. One of the best sounds I've had from vinyl was with a 103SA inside an FR 'S5':

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2636/kgrhquokjce0kc1qrbncmte.jpg


One of those, Andy, would not only do the biz, sonically, but also look the part on your SME 3012!!

Marco.

Yep! That's what I use with my Denon 103 with either the 3009 or 3012 arm.

[Spectral Morn]

Neil,

You rotten sod! The last thing I need is MORE options :lol:. Seriously, many thanks for taking time to post, good old, 2juki, I forgot about him. I may have a little look around his site later this evening when I've finally finished painting the back bedroom. :(

Thanks

A

Ooooppppppsssss sorry :eyebrows: but options is good. Its a nicely made quality headshell where the part that pushes into the arm is the bit that moves back or forwards.

The FR5 its a bolt in the top that holds a sledge in position, and the cart is moved back and forwards on this sledge, with the cart bolts screwed into the sledge; with a couple of position options threaded holes. I found this awkward to use, particularly in regards to dressing the cartridge tags (little space once positioned) and mounting into the sledge ones cart mounting screws need to be the right length or you are snookered as I was. I also don't like the bolt on the top of the headshell and I question just how well it might keep its tightness. On the Ikeda its a recessed hex bolt in the side of the headshell.


Regards Neil