Finding a headshell = not easy

[darkstar078]

I bought my Sony tt headshell-less so 'till now I am using this metallic headshell for a while just to helping me out.
Finding the original Sony headshell is not going to happen I silently know so I have to settle for a less exotic and easier to find headshell. I am thinking of a more wooden-like type of headshell so if anyone can put me in the right direction [brandname etc.] I owe you one :pub:

Sacha

http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac157/darkstar078/my%20daily%20spinner/SonyPS55209.jpg

[DSJR]

Try these...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Audio-technica-Headshell-and-Cartridge-See-Video-insid_W0QQitemZ320467907652QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9d603444

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/audio-technica-ls-12-headshell-with-at120e-cartridge_W0QQitemZ250553266205QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ Turntable_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3a5623701d

Save the AT120e for a better arm


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JELCO-HS-25-SPARE-TONEARM-HEADSHELL-INC-HEADSHELL-WIRE_W0QQitemZ180442729083QQcmdZViewItemQQptZTurnt able_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2a03398a7b

Costs more than the deck is worth, but a goodie I think.



lastly, everyones favourite - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sumiko-HS-12-Universal-Replacement-Headshell_W0QQitemZ390134118951QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ Turntable_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5ad5ce3a27



That'll keep you going I reckon and the style is largely in keeping with the Sony original..

[Marco]

Hi Sacha,

I've scoured all my (saved) vintage hi-fi sources and come up with the following (type in 'headshell' to the search box when you access the site):

http://www.topclassaudio.com/web/eng/used_product.jsp

There are quite a few interesting ones there. I've bought from the chap before and he's very professional, so use with confidence :)

He also has an amazing range of all sorts of vintage gear (at eye-watering prices, too!) but it's quality stuff.

I also found this NOS Sony headshell on Austrian Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.at/Sony-SH-145-Universal-Headshell-10-5-grams_W0QQitemZ220531834942QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item3358b8c03e

That would work pretty well on your arm, I think (even though it's not wooden).

Hope this helps!


Dave,

Check out how much my FR S/5 headshell (which I have my M3D attached to) goes for now on page 2 of the Top Class Audio headshell link! :eek:

It does look nice though and works superbly well, visually and sonically, with the M3D (works great too with a Denon DL-103, due to its 16g mass):


http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9895/headshell.jpg (http://img706.imageshack.us/i/headshell.jpg/)


http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3917/headshell2.jpg (http://img213.imageshack.us/i/headshell2.jpg/)

Marco.

[hifi_dave]

I haven't checked but I would imagine that the FR headshell is now worth more than the arm cost originally. I'm glad I still have my stash of them.:eyebrows:

[selfaddict]

Try these...


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JELCO-HS-25-SPARE-TONEARM-HEADSHELL-INC-HEADSHELL-WIRE_W0QQitemZ180442729083QQcmdZViewItemQQptZTurnt able_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2a03398a7b

Costs more than the deck is worth, but a goodie I think.

I can also recommend Jelco headshells. Very easy azimuth adjustment and solidly built in Japan,

[DSJR]

I haven't checked but I would imagine that the FR headshell is now worth more than the arm cost originally. I'm glad I still have my stash of them.:eyebrows:

I was thinking just how much I took this lot for granted back then. A tragedy all this is so expensive today :steam:

[Rare Bird]

The closest thing asthetics wise to that original Sony Headshell Sacha looking for is the old Grace HS-3

[Marco]

There's something like one of those for sale on the Top Class website above:

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/5163/6ddd.jpg (http://img697.imageshack.us/i/6ddd.jpg/)


and there is also one of these (Stax HS-7 Type 2):


http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/2650/sbbb.jpg (http://img63.imageshack.us/i/sbbb.jpg/)

Marco.

[DSJR]

The Stax minus shiny trim loos closest, but I bet it costs a fortune ;)

[Marco]

$117 :)

But hey, if you want something, you want something... ;)

Marco.

[Marco]

Here's one with a Sony cartridge included:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-VL-34G-with-ND134G-SONY-Alum-cast-headshell_W0QQitemZ300374287490QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ LH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45efb3e482

Marco.

[darkstar078]

Thanks for all sharing information.

Dave, I did a first bid for the red AT headshell. The original Sony SH-120 headshell was 10.5 gram so now I am wondering if this weight is extra important to me and how much I may deviate from that number.

The Sony SH-145 I also keep an eye on not only because of the brand name ;)
But I must admit it is hard to choose from whether Sumiko, Jelco or AT and all the others. Some prices are mind-boggling but these items are considered audio-jewels and one can see easily why.

Like Marco said:

But hey, if you want something, you want something...


I guess soundwise I better opt for the higher priced ones. Correct? Or is it so that most headshells are on par for that matter and that the combination of cartridge/headshell/tonearm etc. finally will pay out.
The Grace is something special, the Stax HS-7 is a sweetie and ......

Keep the info coming because I will not move in too hurried a manner.
The Dutch expressing: over één nacht ijs gaan.
My translation: I will not walk over one night's tin ice

Thanx and have a nice 2010 party tonite !! :dance:

:closed:

[DSJR]

I truly mean no disrespect here, but you have an early seventies Jap belt drive auto deck that was pitched at the lower to mid market somewhere between the Garrard auto decks and Dual 12** series....

The Sumiko shell for £30 or so will be fine IMO and will happily take many arm upgrades (jelco???)...

PLEASE don't put this dear old classic in the same league as, say, a technics SL 1300/1400/1500/1600/1700/1800 and their descendants. the auto mechs on some of these were very sensitive and the arms incomparably better, even if they need very careful siting..

[darkstar078]

No offence Dave, I mentioned already I have put my eyes on the AT and Sony headshell, and bid on them, quite good solid hs and worth the money.
The Sumiko and Jelco are quite alike if I am correct and not too high priced so I don't rule them out yet.
Aestheticly seen the Grace and Stax are both sweet, no less.

Uh, did I mention anything neg about Technics?
The Message never did sounded better than back in da dayz. Think bassline.
Yo bro how lo can you go.

Chill it.

[DSJR]

I only mention Technics because until recently, you could buy an SL1300 or 1700 for around £50. Not any more you can't.......

[darkstar078]

I finally found my Sony SH120 headshell !!! ;)
So thanks to all for the response and help.
Actually I have to confess I bought a whole turntable just to get the headshell :scratch:
How about that :doh: :lol: :lol:
I think it was a good deal, 33 Euro's covered it all - a Sony PS-1010 tt/ package/delivery. Just need a new belt though if I want it spinning.

So now I need advice on a cartridge for my Sony PS-5520. The eff. arm is of middle mass I'm told so should I go for a high or low compliance cartridge and does the tracking force number has a roll of importance for that matter.
If someone can help me to understand, for me it's all new and confused.

Thanks,
Sacha

[Dave Cawley]

An AT120e at £59 all in would be quite sufficient.

Dave

[Alex_UK]

I thought it was dejá vu!

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=97489&postcount=17

[Dave Cawley]

No, just Groudhog Day !!

Dave

[DSJR]

I'm on here now. IF the arm isn't too stiff at side-end, the AT120E would be a great buy as the compliance of my worn sample isn't wild and should be ok.

The ONLY thing that will be a cartridge choice issue is the horizontal arm friction at end of side.

[DSJR]

An AT120e at £59 all in would be quite sufficient.

Dave

That's come down a bit sir! :) Have you the stylus at a good price too?