Thorens 160td b mk2 with Linn Basik Lvv tonearm?

[Arkless Electronics]

Please don't ditch the supposedly inferior flexible headshell (ADC used it in addition to the LMG1 model I recall), as this shell aids tonearm resonances, according to a 'Choice review. A more rigid headshell may possibly be worse...

The OM5 is harmless enough I suppose, but a Sumiko Pearl is more what 'we' used to use (it was called a Rega R100 or A&R E77 back then ) An external stylus balance may be useful too, as the counterweight calibration wasn't very accurate I remember.

Maybe true that...You probably don't need a solid kryptonite headshell... Has anyone else noticed that headshells has become the new trendy subject of much bollox being spoken and prices going through the roof!?
You couldn't give away any arm with a separate headshell a few years ago! Not rigid enough! It sometimes amazes me that "fashions" apply to hi fi as well... I should be used to it by now.... Did I tell you all how it was all fields round here when I was a lad?

[walpurgis]

There was good reason for the ultra rigid Magnesium ADC headshells becoming the ones to go for 35 years ago. They sounded better!

[Arkless Electronics]

There was good reason for the ultra rigid Magnesium ADC headshells becoming the ones to go for 35 years ago. They sounded better!

I bought one at the time but was disappointed to notice little or no difference! I reckon that what with the screw on mech + usual rubber "shim" and spring loaded contacts it can't make that much difference YMMV. It can help as far as different mass headshells getting the LF resonant frequency into a more optimum range sometimes...
There is no doubt some change in subjective results due to the headshell materiel etc but I would expect it to be so small as to be negligible in practice. As I say I haven't noticed any differences worth reporting personally..

[Simon75]

That's good advice. I think getting a solid secondhand turntable is the way to go, wasn't keen to purchase via eBay/gumtree but if the price is right then why not.

[walpurgis]

If you want a useful turntable at a fair price, why not put a 'wanted' posting in our 'Private Exhibitions' section? There are quite a few members within driving distance from you. Something decent may be available.

[Simon75]

Will do! Just been looking at something really tempting on eBay just now.

[DSJR]

There was good reason for the ultra rigid Magnesium ADC headshells becoming the ones to go for 35 years ago. They sounded better!

With the superior Rega R200 and Japanese relatives perhaps, but in my experience, not with the LVV, which was a cobbled together parts-bin job - it worked too...