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Headshell advice for Project/One DR-220 TT

jimbofish

jimbofish

for TRULY GREAT MUSIC
Well, I'm finally getting around to getting this TT running.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3617706&postcount=4

Located the proper belt, now need to find a proper headshell. Looks like this is the OEM... see last pic.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showpost.php?p=4798104&postcount=6

An exact replacement/replica isn't required, though it would be nice. I see lots of generic shells for sale at various styles and weights at prices ranging from $6 to $50. Surprisingly, to me at least, the more expensive ones seem to weigh more than the cheaper ones.

I'll probably be using a Shure cart, either M91, M95, or maybe a new M97.

My question is, what weight headshell should I look for... or doesn't it matter?
 
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The cheaper shells I've found are in the 7-9 gm range. The more expensive ones range from 6gm to 12 gm. I would think that the lighter the better, but presumably there are reasons for choosing heavier ones for certain tonearms and/or carts. :yes::no: :scratch2:

Knowing what the OEM shell weight was would help, but lacking that, I'm at a loss, other than to pick one on appearance and price. There's always the possibility that the OEM could be improved on.

Are there specific criteria for selecting a headshell?
 
jimbofish said:
The cheaper shells I've found are in the 7-9 gm range. The more expensive ones range from 6gm to 12 gm. I would think that the lighter the better, but presumably there are reasons for choosing heavier ones for certain tonearms and/or carts. :yes::no: :scratch2:

Knowing what the OEM shell weight was would help, but lacking that, I'm at a loss, other than to pick one on appearance and price. There's always the possibility that the OEM could be improved on.

Are there specific criteria for selecting a headshell?
Click to expand...

The after market headshells in the 7-9 gram range would be the norm.

A rigid headshell with slots long enough to accommodated your preferred protractor setting.

Which protractor will you be using to set your cartridge? :scratch2:

Some times a heavy headshell is preferred because of cartridge and tone arm matching.

For example Denon DL-103 moving coil cartridge and light medium tone arm.
 
<<Which protractor will you be using to set your cartridge?>>

I don't know what it's name is.... it's a round mat with alignment marks near the run-in and near the run-out.

EDIT: I also have a couple of different ones printed off VE, What's the connection between the choice of a headshell and the setting method?
 
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Hmmm... both of those have a weight of 1.6 ounces listed! At 28 gr to an ounce that would be over 45 grams... that can't be right, can it?
 
I'm getting mine back tomorrow. I have a Red Ed on it, which sounds surprisingly good, but I may eventually want another cartridge, since it's a fairly nice 'table. What is the eff. mass of the arm? Thank you!
 
I have a Project One DR-330 turntable. I replaced my headshell with a generic Tonar brand headshell. Works fine. Mine has an AT120 cartridge and sounds fine. I used a downloaded protractor from VE. I don't remember for sure, but think I used the "simple" or "stupid" protractor? Good turntable with little info out there on them. My cueing mechanism is a little wonky but otherwise a good unit. I think I still have my original headshell and could weigh it for you.

Thanks,
Andy
 
I have the stanton one, which I find quite aesthetically pleasing, and they do include a 2g and 4g weight that can be screwed in to increase the headshell mass.

One caution is that the design is modeled after the classic technics headshell, which means you may not be able to set the overhang as low as you need it, depending on your protractor measurement + cartridge choice
 
about the best headshell for the money is the sumiko hs12/LPGear Zupreme/jelco. the hs12 just went up in price but the zupreme is a variant of the same shell that is still only $50.

the construction is top notch, azimuth is adjustable, and the cartridge wires are very fine litz which actually DO improve the sound. those wires are $20 or so alone from various sources.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Sumiko-HL-29-Headshell-Leads

search around, audioquest also makes them as well as cardas and ortofon.

also, there are some exotic shells made of wood and the orsonic which is a space frame (juki at ebay has them).

thats a nice tt so treat it right.
 
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