• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Headshell for Sansui SR-838

L

learn2tt

New Member
Hi

first time poster here. I just bought a Sansui sr-838. It does not have a headshell. What kind of replacement headshell should I get, besides the obvious original :)

I am curious whether whether any will do, including the inexpensive ones. Or, should I get the more expensive one? I am thinking of using shure m91ed to get going first. I am still learning this turntable stuff :)

Also, any advice on cleaning up the TT is much appreciated. I have been reading a number of threads on this TT.

BTW, in case anyone wondering where I got this TT, here is a related link - http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=395200 :)
 
Register to hide this ad
Welcome to the AK turntable forum!

Until you can find the specific Sansui headshell, most standard headshell should be fine.

Because the Sansui SR-838 uses a long cartridge overhang, make sure that headshell can accommodate the requirement.

Try the Stanton H4S V2 Headshell if it is available near your location.

The original headshell has the build in azimuth adjustment feature.

It is handy to have.:thmbsp:

Be careful of what you use to clean and polish the piano black finish.
 
The 838 is a great turntable. I'd splurge and get the Jelco or Sumiko.
Both have superior leads and built in azimuth adjustment. Worth the extra $ IMHO.

=========================
 
I'll second the Jelco and Sumiko, both are quality headshells and more in keeping with the very fine Sansui 838 TT you have. Check your owners manual to see what the weight of the original headshell was and try to come close in weight. My feeling is the Jelco and Sumiko will probably be close. Of the two the Jelco may be the less exspensive and I believe Jelco mfg both headshells and the Sumiko is a rebranded Jelco.
 
Thanks to everyone for the reply and advice. I am thinking of getting a less expensive one first that i can use while I clean up the turntable.

Thanks.
 
I just picked up one this week as well. I cleaned the dust cover with Meguiars Headlight cover polish, then with Mequiars cleaner/wax. Used the wax on the black finish as well and it is beaming.
I had both in the garage anyway, and did a small area to see how it worked. Beautiful tt.
 
grillebilly said:
I cleaned the dust cover with Meguiars Headlight cover polish, then with Mequiars cleaner/wax. Used the wax on the black finish as well and it is beaming.
Click to expand...

Useful info. I suspect the plinth is a black lacquer piano finish? Mine has a few tiny scuffs & scratches and I'm not sure what to use on it; maybe, i'll just shine it up with the meguiars wax and be done with it. To be sure, when you say Meguiars cleaner/wax, you mean this stuff right?

How about ideas for cleaning the metal platter? I think I have little oxidation or discoloration on mine, would love to get the silver shine looking tip top.

Anyway, I'm a first time owner of a TT -- the sansui sr 838 being my first -- and the music it makes is just wonderful! It's miles better than listening to digital through my receivers built in DAC that's for sure.

To the OPs question about carts, I can't make suggestions with any authority... that said, my table came with an old ADC cartridge, sounded quite good with a bit of a forward presentation, paired nicely with my laid back speakers, but unfortunately it had channel imbalance and tracking issues due to age/wear. I chose to replace it with a new denon 110, due largely to AK search results :smoke:. To my ears, the denon 110 sounds like a pretty neutral cart, less forward than the old ADC and less bright than the AT 440 a friend has (though that was on a different table). I'm quite happy with it. The combo has worked well for me, though there may be better options.
 
alexander717 said:
To be sure, when you say Meguiars cleaner/wax, you mean this stuff right?

How about ideas for cleaning the metal platter? I think I have little oxidation or discoloration on mine, would love to get the silver shine looking tip top.

.
Click to expand...

yep, good ol' fashion car wax. This stuff has a very fine abrasive that will get small scratches out. Works well on the covers as well.
The metal platter can be shined to a very high luster with Nevr Dull http://www.nevrdull.com/
if it is really bad start out with Mothers mag and aluminum polish. That stuff will make it shine a bit too much for me, almost like chrome. Clean up real good after!!
Good luck.
Mine had a weird speed fluctuation I couldn't figure out....turns out the spindle that goes through the drive motor somehow got knocked down a little bit and caused a slight rub internally. Took me hours to figure it out, a little tap back up fixed it.
 
balifly said:
Welcome to the AK turntable forum!
Click to expand...

Thanks! I've learned a lot lurking these boards. AK is a really helpful community. :D

grillebilly said:
yep, good ol' fashion car wax. This stuff has a very fine abrasive that will get small scratches out. Works well on the covers as well.
The metal platter can be shined to a very high luster with Nevr Dull http://www.nevrdull.com/
Click to expand...

Ah, thanks a bunch! Looks like I have a few items to pick up at the store tonight.

grillebilly said:
Mine had a weird speed fluctuation I couldn't figure out....turns out the spindle that goes through the drive motor somehow got knocked down a little bit and caused a slight rub internally. Took me hours to figure it out, a little tap back up fixed it.
Click to expand...

I had a similar experience. Despite what the seller said, when I received mine from ebay, it couldn't hold a steady speed. I checked the quartz light and noticed that it was steady except for a slight hiccup once every rotation. I think the solution to my problem was maybe easier than yours. After opening it up and blasting the interior with a can of air, I noticed the uh..spinning disc of metal with tiny holes all around the perimeter -- I believe the quartz sensor reads the speed of the holes as they rotate through it-- had a piece of dirt or dust in one of the holes. After I removed it and put the table back together, good as new! /phew
 
alexander717 said:
Thanks! I've learned a lot lurking these boards. AK is a really helpful community. :D



Ah, thanks a bunch! Looks like I have a few items to pick up at the store tonight.



I had a similar experience. Despite what the seller said, when I received mine from ebay, it couldn't hold a steady speed. I checked the quartz light and noticed that it was steady except for a slight hiccup once every rotation. I think the solution to my problem was maybe easier than yours. After opening it up and blasting the interior with a can of air, I noticed the uh..spinning disc of metal with tiny holes all around the perimeter -- I believe the quartz sensor reads the speed of the holes as they rotate through it-- had a piece of dirt or dust in one of the holes. After I removed it and put the table back together, good as new! /phew
Click to expand...

I love it when it's that simple , enjoy the new table . I have a much older sansui and one head shell that works great is the Ortofon one that comes in many colors . You can get the cart very forward , more so than the no name ones but it is heavier than my original Sui' shell .
 
Reviving this old thread in case anyone is looking for a great cartridge for the 838. Over the years, I have tried Denon DL-110 (great but NLA), Shure M97 XE (great but NLA) and Grado Silver One (great but I think now Silver 3?). Ortofon OM-20 / nice but a little lacking in texture to my ear compared to the Grado on this TT.
This medium mass arm is shockingly good: a very fine sounding turntable. It is also happy with a wide variety of cartridges. Oh, I also tried a Stanton 881S (one of the last one s made in New York) and it was really nice, as well...but very much NLA as far as I know. Has anyone tried any of the Sumiko carts on this table?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom