Headshell question

[L1A1Rocker]

I currently have a Pioneer headshell with a Pioneer pc135 cart on my Technics sl-1301. I have a Denon DL-160 coming and would like advice on what headshell I should put the Denon on. I'd like to get an original Technics headshell but would the dl-160 be ok with that?

Thanks again folks.

 

[majick47]

I'd go with an original OEM Technics headshell that came with the SL-1301 since the DL-160 is a fairly light cartridge of around 5gr. Check your owners manual for the weight of the headshell and if the Pioneer headshell is close you could probably get away with useing it. Matching cartridge/headshell/tonearm weight can make a significant difference in the sound you hear. The DL-160 is a very nice cartridge and for the small amount you will pay for the correct matching weight headshell it will be well worth it. The SL-1301 headshell should be heavier than the SL-1200Mk2 headshell, I'v seen quite a few listed on Ebay so you shouldn't have a problem finding one.

 

[L1A1Rocker]

Thanks for the info. Do you know how to distinguish between the different Technics headshells? I've found a new 1200 headshell on Amazon but you say it is too light. I've also found a universal Technics headshell that weighs 9.5 grams. Would this be correct for my application?

Thanks for any help you can give me on this.

On edit: I've found a technics 1200 silver headshell with a weight on it too: http://www.amazon.com/Technics-Head...K88M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1313346972&sr=8-2

I'd go with an original OEM Technics headshell that came with the SL-1301 since the DL-160 is a fairly light cartridge of around 5gr. Check your owners manual for the weight of the headshell and if the Pioneer headshell is close you could probably get away with useing it. Matching cartridge/headshell/tonearm weight can make a significant difference in the sound you hear. The DL-160 is a very nice cartridge and for the small amount you will pay for the correct matching weight headshell it will be well worth it. The SL-1301 headshell should be heavier than the SL-1200Mk2 headshell, I'v seen quite a few listed on Ebay so you shouldn't have a problem finding one.

 

[Bob_in_OKC]

The DL-160 is of reasonably high-ish compliance so I think that would make up for the lesser mass of the newer lighter Technics headshell, as opposed to the one that would've shipped with the SL-1301.

 

[Bob_in_OKC]

It's hard to see but here's the OEM headshell. Notice how you don't see slots.

 

[hakaplan]

The Stanton headshell is the same dimension as the Technics, weighs 8.5g compared to 9.5g and 7.6g for the older and newer Technics headshells respectively. Comes with 2g and 4g screw in weights, though I doubt you'll need them. And it's $20 cheaper with free shipping--no brainer. It'll work fine with the Denon. Plenty of AKers use these on their Technics arms.

http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-H4S-V...s=miscellaneous&ie=UTF8&qid=1313352363&sr=1-1

 

[L1A1Rocker]

It's hard to see but here's the OEM headshell. Notice how you don't see slots.

Yeah, that's a little hard to see, lol. I think you meant to include a link. . .

 

[L1A1Rocker]

The Stanton headshell is the same dimension as the Technics, weighs 8.5g compared to 9.5g and 7.6g for the older and newer Technics headshells respectively. Comes with 2g and 4g screw in weights, though I doubt you'll need them. And it's $20 cheaper with free shipping--no brainer. It'll work fine with the Denon. Plenty of AKers use these on their Technics arms.

http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-H4S-V...s=miscellaneous&ie=UTF8&qid=1313352363&sr=1-1

Very cool. Thanks a bunch, I'll order that one right away.

 

[hifitommy]

its expensive but the best for the money is the LPGear zupreme:

typically better built with higher quality control

retaining pins both top AND bottom for stability, litz wire, and adjustable azimuth (if its necessary), plus excellent construction. i just ordered another one.

 

[L1A1Rocker]

I got the stanton headshell and dl-160. Should I use the metal plate that came with the dl-160, or does it matter with the stanton?

 

[hakaplan]

That's up to you. I didn't know it came with a plate--that's just a weight. I'd start out using it and see if you can balance the arm and set the tracking force. If it's still too light, add the 2g Stanton weight.