headshell recommendation with a PL-A450 + Ortofon Red

[CDNPioneer]

Hi all,

Novice listener here. I've been lurking and searching for advice to get a lovely vintage system off the ground. Just before COVID I found (in 3 separate transactions) a PL-A45D + SA-8100 + a pair of HPM 60's thanks to the great advice from a friend.

I have a new Ortofon red that needs a home on a headshell. I know the PL-A45D takes an SME, and I was wondering if you had recommendations for under $125. I figured Pioneer lovers would know the answer to this one.

I suppose the bonus question is if I should have my eyes on a preamp under $500 for this eventually? I don't think I can do a 4 figure pre-amp yet.

Thanks all, excited to be part of the Pioneer family.

 

[spark1]

Why would you want a separate preamp? The SA-8100 is an integrated amp, which combines a preamp and power amp in one box.

If you want to go with separates, I would think you would be looking at both an amp and a preamp. Yes, you can use the SA-8100 as just a power amp, but I don't know why you would...assuming its preamp section is in good working order.

Regarding your TT; are you sure it is a PL-A450? The PL-450 (no A) is a fairly low end table from the 80's with a straight tonearm that uses an offset headshell (not a standard SME-type headshell).

Perhaps you actually have a PL-A45D? That is a table from the 70's with an S (or J) shaped arm that uses a standard SME headshell. If so, there is no reason to spend that kind of money on a headshell. Good ones can be had for $25 or thereabouts.

Or spend more and get an Ortofon headshell to go with your Ortofon cartridge. No technical reason to do so, but perhaps you would like to have the Ortofon logo on it:

https://www.amazon.com/Ortofon-SH-4-Black-Headshell/dp/B001GVJA1C?th=1

In any case, make sure the headshell you buy includes the wiring for the cartidge. Many do, some do not.

 

[CDNPioneer]

Why would you want a separate preamp? The SA-8100 is an integrated amp, which combines a preamp and power amp in one box.

If you want to go with separates, I would think you would be looking at both an amp and a preamp. Yes, you can use the SA-8100 as just a power amp, but I don't know why you would...assuming its preamp section is in good working order.

Regarding your TT; are you sure it is a PL-A450? The PL-450 (no A) is a fairly low end table from the 80's with a straight tonearm that uses an offset headshell (not a standard SME-type headshell).

Perhaps you actually have a PL-A45D? That is a table from the 70's with an S (or J) shaped arm that uses a standard SME headshell. If so, there is no reason to spend that kind of money on a headshell. Good ones can be had for $25 or thereabouts.

Or spend more and get an Ortofon headshell to go with your Ortofon cartridge. No technical reason to do so, but perhaps you would like to have the Ortofon logo on it:

https://www.amazon.com/Ortofon-SH-4-Black-Headshell/dp/B001GVJA1C?th=1

In any case, make sure the headshell you buy includes the wiring for the cartidge. Many do, some do not.

You're definitely right, it's a PL-A45D, my eyes confused the letter! Is there a headshell brand you like in particular? I'm almost just overwhelmed by the selection.

And that's great that I don't need a preamp! Someone had told me I would, I followed rather blindly. One less thing to worry about. And lots to learn it seems.