Seeking headshell and cartridge suggestions for Lab-80 MKII

[nolanmcf]

I was recently given a Garrard Lab-80 MKII by a family member. It doesn't appear to have been used much at all, largely due to the misplacing of its headshell/cartridge assembly several decades ago.

I'd like to get this unit back into service, but am finding that its parts are somewhat difficult to come by. Does anyone know of any online shops that stock parts for old Garrard turntables?

Then, related to that, I'm looking for recommendations regarding a cartridge for this model- any thoughts?

Thanks very much!

 

[gadget73]

I'm running a Stanton 681 EEE on mine at the moment and it seems to do pretty well.

I got my headshell on ebay for about 20 bucks. It actually came with a cartridge on it that was worth about that so I figure I got the cart for 10 bucks and the headshell for another 10. The cartridge was a Shure M93E, which I've also run with good results.

Just fair warning, be prepared to do a full clean and re-lube on this for the mechanism to work correctly. The grease gets very sticky and causes the mechanism to malfunction pretty badly.

 

[sberger]

Love my Lab 80 MKII. I have been using older Shure carts with Jico stylus', including an M95ED, M95HE, along with an M97XE. The latter might be your best bet as you can pick up a new one for less than $100, and outfit with a Jico stylus. Do a search, a great match. From a compliance resonance standpoint, you can also run it at 1.75g which might be a better match for the Lab 80's medium mass tonearm. Good luck with it. Congratulations on your great table!

 

[nolanmcf]

It sounds like you got a great deal; I see one person selling just the housing for <>$32 and the thumb screw for 14. Sheesh!
Regarding the reconditioning, what is the preferred solution for removing the ancient grease?

Thanks a lot for the cartridge info also!