Technics SL-23 Headshell

[Mark Davis]

I see a lot of generic headshells out there for this turntable.

I have a Empire OP4 with NOS242-DEX stlylist. I am currently running a AT95E/HSB on this TT.

I was wanting to get another Headshell that I could put my Sumiko Pearl on and give it a try.

Any siuggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[salamander]

Hello ! You could apply headshell Technics, or one of its clones ( Tonar or others). It will be inexpensive and will match the weight and settings of the overhang .

 

[Crab33]

There are many copies of the Technics headshell but unfortunately cheap headshells are a bit of a lottery - the most common problem is an azimuth error (tilt) due to the guide pin not being exactly in the 12'o'clock position. I recently bought an Audio Technica HS-1, which seems a nicely made Technics clone at a good price.

 

[KingJT]

I picked up an SL-23 this weekend with no headshell.
Are the generic Technics copies from Turntable Lab or LP Gear decent enough?
I’ll be using it with an AT-VM95C to start with.
I seem to come across a lot of SL-23s online with replacement headshells.
Are they harvested for use on other tables up the food chain?
Thanks for the help!
Mike

 

[Montycat]

Headshells for that Technics are as universal as it gets. The ones available from reputable sellers should be fine.

 

[Decibel_116]

There are a couple original SH-98 headshells for sale on the auction site. Audio Technica has a headshell that they sell in conjuction with the VM95 cartridge. Of course there are many aftermarket versions available both new and used. I would be careful about heavier headshells than the original. If you exceed the range of adjustability of the tonearm, then it will not work.

 

[KingJT]

Looks like the generics and original are all right in the 9 gram range.
I had read that the counterweight range was limited on the SL-23.
I wonder if there is an appreciable difference between the AT and generics other than the name.
Thanks again.

 

[Montycat]

I just checked the manuals for the SL-23, SL-D3 and the 1200 MKII and the 23 had a wider range than the other 2. The headshell was heavier at 9ish vs 7ish grams but other than that it had greater adjustment potential, without the use of accessory weights.

 

[Decibel_116]

According to the manual, the cartridge weight range is 3 to 8.5 grams. The original headshell is 9.5 grams.

OR 13 - 17 grams combined (according to the service manual)