Arche Headshell and Technics 1200G


I am not sure if any other 1200G users have tried this headshell on their 1200G arm but I can say that so far after a couple hours of listening that it seems to be working very well.  Has anyone else tried this combination?
tzh21y
Why would it not "work"?  The only question to consider is whether the cartridge compliance matches well with the weight differential between the Arche and the OEM headshell.  I would imagine that the Arche is a bit on the heavy side, so would work well with low compliance cartridges, but you do not say what cartridge you are using.  Once you know the match of compliance and effective mass is acceptable, the Arche does seem to present a few advantages in terms of adjusting VTA and azimuth, vs any standard headshell.
I am also using the arche headshell on the 1200G, with the very low compliance London Reference cart.
Aside from the convenience of easy overhang, SRA and azimuth adjustment, the weight (17.5g) and damping ability of the arche (and tighter fit into the collet) has helped to eliminate the mechanical quirks of the London cart. I also wrapped the arm pipe with 3M foil damping tape, and installed the KAB fluid damping system. The result is exemplary tracking, greatly reduced surface noise and spectacular sound quality.


Dear @tzh21y : As @lewm said: " why would it not work?, almost any headshell can does.

Now, the up-grades/improvements in audio is more a knowledge level on an specific regards than about money or high priced audio after market items.

I know that you already read this post:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/picking-up-a-new-technics-sl1200g-tt-tomorrow/post?postid=159...

and what I posted is good  for you too.

The best metal headshell for your tonearm are the magnesium ones that against what you already bougth are truly inexpensive.

In reality there is nothing new " below the sun ". The VTA/SRA characteristic in the headshell you own came from the very old times/vintage TT/tonearm manufacturer Dual that was ho invented the headshell with VTA mechanism.

Even my vintage MI cartridge AKG P-100LE comes with the VTA/SRA mechanism integrated in the cartridge body ! ! ! 

Btw, do it a favor and put in contact with nationalbar whom posted here about that 3M wrapp, that wrapp is a must to have.


R.

The part of the headshell on which the cart is fastened I call

''insert peace''. Those can be ordered as separates. This means

as many headshells as one wants. One can even pre-adjust

carts (eff. length) on them for fast exchange. Arche is actually

a frame in which the parts can be screwed with precision screws

and Allen keys. The insert piece need to rotate because of the

SRA provision and is fastened with two steel axes with steel balls

and  (tension) springs. That is why flexible headshell wire is

needed. The best quality clips are also needed because the

same wire will be used for all insert peaces . Those made

by Clearaudio are the best. Clearaudio silver headshell wire

are expensive but the best for Arche.

 


Just to let everyone know, I have just learnt that Acoustical Systems is going to release two further lighter versions of the Arche headshell: one weighing 13g and made of aluminium alloy and the other 10g and made of magnesium.  Both will have all the adjustability of the current version of the Arche together with the same titanium bars.  Release is scheduled for October 2018.
Thanks for the info, bluewolf! And compliments on your great setup - particularly those lovely TAD speakers!
gallusThanks for the info, bluewolf! And compliments on your great setup - particularly those lovely TAD speakers!
Hi gallus, Thank you for the kind words about my TAD's. The 2404's are the love of my hi-fi life and my system is built around them, with the exception of the analog frontend and the phono preamp. For me, if these 2 items are right, they are right for any system.  I much prefer the "real" TAD of old and I was most fortunate to be able to buy the 2404's NOS.  I am also a very big fan of Acoustical Systems. In my experience, their setup tools are the best, and their arms and cartridges at the top.  And their true SOTA turntable, the Apolyt, is the only component in my long hi-fi career that is so so much better than anything my brain had encountered before that when I listened to it I was shocked.  Unfortunately I do not have the space or the funds to accommodate one. I wrote up my impressions in this thread:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/acoustical-systems-apolyt-turntable-the-revelation

All the best,
I am also a very big fan of Acoustical Systems. In my experience, their setup tools are the best, and their arms and cartridges at the top. And their true SOTA turntable, the Apolyt, is the only component in my long hi-fi career that is so so much better than anything my brain had encountered before that when I listened to it I was shocked. Unfortunately I do not have the space or the funds to accommodate one. I wrote up my impressions in this thread             
Hello Bluewolf, your analogue frontend is flawless as well! I am considering the purchase of a Micro Seiki - probably an RX1500 or 5000 since any SX is very very hard to find - but I am not much confident on my ability to modify it in order to achieve its best potential... I am also greatly interested in the Acoustical System offerings but unfortunately could not hear the system that was displayed in Munich - I had only one afternoon and could not enjoy the most of the show.  I had already read your very nice report on your visit to AS headquarters and hope to do the same soon - I live in Germany, not very far from Bayern...
Thanks a lot and enjoy great music!