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Which headshell to use?

Hello. I am a new member to Audiogon and am seeking some adivce. I have a vintage system consisting of a Pioneer SX1980 receiver, Teac X2000 reel to reel, Klipsch Belle's and most recently added a Pioneer Series20 Model PLC-590 turntable. It is set up with the Pioneer PA1000 tonearm, but has an aftermarket headshell by Audioquest. Ive installed an Audio Technica 440ML cartridge that I was previously using on my Empire 698. Given that you guys know just about everything with regard to turntable setup and I know just enough to get myself in trouble, could someone please reccommend an appropriate headshell. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to becoming part of your community. Rick
35off
nandric's avatar
nandric
3,263 posts
 
My favourite is the Sumiko magnesium (13 g) with wire and
movable connector for the azimuth and extension. About
40 GBP on ebay. uk. From the 'exotic kind' I prefer the
heavier Orsonic (AV -101). From the 'professional kind'
the Arche. The one which Banquo would like to own. The
Arche is pretty expensive but the insert pieces on which the
carts are fastened make this headshell a totally different
proposition. With, say, 4 inserts pieces one get
4 Arche headshells. The insert pieces are about $ 50 each
so one get the Arche headshells for about $150 each.
35off OP
7 posts
 
The Audioquest headshell that was on the TT when I bought it is styled like the Acoustical Systems that Banquo mentioned. As I mentioned in my opening post, the tonearm on my table it the Pioneer PA1000 which I understand is from their Exclusive line. There's a listing on eBay for the correct matching headshell in carbon fiber from Pioneer. It's in Russia and the guy wants 140 for it delivered. I think I'm going to get it just so I'll have it. The Orsonic appears to be well regarded by each of you so far. That may be the best long term choice.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,152 posts
 
35off...if you have the Audioquest that looks like the Orsonic, you have an Orsonic. Orsonic made that headshell for Audioquest. It just says Audioquest on it, instead of Orsonic, but it's the same exact headshell.

I was a dealer and have several of both. They are the same.
35off OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for that bit of info Mofi. That's a biggie! I acquired this TT from a friend of mine who owns a high end stereo store here in Jacksonville Beach. They were doing close to a 200k install and took a bunch of gear from their client on trade. This Series20 TT was part of that gear. Being a vintage Pioneer guy, I grabbed it up right away. It was an easy replacement for the Empire 698 I was running. It fits in nicely with my SX1980 and in my opinion a big improvement over the Empire. I probably should swing back in and see what else they brought in from this guy. So thanks again Mofi, I really appreciate the input I've received from you and everyone on this thread.
banquo363
371 posts
 
About Audio-Technica headshell with fixed screw holes:
Yes there are no slots to move cartridge in headshell but on the backside of the AT Technicard or Magnesium headshell you will find at least two sets of mounting holes. The most important thing about this type of AT shells is FULLY ADJUSTABLE OVERHANG AND AZYMUTH and with thus option you don't need any slots, you move the whole shell to adjust cartridge with your protractor!

Just a note: not all AT magnesium headshells are adjustable. The mg 10 is not. I learned this the hard way.

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