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Tonearm with removable head-shell

I am looking for a TT which can accommodate a tonearm with removable head-shell. Why? I have no confidence that I could ever replace a cart on my own and have no hifi shops where I live so I'd like to be able to send just the head-shell to a dealer who can replace a cart when the time comes w/o having to ship the entire TT.

Budget is 1500, or so, sans cart.

Ideas welcomed.
lindisfarne
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
The Denon 47F has a removal head shell.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,152 posts
 
In addition to just a headshell, there are several arms that
the "wand" is removable. VPI is one.

Music Direct has a new limited time special edition VPI
"Scout SE" that looks really nice and is only $1395.00.
That would be my recommendation.

Also, remember without the complete turntable it will be
almost impossible to setup and align a cartridge correctly.
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Without the complete turntable it will be
almost impossible to setup and align a cartridge correctly.
+1.

The only instance I am aware of in which a cartridge can be properly installed without having the entire turntable is if both the cartridge and the turntable/tonearm conform to the T4P ("P-mount") standard. Those cartridges mounted via pins, and could be changed by the user by simply unplugging the old cartridge and plugging in the new one, with no adjustments being necessary.

I believe that standard was introduced in the 1980's, and did not achieve broad popularity, at least among high end audiophiles. I believe that P-mount cartridges are readily available these days, but I don't know if turntable/tonearm combinations are, other than used.

Regards,
-- Al
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