Cartridge headshell, what would you choose and why?


Hi Audiogoners,
It is price from $15 to $800. What is the advantage of buying an expensive one? What do you hear?
Thanks,
Calvin

dangcaonguyen
I have both Sumiko and LP Gear ZuPreme headshells. When I first got the Sumiko it was $40. Now they're $90 and the ZuPreme is still $54.95. Not only is the ZuPreme significantly cheaper, it is the same with one difference that I prefer:

The ZuPreme finger lift is attached directly to the headshell, whereas with the Sumiko it's a separate piece that has to be incorporated into the mounting screw assembly with the cartridge. I find it significantly more difficult to mount a cartridge on the Sumiko than on the ZuPreme. OTOH, you can use the separate finger lift as a shim if mounted between the top of the cartridge and the bottom of the headshell. My tonearm has height adjustment so I don't need no shimmin'.

Otherwise, at $54.95 the LpGear ZuPreme rules for what it does for so little.
@czarivey thanks for clarification.
I will order the LP Gear ZuPreme as reccomended by many of you.
Thanks a lot,
Calvin