2. analog
  3. 152664-96030

Cartridge Headshell Match

I recently purchased a Technics SL1200 GR.  

I currently have an Ortofon MC Rondo Red mounted.

I plan on getting another Headshell and mounting a Benz Micro Glider that I just had re-tipped on it.  

I noticed some headshells have azimuth adjustment which would be nice but weigh around 12 grams. 

I can get a technics style headshell with no azimuth adjustment that weighs around 7.6 grams.

The Benz Glider weighs  6.6 grams

The Ortofon MC Rondo weighs 10.5 grams and sounds great with the stock Technics headshell.  

 The Benz is lighter in weight than the Ortofon by almost 4 grams so would that better mate with a heavier headshell?

I know this subject has been covered many times before but it still confuses me a bit.
nicktheknife
donvito
395 posts
 
Those figures are fine!
https://www.ortofon.com/support/support-hifi/resonance-frequency
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
Using the HiFi New Test Record the Ortofon/Technics combo I got:

Lateral  11 Hz
Vert.      10 Hz

Seems close enough.
I figure the Benz should work with pretty much any of the headshells that have been recommended.  

Either the Jelco or LPGear Zupreme w/azimuth adjustment or another Technics style headshell without azimuth adj. but won't know until I actually try one.

Thanks all.
racedoc
80 posts
 
Hi...

I would go for a wooden headshell in the range of 10 to 12 grams.
That is a perfect match with the Benz cartridge.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
First of all there is nothing wrong with Technics stock headshell on SL1200GR turntable and this headshell is the best match for this mid mass arm, you can change it if you like different design or if you need higher mass, but do not expect any upgrade with the most of them, especially conventional like Jelco. 

One of the cheapest and the best headshells available today (new) is Audio-Technica Technihard with adjustable overhang, azimuth. This shell has treated holes for cartridge mounting from beneath. And two models available (long and short).  Read more about Technihard material. 

There is a magnesium shell from AT, but it must be avoided for Technics arm as with the treated mounting holes there is no overhang adjustment on this model and stylus overhand can be off with some cartridges. 

Many great headshells are old, available secondhand. This is the one i really like, it's AudioCraft headshell with treated holes on the finger lift (very easy to use). Grace headshell is nice. Stax headshell is nice, it has azimuth and overhang adjustment. This one is not cheap, but it's a perfect lock headshell (dual lock). On the cheap side something very simple like Kenwood is nice for Technics tonearm. Entre headshell is also nice and cheap. 

On exotic side there is a Grace Carbon headshell which is very nice, but expensive. 
More to discover