Headshell and compliance

[Jjarchive]

I am looking for a headshell to use with a Schick 12" arm (effective mass of 11 gms) and a Dynavector XV-1s (12.6 gms). I was hoping to use the Schick headshell (15.6 gms) but am learning something lighter would be better. Is there an optimum range for headshell weight with this arm and cartridge? Any suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[Solypsa]

If you have all of the above I would certainly try it.

For a light headshell one example is the Yamamoto boxwood one at ~8g.

Dropping 7g from the headshell will only raise your resonant frequency by about 1hz or so fyi...

 

[Jjarchive]

What about a headshell that is 10.5 g? Is there a recommended source to do these calculations and a source to better explain compliance, resonant frequencies, and related issues? From reading around, I'm starting to piece together a better understanding. I still don't have a sense how impactful a slightly heavier or lighter headshell would be.

 

[Solypsa]

Turntable Calculations

mh-audio.nl

I have heard lighter carts sound pretty good in a Schick. As always getting technical data is sometimes easier than knowing what it means practically.

You can also read up on the Kuzma Safir tonearm which has a huge effective mass, and follow the debate on its impact ( or lack thereof ).

 

[Lynnot]

Hi,

as far as headshells are concerned, there is two factors of importance:

1. Structural rigidity - very important
2. Weight (in relation to the resulting effective tonearm mass)

For instance, an Audio Technica LH11h headshell is leighter at 11 gram and very rigid. You will save 4 gram effective weight (just to give an example). Don't focus too much on the classical calculations based on static models. Reality is dynamic and all cartidges don't react alike.

Best regards, Tony

 

[Solypsa]

Korf ceramic head shell is one I want to tryout...

 

[Kjetil]

It’s good and good looking.