Headshell suggestion for my Pioneer PL600 (dir drive)?

Who woulda thunk that we’d ever come full circle from a disdain for detachable headshells to a preference for same? Where the respective rationales are polar opposites.

The headshell ought to match the cartridge, not the tonearm and certainly not the TT. I keep a variety of different types around, of different material composition and mass. Unlike Noromance, I do like carbon fiber, by Yamamoto and Oyaide. I have one made of wood, too, but I’ve yet to match it to a cartridge. You’ve got to experiment for yourself. Fortunately headshells are inexpensive, even good ones.

@lewm I regret sending my Yamamato carbon fiber one back. That way I could retest it and see how it rolled off my highs. It was great in the bass though.
I've always wanted to try this. Should have bought one when they were under $400 a few years ago.
Acoustical Systems Arche' Headshell – The Cable Company
11g - $1049!

Fortunately headshells are inexpensive, even good ones.

Arche is an outlier for cost and probably very heavy so mostly suitable for low compliance MCs. As you know, the vast majority of headshells can be had for less than $250, usually much less.

Sorry about your high frequencies. We’ve aired this disagreement before, so no need to rehash it. I find the best quality CF headshells to be very neutral, maybe because they’re relatively light and stiff, just like me. I don’t like CF in any other audio component, so there we agree.

I've been demonstrated on two different occasions, Panzerholz Headshells of two different designs on two different TA's, using the same TT>Cart in the same system.

Each TA substantially changed their sonic using the P'holz.

The Prototype TA, with a P'holz HS added in place of the earlier used HS material improved in way that is describable as night/day.

It won't be long before the awaited TA comparisons are to commence, I have been discussing the timeline for the opportunity to create this, earlier today with the TA's designer/builder.

I have some side ideas for this experience, that will be included in host of demo's  that will most likely be done across a few sessions.

As a side idea, and one already voiced, I will be able to experience two identical TA's (my own one and my friends), used on the Dual Arm TT that has been made for this period of demo's. Where one will have a Magnesium HS and the other a P'holz HS, with similar usage hours on the Identical Model Cart's to be mounted.

I recently became an owner of a P'holz HS that was produced for me, but due to packing the Vinyl Source away, have not used it in my own set up.  

@pindac Interesting. Looking forward to your findings. Stanley Engineering in Germany offer a Panzerholz headshell on Ebay which is tempting. I’ve heard that Panzerholz plinths can sound a little warm which is not my preference as I find that it can paint everything with the same color.