3D Printed 1/2" Standard Cartridge Headshell Spacers/Shims - Align Turntable VTA

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$20.99
Compatible Brand
1/2" Standard Mount Headshell
Brand
Unbranded
Type
Tonearm Headshell Spacer/Shim
Color
Black
condition
New
Up for sale here is a set of eight (8) 3D printed headshell spacers/shims for 1/2" standard mount tonearm phono cartridge headshells. You can use these spacers to align your vertical tracking angle (VTA) on a turntable without an adjustable tonearm. I have a U-Turn Orbit and wanted to swap out my Ortofon 2M Red cartridge for an Audio Technica VM95ML. However, when I mounted my VM95ML in the headshell the VTA was severely off, so I designed and printed these to get my VTA aligned. These spacers are made of non-magnetic plastic (PLA), so you don't need to worry about interference with your cartridge.

Ideally, you should have your VTA aligned regardless of your stylus type, but VTA alignment is absolutely critical with a line contact stylus (such as Micro Line, Vivid Line, or Shibata styli). I designed, and print, these spacers myself and use them on my own turntable. Each order will receive one (1) set of eight (8) shims/spacers:
  • 1.0 mm (weight: approx. 0.28 grams)
  • 1.5 mm (weight: approx. 0.44 grams)
  • 2.0 mm (weight: approx. 0.56 grams)
  • 2.5 mm (weight: approx. 0.67 grams)
  • 3.0 mm (weight: approx. 0.84 grams)
  • 3.5 mm (weight: approx. 0.95 grams)
  • 4.0 mm (weight: approx. 1.05 grams)
  • 4.5 mm (weight: approx. 1.20 grams)
I do not sell these spacers individually because: (1) you might get a different cartridge in the future, which could require a different spacer; and (2) at least for me, finding the correct spacer was by trial and error (using a small spacer, measuring VTA, moving up to the next size spacer, measuring VTA, etc...). I printed these in 1/2 mm increments to more accurately align the VTA.

While you could stack these spacers to reach your desired thickness (such as using a 1.0 mm spacer and a 2.5 mm spacer together to get 3.5 mm), it is better to use one, solid spacer for stability and keeping your azimuth aligned. Therefore, I've printed these spacers in 0.5 mm increments from 1.0 mm to 4.5 mm, which will allow you to adjust and calibrate your VTA on your non-adjustable tonearm with one, solid spacer. These are printed so there won't be any deflections that will change your azimuth.

On my own turntable (the U-Turn Orbit), I needed a 3.0 mm spacer to get my VTA aligned for my VM95ML cartridge, as I've shown in the pictures. I've also used these spacers on my AT-LP120X headshell with various cartridges without issue. However, if you don't think these spacers will fit your headshell, please message me before placing an order. I can personally vouch for these working flawlessly on my U-Turn Orbit and my AT-LP120X.

I have included a photo of the 4.5 mm spacer with my calipers for reference. I have also included photos of the 3.0 mm spacer on my U Turn Orbit, along with the property aligned VTA that I was able to achieve with a 3.0 mm spacer. Please note that you will receive one (1) set of eight (8) spacers with each order - the VM95ML cartridge, VTA alignment block, headshell, calipers, and turntable are not included in this listing. You will need something to measure your VTA (such as a VTA alignment block or a ruler) to properly use these spacers.

If you want a color other than black, please message me before placing an order.

I am not affiliated with U-Turn Audio, Audio Technica, or any other company in any way. I'm just a vinyl enthusiast with a 3D printer who made these to align the VTA on my turntable and thought I would list them here to help others with their VTA alignment.

Global Shipping

These spacers can ship worldwide via eBay’s Global Shipping Program. In addition to shipping throughout the United States, I can also ship these spacers to:

·        Aruba

·         Antigua and Barbuda

·         Australia

·         Austria

·         Bahamas

·         Bahrain

·         Bangladesh

·         Barbados

·         Belgium

·         Belize

·         Bermuda

·         Bolivia

·         Brazil

·         Brunei Darussalam

·         Bulgaria

·         Cambodia

·         Canada

·         Cayman Islands

·         Chile

·         China

·         Colombia

·         Costa Rica

·         Croatia

·         Cyprus

·         Czech Republic

·         Denmark

·         Dominica

·         Dominican Republic

·         Ecuador

·         Egypt

·         El Salvador

·         Estonia

·         Finland

·         France

·         Germany

·         Gibraltar

·         Greece

·         Grenada

·         Guadeloupe (French)

·         Guatemala

·         Guernsey

·         Guiana

·         Honduras

·         Hong Kong

·         Hungary

·         Iceland

·         Indonesia

·         Ireland

·         Israel

·         Italy

·         Jamaica

·         Japan

·         Jersey

·         Jordan

·         Kuwait

·         Latvia

·         Liechtenstein

·         Lithuania

·         Luxembourg

·         Macau

·         Malaysia

·         Maldives

·         Malta

·         Martinique (French)

·         Mexico

·         Monaco

·         Montserrat

·         Netherlands

·         New Zealand

·         Nicaragua

·         Norway

·         Oman

·         Pakistan

·         Panama

·         Paraguay

·         Peru

·         Philippines

·         Poland

·         Portugal

·         Qatar

·         Reunion (French)

·         Romania

·         Saint Kitts and Nevis

·         Saint Lucia

·         Saudi Arabia

·         Singapore

·         Slovakia

·         Slovenia

·         South Africa

·         South Korea

·         Spain

·         Sri Lanka

·         Sweden

·         Switzerland

·         Taiwan

·         Thailand

·         Trinidad and Tobago

·         Turks and Caicos Islands

·         Ukraine

·         United Arab Emirates

·         United Kingdom

·         Uruguay

·         Vietnam