{"product_id":"audio-technica-at-hs4bk-universal-headshell-lightweight-precision","title":"Audio-Technica AT-HS4BK Universal Headshell - Lightweight Precision","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Audio-Technica AT-HS4BK is presented as a straightforward replacement headshell for users with straight 4-pin tonearms who want minimal added mass and solid build quality. The bottom line: this headshell is for vinyl enthusiasts and DJ hobbyists who need a light, stable platform for mounting cartridges and prefer a finger lift for accurate stylus placement. It is not a cartridge or tonearm - it performs one job well: provide a low-vibration, correctly wired mounting point for a wide range of cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUniversal 12 in-mount:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works with standard 12 in 4-pin tonearms so it fits most turntables that use this mounting style, reducing compatibility guesswork.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUltra-lightweight aluminum body:\u003c\/strong\u003e The die-cast aluminum construction keeps mass to a minimum to help reduce unwanted vibration and preserve cartridge tracking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAngled shape:\u003c\/strong\u003e The headshell geometry is shaped for use on straight tonearms, making it easier to achieve consistent alignment and tracking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinger lift:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in finger lift enables careful, precise stylus placement when cueing records by hand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes lead wires and screws:\u003c\/strong\u003e Color-coded lead wires and mounting screws are supplied so cartridge installation is straightforward and correctly wired.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AT-HS4BK is aimed at hobbyist audiophiles, turntablists, and any user who needs a dependable, low-mass headshell for a straight 4-pin tonearm. It is especially useful for those who swap cartridges or do their own cartridge alignment and want a solid, repeatable platform with a finger lift for manual cueing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who should look elsewhere include users with S-shaped or nonstandard tonearms, or buyers who expect integrated leads with special connectors or exotic materials; this is a practical, no-frills aluminum headshell rather than a high-end custom part.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery light aluminum die-cast body that helps minimize resonance and keeps tracking consistent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUniversal 12 in mount and color-coded lead wires make cartridge swapping and installation simple.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinger lift provides precise stylus placement for careful cueing and playback control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users report mixed results with cartridge alignment, so careful setup is still required for best performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBasic design lacks premium damping materials used in higher-end headshells.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAT-HS4BK\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUniversal 12 in 4-pin tonearm mount\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminum die-cast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.5 g (ultra-lightweight)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor-coded lead wires and mounting screws\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack (also available in silver)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AT-HS4BK is a practical, well-made headshell that delivers low mass, simple installation, and a useful finger lift for precise cueing. It offers good value for anyone with a straight 4-pin tonearm who needs a reliable mounting platform, though serious users who demand exotic damping or a different geometry may prefer higher-end alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this fit my tonearm?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe headshell uses a standard 12 in 4-pin mount and is intended for straight tonearms; check your tonearm mounting type to confirm compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre lead wires included?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, color-coded lead wires and the necessary mounting screws are supplied to simplify cartridge installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the headshell reduce vibration?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe ultra-light aluminum die-cast body helps keep vibration to a minimum, though it is not a high-end damped design.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Audio-Technica","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48175727771867,"sku":"B07N3RVMV4","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/6143ijlJ4-L._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1769522550","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/audio-technica-at-hs4bk-universal-headshell-lightweight-precision","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}