Gold plated Headshell with Cartridge and Stylus for Pioneer Turntables

In this review the AudioOrigin gold plated headshell is presented for owners of vintage Pioneer turntables who want a simple, high-quality upgrade. It is made to order in England and pairs a gold plated mount with a Top Quality Audio Technica cartridge and a matching stylus, delivering a noticeably warm, detailed sound that improves clarity and musicality. The single biggest reason to consider this headshell is the use of transparent FURUKAWA 5N pure soft annealed silver Litz lead wires, which the maker and enthusiasts regard as a premium path to better signal transfer.

Key Features

• Made to order in England: Each unit is built by AudioOrigin to ensure careful assembly and consistent quality for classic Pioneer models.
• Audio Technica cartridge: A reputable cartridge delivers a pure, rich tone and reliable tracking across varied music styles.
• FURUKAWA 5N silver Litz wires: High quality transparent silver Litz leads are used to maximize signal clarity and minimize loss between cartridge and tonearm.
• Gold plated mount: The gold plating improves corrosion resistance and contact reliability on compatible Pioneer headshell fittings.
• Wide model compatibility: Direct fit for many Pioneer models including PL-100, PL-112D, PL-115D, PL-117D, PL-120 and later PL-517 series variants.
• Balanced frequency response: Designed to deliver exceptional low and high frequency detail for clearer reproduction of complex recordings.

Who It's For

This headshell suits audiophiles and collectors who own one of the listed Pioneer turntables and want an authentic, hand-built replacement that emphasizes musical warmth and clarity. It is also a good choice for DJs or hobbyists who value better contact and wiring between cartridge and tonearm for improved audio detail.

Those looking for an inexpensive, off-the-shelf generic headshell with minimal attention to wiring or cartridge brand may want to look elsewhere; this product is positioned as a made-to-order, higher-quality upgrade rather than a budget throwaway part.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High quality Audio Technica cartridge provides reliable tracking and improved sound quality.
• FURUKAWA 5N pure silver Litz wiring enhances clarity and preserves musical detail.
• Gold plated mount offers better contact and resistance to corrosion on Pioneer fittings.
• Made to order craftsmanship ensures careful assembly and consistency.

Cons

• Made to order production means a longer wait time compared with ready-stock items.
• Not a universal fit; intended specifically for the listed Pioneer models.

Specifications

Brand	AudioOrigin
Origin	Made to order in England
Cartridge	Top Quality Audio Technica cartridge
Wiring	FURUKAWA 5N pure soft annealed silver Litz
Mount finish	Gold plated
Compatibility	Pioneer PL-100, PL-112D, PL-115D, PL-117D, PL-120, PL-300, PL-400, PL-510, PL-514, PL-514X, PL-550, PL-570, PL-1170

Our Verdict

The AudioOrigin gold plated headshell is a focused upgrade for owners of compatible Pioneer turntables who want warmer, clearer playback and reliable contact. Its Audio Technica cartridge and FURUKAWA silver Litz wiring justify the made-to-order approach for listeners who value improved sound reproduction and durable connections, making it good value for those seeking an audiophile-minded replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fit my Pioneer turntable?
It is built to fit the specific Pioneer models listed by the maker; confirm your model number before ordering.

Is the cartridge replaceable?
The unit uses a standard Audio Technica cartridge format, and replacement or upgrades are possible with compatible cartridges.

How long is the wait for a made-to-order item?
Production time varies since each head shell is built in England; expect a longer lead time than off-the-shelf parts.