Ortofon SH-4 Headshell, Black

The Ortofon SH-4 is a headshell made of anodised aluminium with an SME bayonet connection for S-shaped tonearms.

The SH-4 is the headshell on which Ortofon sells its own premounted 2M cartridges – so if you buy it separately you get a component that Ortofon itself uses every day.

Why the SH-4?

Because it is light yet stiff: the aluminium is anodised, the contact pins are gold-plated, and the long finger lift sits well under the finger. Ortofon recommends the SH-4 for its 2M cartridges, and the universal half-inch mounting also takes many other standard cartridges.

What you get

A headshell that makes swapping cartridges possible in seconds: with several headshells you switch between cartridges without readjusting every time. The box contains screws, nuts, washers and lead wires – so you can get started straight away.

Who is the SH-4 for?

For S-shaped tonearms with a standard bayonet connection (SME) and anyone who wants a second cartridge ready. Straight talk: Tonearms with a fixed headshell (for example on Rega) are not compatible. And a headshell does not replace alignment: overhang, azimuth and tracking force still need to be set.

Our verdict

An honest, light standard headshell from the manufacturer that uses it itself. Forty-nine francs for clean handling and quick cartridge swaps.

Technical data

• Type: headshell with SME bayonet connection, for S-shaped tonearms
• Material: anodised aluminium
• Colour: black
• Mounting distance: 36.4–45.4 mm
• Contacts: gold-plated
• Weight: 9.2 g without screws, 9.4 g with screws
• Included: headshell, screws, nuts, washers, lead wires

Frequently asked questions

Does the SH-4 fit my tonearm?

It fits S-shaped tonearms with a standard bayonet connection (SME). It cannot be mounted on tonearms with a fixed integrated headshell. Tell us your turntable and tonearm and we will confirm the fit before you order.

Which cartridges can I mount on it?

Ortofon recommends the SH-4 for the 2M series. Thanks to the universal half-inch mounting standard, many other standard cartridges fit too. We will clarify with you which screws your cartridge needs – we carry the original sets for 2M and OM.

Are the lead wires included?

Yes. According to the manufacturer, screws, nuts, washers and lead wires are part of the delivery. So you do not need to buy anything extra, just a suitable screwdriver and some patience when aligning.

Why buy the Ortofon SH-4 from HD Zürisee?

Because a headshell only shows its potential with the right mounting and alignment. We check fit with tonearm and cartridge and set everything up on request – Andy and technician Mauri in Wädenswil. Original Ortofon, honest advice.

Goes well with

Matching cartridges from Ortofon and more turntable accessories such as the alignment protractor and cartridge screws.