July 21, 2026
Description
This is a TP68 headhsell replica I made to mount on my TP16 MK3 arm.
I wanted to upgrade my Thorens TD160, and change my cartridge to a higher end one : the AT VM70xML.
But the TP16 arm is an old design, and doesn't allow to mount screws, such as those new AT cartridges.
A few solutions exist, such as replacing the whole wand, or even the whole arm - but far too expensive solutions for me.
Then I discovered the TP68 headhsell !
And I tried to make a replica of it, fully 3d printed, to be able to upgrade my arm without spending too much.
Mission succesful !
Good to know :
- installs in place of the stock headshell
- there is no going back
- it allows you fine tuning of the azimut angle (the stock arm doesn't)
- needs a fair bit of modification of the wand
How to print ?
- print on its back, no support needed
- in PLA
- don't make it hollow, i'd advise 20% infill, 2 walls
- i used Hilbert Curve for the bottom pattern, it gives a nice touch
How to install it ?
- uninstall wand from the arm
- remove stock cartridge
- cut and remove the heatshrink on the wand, just behind the headshell
- the headhsell is crimped into the tube, and those crimping marks appears once the heatshrink is removed
- using a hand metal saw, cut the stock wand at the crimp location
- do NOT cut through everything, or you'll cut the cables !
- just cut the metal part, going slowly, all around the tube
- once it's fully cut, you'll be able to remove the stock headshell from the wand, and leave the cables in place
- place a small zip tie in the new TP68 you just printed (2.5mm wide, >50mm long)
- install the TP68 at the end of the wand, and tighten the zip tie firmly around it
- install the new cartridge
- set up everything correctly
I initially intended to drop a dab of superglue at the headshell / wand contact point, once everything was set up, to "seal" the azimut angle.
(removing the wand, placing it upside down, dab of glue, let it dry, install back)
I haven't done it yet - I think by fear of making it definitive.
I wouldn't say it's a definitive edition at this point.
It's been playing for hours now, so issue whatsoever .. so is it even necessary to glue ?
There is such low forces on these parts ...
Anyway !
Enjoy :-)
And happy listening !
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial — Share Alike