Audio Technica AT-LH15H

Audio-Technica AT-LH15H: a headshell designed for fine-tuning

A headshell that makes precise adjustments easier while keeping unwanted vibrations under control: that’s what this 15 g model from Audio-Technica promises. With its adjustable cylinder, through-mounting points, and OFC leads, the AT-LH15H follows in the tradition of accessories designed to work with the Japanese brand’s threaded-body cartridges, notably the AT-OC9X and VM95 series.

Anodized aluminum and controlled mass

The body of the AT-LH15H is machined from aluminum with a hard anodized finish. This surface treatment is not just cosmetic: it helps damp the micro-vibrations that can degrade groove tracking. At 15 grams, this headshell sits in the middle of the LH range, between the 13 g and 18 g models. This weight choice must be considered in relation to the tonearm specifications and the weight of the cartridge used — the combined weight of the headshell, cartridge, and mounting hardware must not exceed the limit allowed by the arm.

The straight shape of the headshell is intended for S-shaped or J-shaped arms, whose curvature provides the correct tracking angle. For straight arms, Audio-Technica offers angled models in other ranges.

Built-in azimuth and overhang adjustments

The main advantage of the AT-LH15H lies in its adjustable cylinder. This system allows for two separate settings: azimuth, i.e. the lateral tilt of the cartridge when viewed from the front, and overhang, which determines the position of the stylus tip in relation to the center of the platter.

Azimuth directly affects left/right channel separation. An approximate adjustment leads to crosstalk between channels and degrades stereo reproduction. Being able to adjust this angle at the headshell level avoids having to resort to shims or risky manipulations on the arm. Overhang, for its part, determines the tangential alignment of the stylus in the groove. A proper setting reduces tracking distortion, which is particularly audible in the inner grooves of the record.

Through-mounting points and compatibility

The mounting holes of the AT-LH15H are not threaded. This design is intended for cartridges with integrated threads in their bodies, such as the VM95 or AT-OC9X. The screws pass through the headshell and screw directly into the cartridge body. Audio-Technica also supplies two mounting screws, two plastic washers, and a hex key to make installation easier.

This configuration also allows you to slide the cartridge slightly back and forth when setting the overhang, before finally tightening the screws. Cartridges without integrated threads require nuts for mounting, which is still possible but less convenient.

The 8 mm diameter, 12 mm long H-4 (SME-type) bayonet connector ensures compatibility with the vast majority of tonearms that accept interchangeable headshells.

OFC wiring for signal transmission

The supplied lead wires use OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper). This high-purity copper, in which oxygen content is minimized during manufacturing, has slightly better conductivity than standard copper. Over a path as short as the one linking the cartridge to the arm connector, the impact remains subtle, but the approach reflects attention to detail consistent with the product’s positioning.

Three weights to match the system

The LH range with through-mounting points includes three models: the AT-LH13H (13 g), the AT-LH15H (15 g), and the AT-LH18H (18 g). The choice of weight depends on several factors: the mass of the cartridge, the counterweight range available on the arm, and, to a lesser extent, the cartridge compliance. An arm with a light counterweight or a lightweight cartridge will point toward the 13 g model, while a more robust arm can benefit from the increased stability of the 18 g version.

Technical specifications

Available models

• AT-LH13H: mass of 13 g
• AT-LH15H: mass of 15 g
• AT-LH18H: mass of 18 g

The three models with different masses provide optimal compatibility with your tonearm and phono cartridge.

Construction and materials

• Anodized aluminum body
  • Reduces unwanted micro-vibrations
  • Ensures stable mass
  • Hard anodized finish for optimal mechanical strength and appearance

Mounting system

• Through, non-threaded holes in the headshell
  • Designed for threaded-body phono cartridges
  • Compatible with AT-OC9X and VM95 models

Connectivity

• SME-type H-4 bayonet connector
  • Diameter: 8 mm
  • Length: 12 mm
  • Compatible with most tonearms that accept interchangeable headshells

Wiring

• OFC oxygen-free copper lead wires
  • Optimal conductivity
  • Preserves signal quality over the short path between the phono cartridge and the tonearm

Available adjustments

• Phono cartridge overhang adjustment
• Azimuth adjustment

Included accessories

• 2 mounting screws
• 2 plastic washers
• 1 hex key

General information

The AT-LH15H model, with its mass of 15 g, is particularly well-suited to most S-shaped or J-shaped tonearms.