Audio Technica AT-LH18/OCC
Overview
With its 18 grams, this headshell sits at the top of Audio Technica’s OCC range. This high mass meets a specific need: increasing the effective mass of the tonearm to optimize the behavior of low-compliance MC cartridges. Made from TechniHard, a hardened aluminum alloy derived from aerospace technologies, the AT-LH18/OCC combines structural rigidity and damping of unwanted vibrations, two qualities that rarely come together in an accessory of this type.
A high‑performance alloy serving rigidity
TechniHard is not just ordinary anodized aluminum. This material, developed from processes used in aerospace, has a micro-Vickers hardness above 400, comparable to that of a metal file. This surface resistance translates into a particularly stable structure that does not deform under the mechanical vibrations transmitted by the stylus during playback.
The sandblasted then anodized headshell body houses a stainless steel connector tube, more robust than the aluminum usually used on entry-level models. The finger lift benefits from a transparent resin coating that improves grip while protecting the metal from corrosion.
PCOCC wiring and gold‑plated connectors
The AT-LH18/OCC comes factory-fitted with AT6101 wiring, a set of four PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) copper leads. This continuous casting process, developed by Professor Ohno, produces a single-crystal conductor of very high purity, free from the impurities and grain boundaries that disturb the signal in conventional copper.
Each wire is made up of 22 strands with a diameter of 0.12 mm, terminated with 24‑carat gold‑plated tags. This finish ensures a stable contact over time, with no oxidation and no added resistance at the connections with the cartridge pins.
Overhang and azimuth adjustments
An adjustable cylinder, secured by a locking screw, allows you to change the cartridge position along two axes. Overhang (distance between the stylus tip and the arm pivot) is adjusted by sliding it longitudinally. Azimuth (lateral tilt of the cartridge) is corrected by rotating the same cylinder. A hex key included in the package provides access to these adjustments.
The threads integrated into the headshell body simplify mounting cartridges that lack threaded holes. The mounting screws go directly into the aluminum, with no need for nuts on the top side—an appreciable time-saver and one less potential source of vibration.
Seven screw lengths to fit any cartridge
The accessory comes with seven pairs of mounting screws, covering lengths from 3 to 14 mm in 1 to 2 mm increments. This generous assortment helps avoid unpleasant surprises during installation: whether it’s a compact MM cartridge or a thicker MC body, a suitable screw will be available.
A mass you need to factor in
At 18 grams without cartridge or screws, the AT-LH18/OCC imposes certain constraints. Add the weight of a cartridge (typically 5 to 12 grams) and that of the hardware, and you easily reach 25 to 30 grams at the end of the arm. Some tonearms, particularly those on entry-level turntables, do not offer a counterweight heavy enough to balance such a load. Checking the arm’s specifications beforehand is essential before purchasing.
Technical specifications
Construction and materials
- TechniHard alloy: hardened aluminum derived from aerospace technologies
- Micro Vickers hardness greater than 400
- Surface treatment by sandblasting and anodizing for optimal vibration resistance and enhanced mechanical protection
- Stainless steel connector tube: greater robustness than standard aluminum
- Handle coated with transparent resin: improved grip and protection against corrosion
- Mass of the headshell alone: 18 g
Wiring system
- Quadruple AT6101 wiring supplied
- AT6101 PCOCC wires: ultra-pure monocrystalline copper obtained by the Ohno process
- Each wire made up of 22 strands with a diameter of 0.12 mm
- 24-carat gold-plated terminals
- Ensures stable contact and optimal conductivity
- No oxidation or parasitic resistance
Settings and adjustments
- Adjustable overhang: adjustment by longitudinal sliding of the cylinder
- Adjustable azimuth: adjustment by rotating the cylinder to correct lateral tilt
- Hex key supplied for all adjustments
Mounting system
- Integrated threading in the body: direct mounting of phono cartridges without using nuts
- Complete screw set: 7 pairs of screws with lengths between 3 and 14 mm
- Compatible with all types of moving magnet or moving coil cartridges
- SME / JIS bayonet connector: compatible with the majority of tonearms with removable headshells
Compatibility and use
- Compatible cartridges: MM / MC cartridges with non-threaded bodies
- Compatible tonearms: tonearms with removable headshell and SME / JIS connector
- Total mass with cartridge and screws: 25 to 30 g
- Recommended use: tonearms offering sufficient counterweight
- Ideal application: low-compliance moving coil cartridges
- Examples: Denon DL-103, Ortofon SPU
- Allows adjustment of the effective mass of the tonearm
- Optimization of the resonance frequency between 8 and 12 Hz
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the OCC series and the H series (AT-LH18H)?
The two series share the same general design with an adjustment cylinder, but differ in materials. The OCC series uses the TechniHard alloy and integrated PCOCC wiring, with threading in the headshell body. The H series uses standard anodized aluminum with OFC cables and through-holes requiring nuts for mounting.
Is the connector compatible with all turntable tonearms?
The AT-LH18/OCC uses an SME/JIS bayonet connection, standard on virtually all tonearms with a removable headshell. Arms with fixed headshells (such as Rega) or proprietary connections are not compatible.
Can this headshell be used with a cartridge that has a threaded body?
No. The integrated threading prevents correct mounting of cartridges that have their own threads. For these models, the H series with its through-holes is the right choice.
What type of cartridge benefits most from an 18‑gram headshell?
Low-compliance MC cartridges (below 10 µm/mN) derive the greatest benefit from this high mass. It increases the effective mass of the arm, lowering the resonance frequency into the optimal 8 to 12 Hz range. Cartridges such as the Denon DL-103 or Ortofon SPU are common pairings.
Can the AT6101 leads be replaced with others?
Yes. Although the AT6101 leads are of excellent quality, their relative stiffness can make installation tricky in some setups. More flexible leads can be substituted if needed, provided the pin spacing is respected.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.