![headshell for sme tonearm headshell for sme tonearm](https://i2.wp.com/theaudiophileman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Screen-Shot-2018-05-01-at-17.05.58-1.png)
This option does allow for azimuth adjustability while the one piece SME armtubes do not. I had a removable headshell on my SME 309 arm and was surprised at the range of rotation and how difficult it was to repeat the azimuth setting when the headshell was replaced.
![headshell for sme tonearm headshell for sme tonearm](https://www.retrotone.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/SME7.jpg)
Ironic, because, if properly realized & understood, the fact that the removable headshell can be rotated to attain proper azimuth means that you can set azimuth on any cart relatively easily. but like any self respecting audiophile with an audience. I mentioned to him & his audience that his demo methodology was missing a very key element, and without that, the demo could be considered "useless". I once witnessed a Cart shootout demo using many expensive carts in which the author (a well respected audiophile) changed every cart without considering the obvious inconsistent azimuth per cart. I'm consistently amazed at the number of times I've witnessed this happening by people claiming to be "knowledgable-vinylphiles". With line contact types, this is highly critical. The sonic result is a very stressed and unfocussed sound, but instead of blaming their setup, they blame the cart. Never mind small errors - often the cartridge is visibly offset. most didn't even care to try or were aware of the issue. I've often witnessed a change of cartridge w/removable headshell (at homes & in demos & shows) in which the author didn't relate/twist the stylus to achieve proper azimuth. one MAJOR disadvantage of removable headshells that's rarely addressed, is the rotational play between the headshell and arm isn't accounted for during attachment, causing azimuth errors, often severe. The pro's & con's are mostly obvious as already stated. A removable headshell on my titanium arm would have defeated the purpose.