Oswalds Mill Audio (OMA) have launched a graphite headshell which the company believes may be the first of its kind in the world. Other companies have made headshells out of exotic carbon fibre and graphite compounds – these are composed of graphite particles or carbon fibres, in a matrix of resins.

OMA has carved a headshell out of true crystalline graphite, the hardest and most durable form of graphite, which is composed of a lattice of graphite crystals.

OMA developed the graphite headshell using the same type of graphite from which their turntable mat is made, but a harder, higher density grade.

The headshell is a single piece of graphite, with no joints. OMA say that graphite is unparalleled at damping resonances and vibrations, allowing the cartridge to track the groove with minimal interference. OFC leads are included, along with a variety of mounting hardware. Azimuth is fully adjustable via a set screw accessed from the top of the headshell.

Weight (with cartridge leads but without screws) 12.65 grams.

Price – $350