SPU cartridges - opinions?


I've decided to add some additional vintage gear, and just received a fully restored Garrard 301 oil bearing motor. I've done the usual Internet searching on logical tonearm and cartridge pairings for the 'table, and Ortofon SPU carts get mentioned very frequently. I've exchanged some e-mails with a handful of experienced people, but I wanted to reach out to a broader audience of SPU users to get more opinions.

There are so many SPU variants it's bewildering to me. I believe I'm going to go for a G-type headshell, so that narrows it down a bit. But what are some thoughts about spherical versus elliptical styli, the performance of "Classic" models (like the GM) versus "Anniversary" models, etc.? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
kipdent

Showing 2 responses by fjn04

It may be a good idea to call a Shindo dealer, since their
preamps are so compatible w/ SPU's. They have dealers in MA,CO,NYC,OH, and CA.. Of course, there are quite a few Ortofon dealers beyond just Shindo dealers, so it should be fairly easy to get some feedback that way. I too hope this thread takes off. I follow Audiogon quite close, and frankly I have not seen much in the way of describing their basic sound character. Certainly not in any recent threads anyway. I know Ortofon makes a cartridge called a Royal N spu, that mounts on a standard type headshell. As you may know, the others do need a different type headshell, so choosing a different type arm would be necessary. Hope this helps !

Kipdent, here are some archives I found on SPU's. I searched
the words "spu sound", and 2 or three threads did pop up.

01-21-09: Prcinka
The SPU sound is rare combination of warm,detail and musicality. If it tracks bad, you have bad arm for it....My SPU's (I have seven of these) are on Orotofn RMG309 or FR64 and all is good....
Prcinka (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

01-21-09: Grimace
Wow. I see the VTF is really high. That seems counterintuitive. Any problems with vinyl wear runing that much weight?
Grimace (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

01-21-09: Prcinka
Hi, if that would be the case, we would not have any vinyl from 60 ties left...all would be worn out on these "heavy" cartridges.....
Prcinka (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

01-22-09: Downunder
I have two SPU's classic E and Royal and they are great for Vocal's, Small Jazz, small intimate band's ands similar.
I find both track very well (Ortofon AS-309S) buit they don't do rock n roll, electronic ect as well as current MC's.

Great 2nd cartridge.