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Decided to try a SPU cartridge

I’ve been fascinated that the SPU (Stereo Pick-Up) cartridges, which was invented over 60yrs ago in 1958, still has loyal fans today. The SPU is reported to have a big, bold, exuberant and musically exciting character.

While researching, the best SPU cartridge may be the Ortofon SPU Century. I found one new at a greatly discounted price so I took the plunge.

Normally, it’s best to demo before purchasing. But because I’m going for sonic variety rather than improvement, the SPU’s sonic description and market longevity is enough for me to feel confident it’ll be a good experience. Besides, trying to track down a SPU demo in this Covid environment may be a pain.

In addition, I’ll probably purchase a Ortofon SPU Classic GM E MkII to experience the “original” SPU sound. Other SPUs I may try are Ortofon’s SPU Meister Silver GM MkII, SPU Synergy GM, SPU Royal GM MkII, SPU Wood A.

Next I’ll have to get a SPU tonearm. The usual suspects are Thomas Schick, Groovemaster II, and Ikeda. I wonder what’s the best SPU tonearm?

I suspect that tonearm cables upgrades won’t yield enough sonic improvements for SPUs.

kennyc
kennyc OP
3,036 posts
 

@dover 

Also, just to reiterate, if you want to play with SUT's, you can use them with the MM input on your Grail phono.

The GrailSB is a "current" phono stage.  Not sure if the MM inputs are "voltage" based which would allow a SUT.  My Grail is still boxed along with the rest of my gear. Awaiting funds for interconnects and speakers to complete my analog+digital audio chain.  Wife not to thrilled to see my audio spending resulting in boxes.  I have to change flooring (duct tape fix not good) so incentive to wait till done.

@alan60 and @racedoc

Thanks for your input.  I like the ViV arm since it's sonically different than other arms in a positive way.  It's very comforting that the ViV will work well with SPUs and other carts.   I was on the trail of a dedicated SPU tonearm - Groovemaster II vs a Bokrand modified Ortofon RMG309 (or RMG309i).  

I have a VPI Avenger that can accommodate 3 arms.  Besides the SPU, I was planning have to get at least another tonearm likely the Kuzma4point to accommodate my other low output non-SPU MC carts .  Although the ViV can accommodate all carts, I'll likely get both the ViV and the 4point - removable headshells for quick change (after the cart was previously set-up) seem very appealing. 

I just picked up 2 more used Ortofon GM SPUs - the E GM GOLD and the Classic GM E MkII.   The Gold's sonics reportedly falls between the Meister Silver and Synergy.  The Classic E will give me a taste of the early SPU sound.  So I'm pretty much done with sampling Ortofon SPUs with the exception of the Wood.  

I also picked up a used FR7-fz cart from Japan auction with a broken cantilever.  Happy I got it at a relatively low cost as I'll upgrade the cantilever+stylus anyways.

If I go SUT, the consensus is that silver is best  - unfortunately it's a significant jump in price vs copper.

alan60's avatar
alan60
201 posts
 

@kennyc 

We will need an update once you get it all in place.

kennyc OP
3,036 posts
 

Will do. May be awhile though,  I have to change flooring and awaiting funds to complete audio chain as mentioned in my earlier post.

markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
379 posts
 

@kennyc what turntable are you going to put the SPU on? Is it a VPI?

Sounds like you’ve kinda gone off the deep end picking up the various flavors of SPU. 😉 Plus that FR7... Should be fun experimenting with them all.

Also, I’m a little fuzzy what arm you were thinking of. The Schick? Please do follow up here for those of us (like me) who are still on the fence about picking up an SPU.

Markus

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