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Ortofon SPU's outdated design?

Hi folks, I wonder if the Ortofon SPU's are in fact living fossils: they weight 30+ grams each! 40 years ago maybe it was a necessity but today? Average cartridge mass is nowadays between 8-12 grams. Headshell mass is usually between 9-12 grams. I know there are still fans of this carts but they are far from being "universally applicable", in fact tonearm/cartridge matching is more difficult than with the Denon 103. I wonder if the SPU's sound totally different if Ortofon would reduce their mass to 20+ grams (including integrated headshell).

Chris
dazzdax

Showing 5 responses by dazzdax

dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Viridian, yes I own a SPU 85 Anniversary.

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Prcinka, that is exactly what I mean: why does it have to be so exotic? Can't we go "normal"? Do we care so much for "tradition"? Is it (again) driven by emotion and the urge to go back to those good old times?
Marty, the SPU with the Fidelity Research FR-66S (which I also own = the very exotic combination Prcinka mentioned) sounds quite neutral, a bit soft in the treble. It is not the most dynamic or agile sounding cart. I think I can get the same type of sound with a Rega RB 900 + Grado cart.

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Plinko, I'm thinking of the Grado Reference Sonata ($650). I haven't heard the Denon 103/R but some say that in the right arm (like the SME 3012R) it sounds very SPU-like.

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Many Japanese audiophiles love outdated sounding gear :)
Some of them are stuck in the 1930's with their Goto compression drivers and big horn systems. The SPU belongs to this nostalgic world :)

Chris
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Prcinka, but why do they have to be so heavy and low compliant? --> that is almost an anachronism.

Chris
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