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
I also have a Mono GM, which has a spherical stylus profile. I've hardly used it, though, because I like the Royal GM II so much--even on mono records. The Replicant stylus digs out much more detail, and my phono stage has a mono switch that sums the channels, so it's a worthy trade off for mono records.

In general, I think you'd find that the more sophisticated stylus profiles will deliver more detail while retaining much of the SPU magic. And, IMO, SPUs need the extra detail because of their bias towards midrange warmth. I'd be far less satisfied with less detail in mine. But if you're really after a vintage sound, spherical might do the trick. I haven't done a comparison with stereo SPUs.

BTW, mine is installed on an idler, too, a Nantais Reference Lenco. In fact, when I was debating whether to add the capacity for a second arm, Jean declared that the main reason to have a second arm would be "to experience the glories of SPUs." I'm very glad I took his advice. Idlers and SPUs are a sweet match!
all the different generations of SPU's have their own sound signature, that is why so many "old" cartridges are actually prized more in Japan, the land of these....if the Japanese would not keep the demand for these cartridges, we would have lost them as we have lost all the Grrards,Lencos, EMT's etc....Have fun, buy many and listen to yourself!
Thanks again to everyone who replied--the feedback is very helpful.

Right now I'm leaning towards finding an SPU-G 90th Anniversary model and after listening to it, I may try adding a spherical-stylus SPU in the future.

Again, thanks everyone!