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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
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cleeds
5,666 posts
 
boothroyd

 

Overhang adjustment on any conventional radial tonearm will affect HTA - period.

Of course, all these adjustments are interrelated. For example, if you increase VTF, you also increase overhang (because you've compressed the cantilever) and that also changes HTA, as you note.

Your image linked to the Audio Technica Headshell accurately displays how one must skew the zenith (HTA) in an slotted headshell when an adjustable HTA armbase such as supplied by SME is not available.

Oh no, that's mistaken. If you do that, you'll change the overhang. Instead, you'd loosen the phono cartridge fixing bolts and twist the cartridge in the headshell to achieve proper HTA while also preserving overhang.

I've been using an SME V since the '90s. I've set it up a few times.

boothroyd
365 posts
 

@cleeds I agree completely.

I believe we’re saying the same thing if we consider HTA = Zenith.

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cleeds
5,666 posts
 
boothroyd

 

HTA = Zenith

Yes.

kennyc OP
1,195 posts
 

I’m comfortable around the $3k range. So the usual suspects in this range is Thomas Schick, Groovemaster II, Sorane TA-1L, and used Ikeda 407.  There's also Ortofon arms like the RMG-309i and RS-309D, maybe used.  Then there's the Bokrand  arm which is a modified Ortofon arm.  So many choices. I suspect for a SPU, the sonic differences between these arms are small.

dover
2,187 posts
 

I suspect for a SPU, the sonic differences between these arms are small.

No.

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

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