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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
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
5,917 posts
 
boothroyd

 

HTA = Zenith

Yes.

kennyc OP
1,369 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
2,229 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.

alan60's avatar
alan60
171 posts
 

I use an SPU Royal N, which is the normal bodied version of the SPU Royal GM MkII, absolutely the most enjoyable cartridge I have owned, former cartridges being VDH White Beauty, Koetsu Jade, EMT JSD VM etc.

Whilst any SPU generally requires a massy arm for them to perform at their best, there is one arm manufacturer that the SPU's will work with that flies in the face of this rule, this being the Viv Lab's Rigid Floats.

When I bought my SPU I was up for an arm change as well, so I was demoed it with a Kuzma Ref313 and a Kuzma 4point, all using the same turnable, both excellent arms but when I listened to the Rigid Float 9" it was like the shackles had been taken off, the music just flowed and it appeared like the volume had been turned up. I bought the 9", but they work equally as well in the 7" and 13" which both being slightly different things to the party.

 

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