Decided to try a SPU cartridge

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wow, you’ve definitely got my attention! This is exactly what I was planning on trying as soon as Ortofon had SPU Classic GM E MKII inventory again. With the headshell collet of the ViV Labs, I would assume a std (non 1/2”) SPU would also be ideal. 

From what I am hearing from users, seems like offset angle/zenith/HTA may not be the end all. Lateral stability in the generator from an absence of antiskating compensation makes for an experience normally associated with linear tangential trackers. May be a function of their ferrofluid damping? Seems like an interesting topic for discussion. Looking forward to investigating soon.

@dover 

Thanks for the info.  Trying to determine which SUT to purchase - seems like a daunting task that I'll likely try at a later time.  I have been eyeballing a Zesto Audio Andros Allasso SUT on sale now used for $2k.

@alan60 

Wow, thanks.  After very much deliberation, I was targeting a Kuzma 4point as the next tonearm purchase (in addition to a SPU tonearm) and was just debating on which tonearm wire so I reached out to Fremer.  You now report that the ViV is better for the SPU.  I have a Lyra Edna and a Koetsu Redwood Signature Platinum, do you believe that the Viv is superior or just different than the 4point?

FYI - it is reported that the Glanz tonearm may be the best for SPUs.  It runs ~$8k