The step-ups in the Shindo preamps are indeed optimized for a SPU. That means we are talking about 2 ohms impedance. The SPUs are still (for now available). Ortofon is currently making one last batch of SPU-As. I have two on order.
However, the SPU is a really heavy cartridge and is meant for high mass arms. If you don't want to go that route, it would be better to get a dedicated step-up instead.
I have heard most of the Shindo preamps (except the Petrus) with a variety of cartridges. Hands down, the Shindo modified SPU wins but that may not the right cartridge for everyone.
If you don't have a high mass arm, then I would recommend the following possibilities.
1) cheapest-get an Auditorium 23 100 ohm step-up and run a Denon 103. A pretty good combo.
2) Try the nude version of an EMT TSD15. The TSD15 is a great MC cartridge. The standard TSD15 is in a heavy housing and works in the same situations as a Ortofon SPU. The nude version is just that a nude mount TSD15 meant for standard mount arms.
3)The 47 Labs MC Bee. Another nude mount cartridge. Should work directly into the Shindo MC input. Different sound than the EMT. More like a Koetsu.
4) Miyabi 47 is a also a good fit. It has an impedance that's close enough to the Shindo for a reasonable match.
5) get the A23 step-up and run an EMT JSD5. The JSD5 is an awesome cartridge that is lightning fast but not clinical and dry.
Of these 4 possibilities, option #5 gave the best sound in my opinion. I owned that set-up for a month before trading it in for a Shindo 301 set-up.
If you like a dynamic and fast sound go with the EMT. The MC Bee or Denon is a bit softer/warmer. Both are good, it's a matter of preference and money.
However, the SPU is a really heavy cartridge and is meant for high mass arms. If you don't want to go that route, it would be better to get a dedicated step-up instead.
I have heard most of the Shindo preamps (except the Petrus) with a variety of cartridges. Hands down, the Shindo modified SPU wins but that may not the right cartridge for everyone.
If you don't have a high mass arm, then I would recommend the following possibilities.
1) cheapest-get an Auditorium 23 100 ohm step-up and run a Denon 103. A pretty good combo.
2) Try the nude version of an EMT TSD15. The TSD15 is a great MC cartridge. The standard TSD15 is in a heavy housing and works in the same situations as a Ortofon SPU. The nude version is just that a nude mount TSD15 meant for standard mount arms.
3)The 47 Labs MC Bee. Another nude mount cartridge. Should work directly into the Shindo MC input. Different sound than the EMT. More like a Koetsu.
4) Miyabi 47 is a also a good fit. It has an impedance that's close enough to the Shindo for a reasonable match.
5) get the A23 step-up and run an EMT JSD5. The JSD5 is an awesome cartridge that is lightning fast but not clinical and dry.
Of these 4 possibilities, option #5 gave the best sound in my opinion. I owned that set-up for a month before trading it in for a Shindo 301 set-up.
If you like a dynamic and fast sound go with the EMT. The MC Bee or Denon is a bit softer/warmer. Both are good, it's a matter of preference and money.