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Ortofon SPU's outdated design?

Hi folks, I wonder if the Ortofon SPU's are in fact living fossils: they weight 30+ grams each! 40 years ago maybe it was a necessity but today? Average cartridge mass is nowadays between 8-12 grams. Headshell mass is usually between 9-12 grams. I know there are still fans of this carts but they are far from being "universally applicable", in fact tonearm/cartridge matching is more difficult than with the Denon 103. I wonder if the SPU's sound totally different if Ortofon would reduce their mass to 20+ grams (including integrated headshell).

Chris
dazzdax
Post removed 
plinko
256 posts
 
Chris, what Grado cart? There are quite a few options in the Grado line at varying price points. Do you think the SPU is no better than a Denon 103/R?
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Plinko, I'm thinking of the Grado Reference Sonata ($650). I haven't heard the Denon 103/R but some say that in the right arm (like the SME 3012R) it sounds very SPU-like.

Chris
prcinka
366 posts
 
....do not say this on any Japanese forums, please!Leave this just for us!
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Many Japanese audiophiles love outdated sounding gear :)
Some of them are stuck in the 1930's with their Goto compression drivers and big horn systems. The SPU belongs to this nostalgic world :)

Chris
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