Ortofon Windfeld - anyone heard one?

I have the Windfeld in my current analog rig (Merrill-Scillia MS21, Tri-Planar arm, custom phono stage). The sound is the best I have had. I also had the SPU Synergy and the Jubilee in the same system.

I would characterize their relative sonic personalities as follows:
- SPU Synergy: full body, warm, weighty, not quite a nimble and light, kind of like Angelina Jolie.
- Jubilee: lighter, more detailed, more ethereal, more air, not as weighty as the SPU, kind of like Katie Holmes.
- Windfeld: more refined than the other 2, more balanced (not tipped toward highs or lows), more timber-accurate (musical instruments sound real), more accurate soundstage presentation, kind of like Catherine Zeta-Jones.

As Michael Fremer said, the Windfeld does not have any obvious flaws. The best way to describe it is very balanced. But if you prefer the sound of the SPU then it may sound light weight to you.

You will need a good phono stage to get the most out of the Windfeld, but it is definitely the best I have heard in ANY system. For my taste anyway.
Which one you like will depend on if you are like Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, or Michael Douglas. :-)

Thanks for the great analogy Vtvu! I have been using a Jubilee for about 2 years now and love it! I will probably get another one or upgrade to the Windfeld when the time comes.

I agree 100% with what Talor514 states about the Jubilee. I used it with a JMW9,Jelco 250st, and an SME 345. It sounded great with all three. I sold it to fund a Koetsu Black, which is also great. Maybe I'm easy to please.

Axel, I have the SPU Royal G - use it on my Ortofon AS-309S. Looking for a new cartridge to put on my Phantom.

Taylor - My Jubilee is now at a very good home with my old VPI HRX. I guess the trouble with the Jubilee was that it was always being somewhat compared to my dyna XV-1, which it clearly is not quite in the same league.
However, my dyna XV-1 is sounding like it is getting worn out - hence looking for another cartridge - or get another XV-1.

VTvu - you have given me a woody. BTW, I am more like Charlie Sheen so I would try to play with all of them :-)

Your description between the SPU and jubilee is pretty much what I heard in my system except that IMO the SPU is a lot more musical than the jubilee.
I like the refinement of the SPU royal and the Windfeld has the same stylus.
I prefer the sound of the SPU on some records, on others it can be a little too much. Hence needing a slightly more open cartridge.
If the Windfeld is more refined in the upper frequencies - that would be perfect for my not so great recordings.

Utahusker - I have a Koetsu Rosewood and agree, it is a wonderful sounding cartridge. totally different to the jubilee. Again can be too much of a good thing on some records.

thanks all - I think I might just try the Windfeld

Hi Downunder
you say:
>>> If the Windfeld is more refined in the upper frequencies - ... <<<
That is the case, I might call more 'delicate' also, compared to a Jubilee which itself is quite good at that. The Windfeld also has better bass punch, not to forget!

I had been looking into getting an SPU Royal N or G, or a SPU Synergy. Could you give me some idea, let's say compared to your DV XV-1s? and/or Jubilee please?
How would you characterise the main difference?

Thanks,
Axel