Pani,
The Replicant stylus isn't as extreme as a line contact profile so the Royal N has the SPU sound made a little more modern. Its sound however is affected by the headshell it's mounted in, so that adds a variable. It is however a less expensive way to get into the SPU sound. The SPU Royal N does not sound like the A90, which is excellent in a different way in its own right.
The output voltage of the Meister Silver is 0.5mv, and for the Synergy 0.3mv. That ranges from same as a Denon 103 to somewhat higher. It is possible to run either directly into a 47kOhm moving magnet phono stage if its quiet enough but that's not optimal as gain will be insufficient for full dynamics. So you either have to use an intermediate gain moving coil input with added electronic gain, or use a step up transformer. Generally, the step-up transformer will sound better. If using the Meister Silver, you will simply need a lower windings ratio than with the Synergy, for example. Some of the mono SPUs are high output. Some of the Classics are around 0.2mv, so your gain needs depend on which SPU you select.
Regarding what you term the "speed and timing" of the SPU: "Slowness" in presentation is a much bigger problem with amps and speakers than with phono catridges. If downstream components are sonically quick and fast, I haven't ever heard the sound of SPU as slow in any way worth mentioning. You can get more agile cartridges that cannot deliver anything close to the complete tonal body the SPU can, but what's the point of that? As for timing, PRaT characteristics of SPU are entirely convincing and it's particularly energetic if your turntable is. If your turntable is lazy, the SPU will still sound big and bold but it won't add momentum and drive that your turntable lacks. The problem people often cite regarding SPU smearing complex music passages is only worth complaining about if the cartridge is mounted in an inappropriate tonearm or not well set-up. Too many modern cartridges over-resolve the music presentation anyway, biased to separation of events and instruments that you never hear acoustically in any live situation. So I don't fault SPU for not doing something that's unnatural.
SPU isn't the best cartridge bar none. That would be a difficult designation to make. It doesn't x-ray what's in the vinyl. But it is exceptionally lively, toneful, convincing and fun to listen to music through, and has no real rival in these characteristics.
Phil
