2. analog
  3. 1335342694

Ortofon --- A90 or SPU 90th?

Trying to decide between an Ortofon A90 or SPU 90th. They both utilize a lot of the same technologies.

Rest of system is Garrard 301 (grease), Schick 12" G-style Tonearm, Shindo Masseto/Cortese, Devore Nines.

I'm a relative newcomer to vinyl and trying to do it right the first time. I've heard great things about both cartridges but heard neither personally. I've also never heard an SPU in general so not sure what kind of sound characteristic differences i would see between an SPU type and non-SPU type cartridge.

Thoughts?
jcote
mechans
2,999 posts
 
What a nice choice to be making. The rest of your life should be so complicated. They both have tons of cache.
The SPU is such an Iconic cartridge that I would find it hard to resist. But--- I have heard the A90 and it is an outstanding cart that digs up every detail on the record and sets a new standard for "high definition" my apologies to ARC.
I see that you are going for the SPU I am pretty sure you will like it a great deal.
jcote OP
100 posts
 
In a surprise change of events I just picked up the Soundsmith retipped Goldbug Ms. Brier LOMC cartridge recently posted here for sale. This rare cartridge has very high marks and I feel it will be an excellent pairing to my setup. Now I can take my time to find an SPU in due course as I still want to try my hand at one.

Now to figure out what headshell to use...
mechans
2,999 posts
 
An alloy of ilaid titaniumand unobtanium into true Russian Alexandrite crystal. Why is there some other garbage headshell being sold. Or you could go to a living legend in Japan and have him carve you one from 350 year old Pine.
jcote OP
100 posts
 
Mechans,
I'm not sure I follow your response, are you recommending a headshell?
jcote OP
100 posts
 
Well I went with a Yamamoto HS-1A and will replace the leads with Oyaide.
More to discover