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Ortofon SPU's outdated design?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
hrothie
3 posts
 
Try an SPU Royal N. This fits your criteria. Fits any tonearm and mounts like a normal cartridge. Uses the famous Replicant stylus tip. The Royal N is available in a regular SPU headshell and by itself.
Hrothie
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Name a "universally applicable" cartridge and you will name one that does not work optimally in any tonearm. Reminds me of "one size fits all" clothes; actually, one size fits none. I would also argue that the 103 is harder to match with an arm due to its lowish compliance and low weight, as opposed to the SPU series which is low compliance and high weight. Have you heard an SPU?
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Viridian, yes I own a SPU 85 Anniversary.

Chris
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