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SPU #1 E

The SPU #1 E and S models are a remarkable embodiment of the classic Moving Coil technology, offering an ideal solution for playing back a wide range of stereo recordings, from the early classics to modern and contemporary pieces, with an outstanding price-to-performance ratio.

The SPU #1 E features an elliptical stylus, with a profile providing more detailed sound reproduction and expansive imaging.

€849,00
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OverviewFeaturesReviewsSpecifications

Perfect all-rounders for the newcomers to the world of SPU

Features

Crafted with precision, the housing of the SPU #1 cartridges is constructed from a combination of grinded wood and resin composite and features High Purity Copper armature windings and terminal leads, ensuring pristine signal transmission.

The SPU #1 E model takes sound reproduction to the next level with its elliptical stylus profile, providing a more detailed sound reproduction and expansive imaging.

Perfect solution for stereo recordings

Compatibility

With their universal connector, the SPU #1 models ensure the ability to mount the units in a wider range of tonearms with universal (SME) mount, e.g., the Ortofon Reference tonearms. The combination of SPU #1, the ST-7 Moving Coil transformer and Ortofon Reference tonearms gives a supreme experience. Sonically, the SPU #1 models are genuine SPUs, known for their full-bodied and powerful music image, minimum of intermodulation distortion, and an impressive channel separation, a perfect solution for the playback of stereo recordings.

Stereophile
September 2016

“… To this day, Ortofon SPU cartridges enjoy cult followings in Japan and elsewhere.
… There are many variants of the basic, iconic SPU design, but most are highmass, low-output, heavy trackers known for their old-school warmth and musicality ...“

Michael Fremer

Stereophile

Stereophile
September 2016

“... when I played my first record with the SPU #1 ... I immediately, and much to my surprise got what the SPU cult is all about. Most of what seemed to be missing were playback artifacts that ride along with the detail, along with the "visual" elements that help produce spatial context, including reverberant trails, initial transients, decay elements, etc. What was left were vivid, generously seized, richly drawn aural images laden with textures and harmonic vitality. Whether you hear this as thick and slow or as a rich and full is a matter of sonic perspective ...“

Michael Fremer

Stereophile

Stereophile
September 2016

“... I've got plenty of mono and vintage stereo LPs. I spent a few days playing them through these SPUs (SPU #1 S or SPU #1 E - red.), and they all just sounded right and "of a time"...

... If you're considering buying one of these (SPU #1 S or SPU #1 E - red.) - and assuming you have a compatible tonearm, in terms of both the SME collet and a medium to high effective mass - I suggest using a tubed phono preamplifier and a loading of less than 100 ohms. Unloaded, the new Ortofon SPUs could sound bright on top; that, in combination with their rich, full bottoms, produced an unpleasant discontinuity of sound.“

Michael Fremer

Stereophile

Stereophile
September 2016

“I'm still not thrilled to track stereo LPs at 4 g - but the sound was so rich, warm, flowing, and relaxing, the images so round and so generously sized, that I conquered my fears of worn record grooves and spent many pleasant evenings drinking wine and visiting the 1950s and '60s. If only I knew then what I know now!“

Michael Fremer

Stereophile

Specifications
  • Channel balance at 1 kHz
    1.5 dB
  • Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec
    0.18 mV
  • Channel separation at 1 kHz
    20 dB
  • Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
    3 dB
  • Tracking ability at 315 Hz
    60 µm
  • Compliance, dynamic, lateral
    10 µm/mN
  • Stylus type
    Elliptical
  • Stylus tip radius
    r/R 8/18 μm
  • Tracking force range
    3.0-5.0 g (30-50 mN)
  • Tracking force, recommended
    4.0 g (40 mN)
  • Tracking angle
    20°
  • Internal impedance, DC resistance
    2 ohm
  • Recommended load impedance
    10 ohm
  • Coil wire material
    High Purity Copper (OFC)
  • Cartridge body material
    Ground wood and resin composite
  • Cartridge colour
    Black matte
  • Cartridge weight
    28 g
    • Download user guide
    Download brochure

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