Ortofon
SPU Mono G MKII
Best high-output cartridge for collectors of vintage mono vinyl records.
Experience authentic mono playback with the Ortofon SPU Mono GM MkII. This high-output Moving Coil cartridge is meticulously engineered for vintage mono vinyl records, especially those with the early 25µm standard. Its precise spherical stylus ensures faithful reproduction of historical recordings. The integrated design eliminates the need for an external MC transformer, simplifying your setup. Crafted from a durable wood and resin composite, the SPU Mono GM MkII delivers remarkable sonic accuracy and a classic aesthetic, making it ideal for enthusiasts of early mono recordings.
$1237.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1637
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-2%
Below average
Cartridge Type
Moving Coil (MC)
/ Moving Coil (MC)
Who it's for
- Vinyl purists seeking effortless setup and rigid resonance control
- Collectors of pre-1960s mono records needing accurate groove tracking
- Audiophiles prioritizing authentic, low-noise mono sound reproduction
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious users wanting easily replaceable stylus assemblies
- Owners of modern, lightweight tonearms incompatible with high-mass cartridges
- Listeners lacking high-gain phono stages or dedicated step-up transformers
Performance breakdown
Mono Fidelity
Unrivaled accuracy for early mono pressings and historical vinyl archives.
Stylus Precision
The 25µm spherical profile perfectly tracks vintage groove dimensions.
Setup Simplicity
High output design removes the need for complex external amplification.
Build Integrity
Wood and resin composite offers superior resonance control and durability.
Tracking Stability
Heavyweight construction ensures consistent contact with older, worn records.
Aesthetic Appeal
Classic SME-mount design brings a sophisticated vintage look to any turntable.
Key Specs
Cartridge Type
Moving Coil (MC)
Stylus Profile
Spherical (R 25 µm)
Output Voltage
3 mV (at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec)
Recommended Tracking Force
4.0 g (40 mN)
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz (+2/-1 dB)
Cartridge Weight
28 g
Internal Impedance
100 ohm
Body Material
Ground wood and resin composite
Features
- Authentic playback for vintage mono vinyl
- High output MC design
- Spherical stylus for 25µm LPs
- No external MC transformer needed
- Remarkable sonic accuracy
- Durable wood and resin composite body
- Designed for early mono recordings
- Classic aesthetic
What customers say
Owners overwhelmingly praise the Ortofon SPU Mono G MKII for its exceptional sonic performance with vintage mono LPs. The core theme is authentic reproduction, delivering a powerful bass, rich midrange, and smooth highs characteristic of the classic SPU sound. Users note that its dedicated mono design significantly minimizes surface noise and inner groove distortion often heard with stereo cartridges. Build quality is consistently described as robust, reflecting traditional craftsmanship. While specialized and costly, enthusiasts agree the transformative listening experience and benchmark fidelity fully justify the investment for serious mono playback.
Know before you buy
The SPU Mono GM MkII is specifically optimized for early mono records with a 25µm groove standard. While it will play modern mono reissues, the stylus profile is designed to track the wider grooves of vintage pressings more accurately.
No, this is a high-output Moving Coil cartridge. It is designed to be plugged directly into a standard Moving Coil phono input without the need for an external step-up transformer.
This cartridge features an integrated SME-style headshell mount. It is compatible with any tonearm that accepts the standard SME-type connection.
The cartridge weighs 28 grams. Because this is significantly heavier than a standard half-inch mount cartridge, ensure your tonearm's counterweight is capable of balancing this mass before purchasing.
The 4.0g tracking force is intentional and necessary to ensure the stylus maintains stable contact with the grooves of vintage records. This higher pressure helps reduce surface noise and prevents mistracking on older, potentially worn vinyl.
Yes, the composite material is chosen for its excellent damping properties. It helps minimize unwanted resonances, resulting in a cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction compared to standard plastic housings.
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$1238