Ortofon
Ortofon SPU Meister Silver G MK II
Best premium cartridge for vintage turntable enthusiasts seeking authentic analog warmth.
Celebrate 50 years of Ortofon's innovation with the SPU Meister Silver G MK II phono cartridge. This special edition pays homage to Robert Gudmandsen's legacy, refining the iconic 1959 SPU design. Experience a significant 75% output boost thanks to its Neodymium magnetic circuit and enjoy pristine audio reproduction with high-purity 7-nines copper windings. Designed for classic tonearms, its integrated headshell ensures seamless compatibility. Presented in a distinguished wooden box, this cartridge is a testament to precision engineering and enduring quality.
$2169.00
More SPU Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
57
/ 1637
#57 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+72%
Above average
Stylus Type
Nude Elliptical
/ Nude Elliptical
Who it's for
- Traditional audiophiles seeking a rich, warm, and authoritative sound
- Vinyl enthusiasts prioritizing resonance control and long-term build quality
- Listeners demanding transparent, high-frequency detail and excellent transient response
Who should skip it
- Users without high-gain phono stages or dedicated step-up transformers
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range audio solutions
- Owners of standard tonearms lacking the mass for heavy cartridges
Performance breakdown
Sonic Fidelity
Seven-nines copper windings deliver exceptional clarity and nuanced musical reproduction.
Tracking Stability
Robust tracking force ensures consistent groove contact for demanding vinyl playback.
Signal Output
Neodymium circuit provides a substantial boost for cleaner, more dynamic signal transmission.
Build Craftsmanship
Precision engineering meets heritage design in this meticulously crafted anniversary edition.
Installation Ease
Integrated headshell design simplifies setup for compatible classic tonearm systems.
Stylus Precision
Nude elliptical profile offers a refined balance of detail and tracking.
Key Specs
Stylus Type
Nude Elliptical
Tracking Force Range
3.0-5.0 g (30-50 mN)
Recommended Load Impedance
> 10 Ohm
Internal Resistance
1.5 Ohm
Frequency Response
20-20,000 Hz
Cartridge Weight
30 g
Body Material
Wood
Output Voltage
> 0.32 mV at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec
Features
- Commemorates 50 years of Robert Gudmandsen's Ortofon work
- Enhanced output with Neodymium magnetic circuit
- High-purity 7-nines copper windings
- Integrated headshell for classic tonearms
- Premium wooden presentation box
- Features Mr. Gudmandsen's signature
What customers say
Audiophiles revere the Ortofon SPU Meister Silver G MK II for its authoritative, rich, and deeply musical presentation. The cartridge delivers powerful dynamics and deep, textured bass across an expansive, warm soundstage, maintaining detail without sounding overly analytical. Its robust, heirloom quality build is consistently praised. The core theme is sonic reward, though users stress that optimal performance requires a high mass tonearm and a high gain phono stage to manage the very low output. For those meeting these equipment prerequisites, the investment yields a destination level listening experience.
Know before you buy
This cartridge features an integrated headshell with a standard SME-style mount. It is specifically designed for classic tonearms that accept this universal mounting system.
As a low-output Moving Coil (MC) cartridge, it requires a phono stage capable of handling MC inputs. You should ensure your phono preamp can accommodate a recommended load impedance of greater than 10 Ohms.
The SPU Meister Silver G MK II requires a tracking force between 3.0 and 5.0 grams. Due to this relatively high tracking weight, it is best suited for tonearms capable of balancing a 30-gram cartridge.
The Neodymium circuit provides a 75% boost in output voltage compared to traditional SPU designs. This results in a cleaner, more dynamic signal that is easier for your phono stage to amplify without introducing excessive noise.
It is equipped with a Nude Elliptical stylus. This profile is chosen to balance precise groove tracking with the classic, musical presentation associated with the SPU lineage.
Yes, 30 grams is significantly heavier than most modern cartridges. You must verify that your tonearm's counterweight can balance this mass and that your tonearm bearings are robust enough to handle the tracking force requirements.
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$2169