Ortofon
SPU #1 E
Best moving coil cartridge for vinyl enthusiasts seeking classic, detailed sound.
The Ortofon SPU #1 E Moving Coil Cartridge is a premium audio component for discerning vinyl enthusiasts, offering exceptional sound reproduction. It excels at playing a wide variety of stereo recordings, from vintage classics to contemporary music, providing an excellent balance of performance and value. This cartridge delivers detailed sound with expansive imaging thanks to its elliptical stylus. Constructed from a blend of ground wood and resin composite, it ensures high-quality signal transmission and broad compatibility with many tonearms via its universal connector. Experience the essence of classic Moving Coil technology with this high-fidelity component.
$889.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1637
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-29%
Below average
Channel balance at 1 kHz
1.5
/ dB
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking the iconic, rich Ortofon sound profile
- Vinyl enthusiasts using SME-compatible tonearms for easy setup
- Budget-conscious listeners wanting a premium SPU experience
Who should skip it
- Owners of lightweight or low-mass tonearm systems
- Listeners lacking high-gain phono stages or step-up transformers
- Critical listeners demanding maximum high-frequency detail and resolution
Performance breakdown
Sonic Imaging
The elliptical stylus creates a wide, immersive soundstage for classic recordings.
Build Integrity
Resin and wood composite construction provides excellent resonance control and durability.
Tonearm Compatibility
Universal SME mounting ensures seamless integration with a vast range of arms.
Signal Fidelity
High-purity copper windings deliver clean, low-distortion signal transmission for vinyl playback.
Tracking Stability
Heavier tracking force requirements ensure the needle stays locked in the groove.
Output Precision
Low output voltage demands a high-quality, sensitive moving coil phono stage.
Key Specs
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
Stylus type
Elliptical
Stylus tip radius
r/R 8/18 μm
Tracking force range
3.0-5.0 g (30-50 mN)
Compliance, dynamic, lateral
10 µm/mN
Features
- Elliptical stylus for detailed sound and imaging
- Wood and resin composite body construction
- High Purity Copper armature windings
- Universal connector for wide tonearm compatibility
- Full-bodied and powerful music image
- Minimal intermodulation distortion
- Impressive channel separation
- Outstanding price-to-performance ratio
What customers say
The Ortofon SPU #1 E earns high praise for its rich, warm, and dynamic sound, breathing life into older recordings with powerful bass. Audiophiles value its robust construction and classic SPU heritage. The elliptical stylus offers superior detail retrieval while keeping the signature musicality intact. A key theme is the necessity of proper setup; this cartridge demands a high mass tonearm and a high gain phono stage due to its low compliance and output. When matched correctly with the appropriate gear, users find the SPU #1 E delivers a deeply satisfying analog experience, making it a recommended entry into the legendary SPU lineage.
Know before you buy
Because this is a low-output Moving Coil (MC) cartridge, you will need a phono stage that supports MC inputs. Given its output voltage of 0.18 mV, ensure your phono preamp or step-up transformer can handle low-output MC signals effectively.
The SPU #1 E features a standard SME-style universal connector, making it compatible with a wide range of tonearms that accept this mounting type. However, please note that the cartridge weighs 28 grams, so you should verify that your tonearm can balance this specific weight.
The recommended tracking force is 4.0 grams (40 mN). It is designed to operate within a range of 3.0 to 5.0 grams, so ensure your tonearm's counterweight is capable of supporting this relatively heavy tracking requirement.
The elliptical stylus profile is designed to track the grooves of your records with greater precision than a standard conical tip. This results in more detailed high-frequency reproduction and improved imaging, helping you extract more nuance from both vintage and modern stereo pressings.
The composite construction is chosen for its acoustic properties, specifically its ability to dampen unwanted vibrations. By minimizing resonance, the body helps the cartridge deliver a cleaner, more stable signal for a more natural and full-bodied sound.
The recommended load impedance for this cartridge is 10 ohms. Matching this closely with your phono stage's settings will ensure the most accurate frequency response and optimal performance from the copper armature windings.
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$889