Ortofon SPU WOOD? any users?

[leyenda]

When I had the Schick 12" G-type, I tried SPU-AE with and without adaptor (if you read Stereophile Schick review, there is an alternative p-to-s distance that allows Schick 12" G-type to be used with SPU-As without having to use adaptor). Without the adaptor + new p-to-s distance, the alignment is spot on. Still, I preferred the sound with adaptor.

 

[F456GTM]

Chaps,

I have a chance to buy a new Ortofon RMG-212i. The owner never used it, it is in the box and comes without a headshell. He believes that this arm is exclusively for the SPU-G [Ortofon G type cartridge]. Would it be possible to use another cartridge such as the Audio Technica AT33PTG?/II?

Cheers,

​

 

[Tango]

When I had the Schick 12" G-type, I tried SPU-AE with and without adaptor (if you read Stereophile Schick review, there is an alternative p-to-s distance that allows Schick 12" G-type to be used with SPU-As without having to use adaptor). Without the adaptor + new p-to-s distance, the alignment is spot on. Still, I preferred the sound with adaptor.

You have the Schick. May be you can lend me to try some day.

 

[McDee275]

In November 2021 I believed the race for better sound quality was over. Wow, what a big mistake.

Earlier this year, I changed my player and tonearm for good to give my Ortofon SPU Wood A a better match.

I could buy for a reasonable price a 2nd hand Lenco L75 together with the PTP6 update already included.
Tonearm is a GrooveMaster III 12" especially made to fit the Ortofon SPU A series.

 

[Shuggie]

The SPU Wood A is my favorite cartridge. It's easy to criticize in terms of so-so detail retrieval and tracking performance, but for tonal color and sheer musical expression it's sublime - one of the ultimate 'anti-HiFi' products that really does major on the music, rather than just 'sounds'. The GrooveMaster is an excellent partner.

 

[McDee275]

Shuggie,

you found the right words to describe the Wood A. Thanks

 

[miniguy]

The SPU Wood A is my favorite cartridge. It's easy to criticize in terms of so-so detail retrieval and tracking performance, but for tonal color and sheer musical expression it's sublime - one of the ultimate 'anti-HiFi' products that really does major on the music, rather than just 'sounds'. The GrooveMaster is an excellent partner.

Too bad it’s been discontinued.

 

[McDee275]

But on Ortofons Japanese Homepage still to be found

 

[Shuggie]

It's definitely been discontinued

 

[McDee275]

Yes, pity.

But OK, as long as they replace stylus and generator in Denmark I am fine with it.

I used before the SPU #1-E with nearly identical technical datas but why the wood sound so much better?

 

[Shuggie]

The difference is almost certainly down to a combination of materials - the lacquered beech wood shell is very sturdy compared to a 'G' shell, the coil wiring is different, the damper specification is certainly different, and I would not be surprised if the magnet is some old-fashioned alnico affair. Given that the Wood A was possibly aimed largely at the Japanese market, I also wonder if it was inspired by Shindo SPUs (which I've never heard).

Anyway, the Wood A is certainly flawed and most audiophiles hearing one straight after a modern MC cartridge would probably sniff and turn away, but for those willing to listen, it plays music like nothing else.