Ortofon SPU 1E
Ortofon SPU 1E low-output MC cartridge, with elliptical stylus and integrated housing for SME-connection tonearms.
Description
The SPU 1E is a low-output moving coil (MC) cartridge from Ortofon, fitted with an integrated housing designed to mount directly onto classic tonearms equipped with a removable SME-type headshell. It belongs to the SPU family, whose construction combines a body made of moulded wood composite and resin with high-purity copper (OFC) winding.
The elliptical stylus, mounted on an aluminium cantilever, offers a tip radius of 8/18 μm and stands apart from the range's spherical model through more detailed reproduction. The cartridge offers a frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hz (± 3 dB), an internal impedance of 2 ohms and a recommended load impedance above 10 ohms. The recommended tracking force is 4.0 g, within an acceptable range of 3.0 to 5.0 g, with a tracking angle of 20°.
This type of cartridge is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts using a classic tonearm with a removable SME headshell, particularly those discovering the SPU world and looking for an entry-level cartridge within this lineage. Its tracking ability of 60 µm at 315 Hz allows stereo recordings to be played back with good tracking performance.
Technical specifications
| Type | Low-output MC (moving coil) |
| Stylus | Elliptical |
| Cantilever | Aluminium |
| Mounting | Tonearm with SME connection |
| Frequency response | 20-20,000 Hz ± 3 dB |
| Tracking ability (315 Hz) | 60 µm |
| Stylus tip radius | r/R 8/18 μm |
| Tracking force range | 3.0-5.0 g (30-50 mN) |
| Recommended tracking force | 4.0 g (40 mN) |
| Tracking angle | 20° |
| Internal impedance | 2 ohms |
| Recommended load impedance | > 10 ohms |
| Cartridge body material | Moulded wood and resin composite |
| Coil wire material | High-purity copper (OFC) |
| Cartridge colour | Matt black |
| Cartridge weight | 28 g |
What to check before buying used
The elliptical stylus and its aluminium cantilever should be examined under magnification for any micro-chips or signs of wear that could affect playback. The cartridge's internal suspension, which is sensitive to ageing, deserves particular attention if the unit has seen little use in recent years or has been stored without care. Also check the integrity of the wiring and SME connection pins, as well as the absence of any play in the wood-resin composite body, which could indicate a previous impact.
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