View Full Version : SPU Royal GM MKII lands at Marco Towers
A little introduction first from the Ortofon website:
Ortofon SPU Royal GM MkII
"The SPU Royal GM and N models were released in 1998, together with the Jubilee cartridge to celebrate the Ortofon 80 year anniversary. The SPU Royal GM MKII provides a playback experience that embodies the essence of analog, with generous refinements which bring the legendary SPU cartridges into the realm of unrivaled perfection.
The addition of Ortofon’s unique Replicant 100 stylus and reduced tip mass ensures open and detailed sound reproduction for a purely exquisite listening experience. Electrum coils, consisting of a gold and silver alloy, provides uncolored and precise transmission of armature movements while the slightly modified damping system makes it possible to reduce VTF and achieves a higher level of linearity. High purity 6-nines copper wiring ensures impeccable signal transmission and preservation of the finest of microdynamic detail."
http://img547.imageshack.us/img547/9303/spuroyal230pix.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/547/spuroyal230pix.png/)
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7823/ortofonspuroyalgmmkii.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/5/ortofonspuroyalgmmkii.jpg/)
Well, having just installed my brand new 'needle', I can categorically confirm that, sonically, it is a massive step-up from my old SPU Classic GM E - excellent though that was, this thing is in a different league!! :eek:
I put this down to the type of stylus used...
Moving from a 'humble' elliptical stylus to the Replicant 100 really has caused a huge leap in performance, resulting in massively extended crystalline-clear highs, a cavernously 'widescreen' soundstage, explicit but addictively communicative midrange, where oh-so-creamy, textured and beautifully layered vocals jump out from the speakers with an almost scary alacrity and dynamic 'attack'. Bass is tuneful, solid, massively extended and rhythmically adroit - all of which combines to creating a hugely infectious fun factor with all genres of music.
Yeah man, basically, she BOOGIES like a BASTARD! :eyebrows: :exactly:
To date, this is unquestionably as good as I've heard vinyl replay. Of all the years of using high-quality turntables, at £1250, for the SPU Royal GM MKII, this is my first foray into the more 'serious' end of MC cartridges. However, given the amazing sonic performance on offer here, the investment has been well worth it, as it takes the audio capabilities of my T/T, and most importantly, my musical enjoyment, to a whole new level.
More (my own) pics and review to follow, once the cartridge has fully run-in. I'm off now to rediscover my record collection! :cool:
Marco.
The Grand Wazoo
30-10-2012, 19:45
Nice Marco.
It looks like a lovely thing.
Just out of interest, do people remove the finger-lift? It looks as though it can be, and maybe gains can be had from doing so?
RobsterD
30-10-2012, 20:37
looks nice mate still got that old nail I sold you :)
Rare Bird
30-10-2012, 20:48
Freq range of 60,000Hz :) So what kind of tip is this Replicant 100?
Hi Chris,
Nice Marco. It looks like a lovely thing.
Just out of interest, do people remove the finger-lift? It looks as though it can be, and maybe gains can be had from doing so?
Thanks, Chris. The pics don't do it justice. It has a lovely 'piano black' gloss finish, which looks a million dollars against the gold-plated Ortofon logo and finger lift.
Regarding the latter, that's an interesting idea, and one I might try, as I always use the cueing mech. However, the cartridge looks so beautifully made, that it's a shame to touch it! :)
Marco.
looks nice mate still got that old nail I sold you
Hi Rob,
Nope - I sold that to Barry, whom I believe is still enjoying it very much :)
Marco.
Freq range of 60,000Hz :) So what kind of tip is this Replicant 100?
Not sure, dude. Perhaps a fine-line type? However, what I can say is that it's in a different league from any conical or 'bog standard' elliptical I've heard! :trust:
Marco.
The Grand Wazoo
30-10-2012, 22:14
Discussion of it here:
The Ortofon Replicant 100 geometry (http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?5909-The-Ortofon-Replicant-100-geometry)
The view seems to be that it's a variation of the Fritz Gyger.
Ah, that's interesting, Chris. If that's true, then it'll explain why I'm hearing what I'm hearing, as FGs are probably one of the finest types of styli available.
Marco.
kininigin
30-10-2012, 22:47
Congrats on your new purchase,can you tell me what the spu brings to the table compared to a Stanton 500AL? :ner:
Hahahaha... The Stanton's just for fun, as a spare. You'd be surprised just how good it sounds, though, on the end of a £2100 tonearm!! ;)
Marco.
kininigin
30-10-2012, 23:23
Well i have a 500AL MKII but no £2100 tone-arm!!
It will probably stay in the drawer rattling about,till it's a very rainy day :D
Well i have a 500AL MKII but no £2100 tone-arm!!
Lol - I was shocked earlier when I added up the cost of all the 'Ortofon bits' (tonearm, SUT and cartridge) on my Techy, which with the addition of the Royal GM MKII, now comes to just shy of £5k! :eek:
That's before you get to any other parts of the T/T.... However, this is high-end vinyl replay at its absolute best, and so worth every penny :cool:
Marco.
kininigin
31-10-2012, 00:30
Lol - I was shocked earlier when I added up the cost of all the 'Ortofon bits' (tonearm, SUT and cartridge) on my Techy, which with the addition of the Royal GM MKII, now comes to just shy of £5k! :eek:
That's before you get to any other parts of the T/T.... However, this is high-end vinyl replay at its absolute best, and so worth every penny :cool:
Marco.
WOW,i will have to hear your system one day,i'm sure i'd love it!!
Your new cart cost's about the same as i have paid for my whole system give or take :lol:
WOStantonCS100
31-10-2012, 00:43
Congrats, congrats, congrats. :)
I've been preaching about what a difference a cantilever and/or stylus upgrade can make to just about any cartridge for a long time. It'll make a decent cart sound very good and a great cart sound absolutely fantastic.
One question though: The recommended tracking force on the GM MKII is 3g. Is that what you're running yours at? Or, are you still in the process of seeing where things settle. Considering the profile of the stylus, 3g is nothing to worry about, even less so than an elliptical or conical. Just wondering.
I've been on the road a bit much and haven't had nearly enough time with my rig lately; however, at least one of my carts with a line contact stylus is run at 3g and sounds about the best of the bunch with zero evidence of "carving" the groove walls. Pulls out inner details like a madman.
Very glad it's worked out well for you, Marco. Always a shot in the dark taking a punt on a cartridge unheard, as I know too, but you tend to have a good feeling about these things.
I look forward to hearing it in my system sometime :)
Hahahaha... The Stanton's just for fun, as a spare. You'd be surprised just how good it sounds, though, on the end of a £2100 tonearm!! ;)
Marco.
x2.They sound stupidly musical and fun, but not the last word in refinement, l have two, one for a spare:).
chris@panteg
31-10-2012, 09:04
Lol - I was shocked earlier when I added up the cost of all the 'Ortofon bits' (tonearm, SUT and cartridge) on my Techy, which with the addition of the Royal GM MKII, now comes to just shy of £5k! :eek:
That's before you get to any other parts of the T/T.... However, this is high-end vinyl replay at its absolute best, and so worth every penny :cool:
Marco.
Ortofon fanboy :D but seriously a very nice cart Marco and many happy hours of listening !
A cartridge like that will make you feel a little more nervous and careful , eh ? Have you spoken to your cats ? I guess that's a lot easier to install and set up than conventional mc's , I wouldn't mind trying an SPU one day , maybe ?
Rare Bird
31-10-2012, 10:08
Ever tried one of the EMT 'XSD 15's Marco ?
Beobloke
31-10-2012, 12:59
Hi Chris,
Thanks, Chris. The pics don't do it justice. It has a lovely 'piano black' gloss finish, which looks a million dollars against the gold-plated Ortofon logo and finger lift.
Regarding the latter, that's an interesting idea, and one I might try, as I always use the cueing mech. However, the cartridge looks so beautifully made, that it's a shame to touch it! :)
Marco.
I'd leave the finger lift alone Marco - look what happened last time you undid a screw on an Ortofon product... ;)
pure sound
31-10-2012, 13:04
Nice acquisition Marco. At the recent RMAF I had a loan of an RS309D arm and the SPU 90th Anniversary model. I'm not sure where that version sits alongside the one you've got (I ended up using the Io anyway) but I'm sure it was a good deal more refined than a GM-E.
RobbieGong
31-10-2012, 13:19
Lol - I was shocked earlier when I added up the cost of all the 'Ortofon bits' (tonearm, SUT and cartridge) on my Techy, which with the addition of the Royal GM MKII, now comes to just shy of £5k! :eek:That's before you get to any other parts of the T/T.... However, this is high-end vinyl replay at its absolute best, and so worth every penny :cool:
Marco.
Is that all Marco !?!, You are clearly not dedicated to this hifi upgrade thing and need to add one of these Ortofon babies at £5000 a piece
http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/Ortofon-MC-Anna-Phono-Cartridge/product_6237?ref=gmc :lol: :D :)
sq225917
31-10-2012, 16:23
Isn't the Anna just a Winfield in a dress?
Welcome to the world of decent stylus Marco, what took you so long.
Is that all Marco !?!, You are clearly not dedicated to this hifi upgrade thing and need to add one of these Ortofon babies at £5000 a piece
http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/Ortofon-MC-Anna-Phono-Cartridge/product_6237?ref=gmc :lol: :D :)
Pah! That's cheap - look at the price of some of the 'gemstone'-bodied Koetsu cartridges. Or even the Lumière cartridge; handmade to order.
RobbieGong
31-10-2012, 17:26
Pah! That's cheap - look at the price of some of the 'gemstone'-bodied Koetsu cartridges. Or even the Lumière cartridge; handmade to order.
Yep, It's a mad world aint it :rolleyes: ;)
Very nice Marco, enjoy, but be VERY careful!
Wakefield Turntables
31-10-2012, 20:02
High end ortofons are ace! I had a Rohmann for a while but now I simply cant live without my Cadenza black. I'd love to snag a winfield at some point but i'm exploring Koestu's!
The Black Adder
31-10-2012, 20:55
Stick it on a chain and give it the wife for Christmas.. Whoo hoo!
Nice bit of kit Marco... I'm looking for either an SPU or a Decca next.
BD-Audio
31-10-2012, 21:59
Congratulations Marco, I've been recently appointed the central England SPU specialist in the Ortofon dealer network and am amassing a collection here.
I love an SPU or two, Royal is a corker, you are a lucky guy....
Very glad it's worked out well for you, Marco. Always a shot in the dark taking a punt on a cartridge unheard, as I know too, but you tend to have a good feeling about these things.
I look forward to hearing it in my system sometime :)
Cheers, Martin. It's worked out fantastically well. What I was aiming for was to retain all the fundamental (and renowned) musical qualities of the SPU, but add some more 'polish', refinement and a little more extension at the top end.
The SPU Royal GM has given me all of that and more! :cool:
Marco.
Congrats, congrats, congrats. :)
I've been preaching about what a difference a cantilever and/or stylus upgrade can make to just about any cartridge for a long time. It'll make a decent cart sound very good and a great cart sound absolutely fantastic.
One question though: The recommended tracking force on the GM MKII is 3g. Is that what you're running yours at? Or, are you still in the process of seeing where things settle. Considering the profile of the stylus, 3g is nothing to worry about, even less so than an elliptical or conical. Just wondering.
Hi Biff,
Cheers, dude! Stylus profiles do indeed make a difference. However, in the past, whenever I've veered away from my favourite conicals (such as on the DL-103, EMT or SPU) to 'posher' styli, on modern cartridges, it's resulted in an arguably more 'accurate', but ultimately less musically enjoyable sound.
Not so, however, with the SPU Royal GM. It sounds just like an SPU (big-boned, dynamic, and with a magical midrange), but overall more 'correct'. One big difference I've noticed is in tracking ability (at the recommended 3g). The Royal GM sails through 'difficult' material with consummate ease, which in comparison, would've had the GM-E struggling - and the amount of subtle detail it pulls out of the grooves is staggering!
All in all, I'm a very happy bunny :)
Marco.
Ortofon fanboy :D but seriously a very nice cart Marco and many happy hours of listening !
Lol - churz, dude.
A cartridge like that will make you feel a little more nervous and careful , eh ? Have you spoken to your cats ? I guess that's a lot easier to install and set up than conventional mc's , I wouldn't mind trying an SPU one day , maybe ?
Nervous and careful? You betcha! However (touch wood) I've not trashed a cartridge for years, as I'm always uber-careful when handling them, and use the stylus guard whenever necessary.
You should definitely try an SPU one day, as they have an infectious and musically addictive quality that is absent in any other cartridge I've heard to date.
Marco.
Ever tried one of the EMT 'XSD 15's Marco ?
Yup... I've borrowed a couple of Barry's (a conical and fine-line type) and was very impressed with them, so much so that I intend to add one to my collection in due course. However, ultimately, I preferred my (then) SPU GM-E - and the Royal GM is notably better still :)
Marco.
Nice acquisition Marco. At the recent RMAF I had a loan of an RS309D arm and the SPU 90th Anniversary model. I'm not sure where that version sits alongside the one you've got (I ended up using the Io anyway) but I'm sure it was a good deal more refined than a GM-E.
Hi Guy,
Interesting... What did you think of the RS309D/SPU 90th Anni combo? The 90th Anni is the model just under the Royal GM. It has a nude elliptical stylus, so probably sounds a little different - perhaps not quite as 'polished', sonically, as the Royal GM. The Replicant 100 stylus is what makes the latter rather special.
You'll need to pop by for a listen sometime, as you've not been here for a while! ;)
Marco.
Welcome to the world of decent stylus Marco, what took you so long.
Cheers, Simon. As they say, all good things come to those who wait ;)
Congratulations Marco, I've been recently appointed the central England SPU specialist in the Ortofon dealer network and am amassing a collection here.
I love an SPU or two, Royal is a corker, you are a lucky guy....
Cheers, Jack. Well done on your recent appointment - I hope you do very well with it :cool:
Marco.
pure sound
01-11-2012, 18:36
Hi Guy,
Interesting... What did you think of the RS309D/SPU 90th Anni combo? The 90th Anni is the model just under the Royal GM. It has a nude elliptical stylus, so probably sounds a little different - perhaps not quite as 'polished', sonically, as the Royal GM. The Replicant 100 stylus is what makes the latter rather special.
Marco.
Difficult to say. The arm was mounted on a TW Acustik Raven 1 which I've heard previously at shows but never had the hands on experience. It's certainly a nice, powerful, stable sounding deck. This one was standing on an SRA (Silent Running Audio) platform which I'd guess is essential (or something similar) given that a 'solid' deck such as that will inevitably allow the cartridge to read right through the deck down to what it's standing on & if anything is vibrating the subjective impact would be diminished. The arm was nice to use and though far prettier, it felt & I think sounded not dissimilar to my 750L. I suppose that isn't so surprising given their shared DNA. The cartridge did sound like a more refined slightly less rosy GM-E. What's the headshell on these dearer ones made of? Is it wood?
hifi_dave
01-11-2012, 18:48
I believe they are all " grinded wood ".
Grinded wood, whatever that is. The 'mirror gloss' finish on the Royal GM is rather nice, if slightly 'blingy'.
The arm was nice to use and though far prettier, it felt & I think sounded not dissimilar to my 750L. I suppose that isn't so surprising given their shared DNA.
Yup, I'm sure they're all made by Jelco, even my RS-212D. However, the latter (and its 12" equivalent) are built to a much higher, 'Rolls Royce' standard, as is evidenced by observing them 'in the flesh', and then using and listening to them :)
Marco.
pure sound
01-11-2012, 21:10
Yes the Ortofon arm was certainly prettier & shinier than the Jelco 12" It'd be interesting to get the two side by side on a deck & see what sonic differences there actually are. I still think that the 750L, while not the last word in anything, does offer extremely good value for someone looking to go in that direction ie 12" arm, detachable headshell.
pure sound
01-11-2012, 21:11
I believe they are all " grinded wood ".
MDF? ;)
hifi_dave
01-11-2012, 21:16
MDF? ;)
No, HDF..:rolleyes:
Yes the Ortofon arm was certainly prettier & shinier than the Jelco 12" It'd be interesting to get the two side by side on a deck & see what sonic differences there actually are. I still think that the 750L, while not the last word in anything, does offer extremely good value for someone looking to go in that direction ie 12" arm, detachable headshell.
I agree. Those things are really made for one purpose only: strapping on a nice low-compliance vintage MC cartridge, for which it performs that task with remarkable aplomb.
Marco.
Magna Audio
02-11-2012, 19:35
You gets what you pay for:)
Welcome to the world of the Replikant B.
I must say though, since I got the Puresound L10 tube pre and Puresound p10 tube phono - (they're very pure sounding haha), I am using the Eliptical tipped Silvermeister and liking it... My Rep B is having a well earned rest for a while.
Marco, what spindle-pivot distance are you running the RS212-D arm on your Techy?
Whatever distance that was used on the template that came with the arm, Carl. I can have a look, if you like, and see if it provides a written measurement on the paper template supplied, or measure it for you if it doesn't? :)
Marco.
Ah I see, did you drill a blank armboard ?
I think so, Carl. Speedy Steve did the work, see here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14609&highlight=making+ebony+armboard
As to his exact method, I'm not sure, but you could send him a PM to find out :)
Marco.
No worries Marco.
I wondered if you'd dropped it into a Linn armboard and was running 211mm but you must be running 216mm I guess.
The reason I ask is that the 750d distance was originally 211mm but was later revised to 214mm. Running 211mm and Baerwald alignment means the cart cants in the headshell a bit. Never bothered me though when I ran a 750d on a Linn. Not sure why they changed the alignment figures but I remember there was some controversy about 750d alignment a few years ago.
Anyway I'm messing with an LP12 again and it occurred to me I could probably use my Ort AS212s (which would prefer 216mm like yours). Without drilling a blank armboard I wanted to drop it into Linn geo. The arm collar on the AS212s is different PCD to the RS212d/750d for some reason, so I borrowed a Jelco collar off another arm. So I can use the arm on a Linn armboard at 211 rather than 216mm. Some carts are a little far back in the headshell but the Koetsu sits really nice and is singing.
The point of all this though is that I've noticed here in Japan the Ortofon arms are being used on LP12s because it gives access to the beloved SPU. They must not be using standard Linn armboards though if they are running an SPU. Hence my curiosity about yours.
Unless I sort a bespoke armboard at 216mm the SPU isn't going to work. Bugger!
Yup, that rings a bell... 216mm was the one! Also, Stevenson alignment is the preferred geometry for the Ortofon. Baerwald isn't sonically optimal with an SPU!
Marco.
Yes I think the Ortofon arms are meant to be Stephenson. Since they are actually Ortofon Japan arms I think they are optimized for SPU hence 216.
The Jelco must be different again at 214 though, it's not Baerwald either.
Must run the numbers through an alignment calculator sometime and suss it out.
Come to think of it, and what matters to me more, I wonder what's optimal for the SPU on the 750l. I have it at 290mm as per Jelco spec but the AS309s and RS309d ask for 305mm, just to long for my Techy.
Yeah, as much as I enjoyed using the Jelco 750, with my SPU, it was never quite 'right'. Dunno, if that was because it wasn't quite heavy enough, aligned optimally, or overall just not quite good enough, but when I bought the RS-212D, let's just say that things really 'clicked into focus'! :)
Problem is, the Ortofon arms don't come cheap..... Can't imagine what an SPU would sound like on an LP12!! :eek:
Marco.
Problem is, the Ortofon arms don't come cheap..... Can't imagine what an SPU would sound like on an LP12!! :eek:
Marco.
I know, the SPU might enable the LP12 to even sound musical :lol: I just saw photos on the Linn dealers website in Tokyo and I thought it might be worth a go.
The Ortofon arms are a lot cheaper here in Japan ;) conversely the Jelco arms are much more expensive :scratch:
I was just reading about the 309d and Ortofon recommend a slightly different alignment in it for SPU than standard. I'm guessing we should look into that for ours too. 216mm might not be spot on for SPU.:doh:
Lol - I don't doubt that the Ortofon arms are much cheaper to buy in Japan. For starters, detachable headshell arms are pretty much the de facto standard there, and therefore many more will be sold there than in the UK!
I tend not to get too hung up on the whole alignment thing... A nice template was supplied with the RS-212D, and Steve made a beautiful solid ebony armboard, based on those measurements. The resulting sound, with my SPU Royal is stunning, from the beginning to the end of records, so for me, that's all that matters :)
Regarding SPUs on an LP12, I can't see that working very well on a number of levels!
Marco.
Sweet SPU Marco!
It was your thread on SUTs that brought me to AoS. Are you still using the Ortofon ST80 or did you swap it out for vintage transformers?
Just when I thought I could be happy with a SPU classic I read your post about the Royal...
Enjoy the ride
Scott
Berni217
06-02-2013, 15:52
Hi Marco,
Nice read. I would be interested in trying a SPU Royal GM MkII, Spirit or even a Classic GM E MkII.
I have the Jelco 750D with a heavier counter weight installed on my Garrard 401. Do you think that I could just remove the headshell of the Jelco and replace it with the SPU? I am concern that I might need to change the position of the tonearm, which I do not want.
Note: Looks like importing from Japan is much cheaper even when adding the import duty and VAT.
Thanks,
B.
Hi Marco,
Note: Looks like importing from Japan is much cheaper even when adding the import duty and VAT.
Thanks,
B.
If you want your SPU cheap, look at websides of Greek (Athens) audio shops they are much cheaper as in the rest of the EU. Also no hastle with duty's.
Ronald.
Hi Marco!
Congrats! I too am waiting for a SPU!
A friend gifted me a pretty botched, ancient and rare SPU GTE that Ihave sent to Dominic Harper for a (very expensive) rebuild... been four weeks, gotta wait for another 4 weeks before he ships (as per his committed timeline)... and then some while it gets to me in India!
I am absolutely sure that the SPU that you have will give you that 'special' sound....
so, enjoy!
Audioman
06-02-2013, 18:51
If you want your SPU cheap, look at websides of Greek (Athens) audio shops they are much cheaper as in the rest of the EU. Also no hastle with duty's.
Ronald.
Frankly can't see myself buying Ortofon product again. Henley Designs bumped up prices when pound fell against Euro 4 years ago. Since then pound has become stronger. Frankly since Ortofon UK ceased and they took over as importers they have been taking a huge slurp. Most lines they deal with appear to be higher priced than competing product.
Berni217
06-02-2013, 20:48
If you want your SPU cheap, look at websides of Greek (Athens) audio shops they are much cheaper as in the rest of the EU. Also no hastle with duty's.
Ronald.
Hi Ronald,
Thanks for the info. Any specific websites I should visit?
Cheers,
B.
Hi Ronald,
Thanks for the info. Any specific websites I should visit?
Cheers,
B.
Sorry deleted the URL, it was something with Athens Audio if I remember well.
Ronald.
PS. A quick search with Google http://athensproaudio.gr/hi-fidelity/players/cartridges-en/ortofon-spu-classic-gm-e-mkii-en.html
This is just one of them they sell the whole range.
pure sound
07-02-2013, 15:50
Seems to be a saving of ~ £350 for the Royal GM II. Not sure whether there's any risk involved in transferring this kind of sum to Greece at the moment. There'd be protection on a credit card transaction I suppose.
Berni217
07-02-2013, 21:58
Sorry deleted the URL, it was something with Athens Audio if I remember well.
Ronald.
PS. A quick search with Google http://athensproaudio.gr/hi-fidelity/players/cartridges-en/ortofon-spu-classic-gm-e-mkii-en.html
This is just one of them they sell the whole range.
Thanks for the info Ronald.
I might give it go but will check first if can fit the SPU while keeping my tonearm in its current position.
B.
Seems to be a saving of ~ £350 for the Royal GM II. Not sure whether there's any risk involved in transferring this kind of sum to Greece at the moment. There'd be protection on a credit card transaction I suppose.
I did buy my Synergy at Son-Video in France for 1049€ (dutch price 1600€), in the mean time they raised their price to 1500€. I had tracking problems with the SPU, I returned it and the problem has been solved by Ortofon. It's a hassle but I saved myself 550€. With regard to the financial risc, doesn't Paypal garantee your buys in the internet?
Ronald.
Not sure, dude. Perhaps a fine-line type? However, what I can say is that it's in a different league from any conical or 'bog standard' elliptical I've heard! :trust:
Marco.
It is a very complex fine line type, unique to Ortofon's best cartridges. It is the most cutter-like stylus yet made so should be the most accurate ever at high frequencies.
IMHO there is no other stylus its equal.
It has been developed a bit since it first came out on the ceramic bodied MC3000 mk2. Mine was packaged in a box made as a huge perspex replica of the stylus profile.
I may have it somewhere still, though a lug broke off the cartridge itself because my dealer overtightened the fixing bolt into my ceramic headshell, breaking both :-(
MDF? ;)
Bakelite, a phenolic thermoset loaded with wood powder, if I understand the propaganda correctly.
I understand some Wilson Audio speaker cabinets are made from a similar material.
It is a very complex fine line type, unique to Ortofon's best cartridges. It is the most cutter-like stylus yet made so should be the most accurate ever at high frequencies.
IMHO there is no other stylus its equal.
Interesting, Frank... I certainly agree with your assessment of its capabilities! I love the Royal to bits - best cartridge I've ever owned, bar none. Makes vinyl replay reasonably accurate, compared with digital, too.... Arf! :eyebrows:
It has been developed a bit since it first came out on the ceramic bodied MC3000 mk2. Mine was packaged in a box made as a huge perspex replica of the stylus profile.
I may have it somewhere still, though a lug broke off the cartridge itself because my dealer overtightened the fixing bolt into my ceramic headshell, breaking both :-(
Jeez - wot a daftee! :doh:
The only thing is, it's a bitch to 'dial in' accurately, as it soon lets you know when any aspect of set-up is sub-optimal, especially VTA! Get it singing, though, and the results are UTTERLY sublime.... :eek:
Marco.
Dominic Harper
16-02-2013, 22:47
Marco, I think my new baby will get your juices flowing
Lol... What is it, baby? :eyebrows:
Marco.
The only thing is, it's a bitch to 'dial in' accurately, as it soon lets you know when any aspect of set-up is sub-optimal, especially VTA! Get it singing, though, and the results are UTTERLY sublime.... :eek:
Marco.
Spot on Marco to get the full benefit with such a sophisticated profile it pays to really get finicky about the setup, particularly VTA as you say.
Dominic Harper
17-02-2013, 19:43
Working on my own MC using FG S tip
Nice one, matey. Let me know when it's ready, and I'll pop round for a listen. I'd like to hear the Eddingdale's, too. It's been way too long since our last sesh! :)
Marco.
This was a nice read on the latest and greatest SPUs. Has anyone compared the Royal GM MK2 to a Silver Miester MK2 ? They are in the similar price brackets but their specs are different and so is the stylus. Any thoughts about their sonic difference ?
Hi Pani,
Sorry for the late reply - just saw this. I've heard both cartridges on my turntable. The SM is superb, and what I was going to get before I convinced myself to buy the Royal - which fortunately turned out to be one of the best audio decisions of my life! :)
The SM is very detailed sounding (thanks to its solid silver-wired coils and silver wiring throughout), and very SPU-like in the traditional manner, with that renowned, sumptuous sounding 'valve-like' midrange. However, the Royal takes all of that and runs with it further, whilst pulling more information off of the grooves than I've heard from any other cartridge I've owned, thanks to its superbly accurate Replicant 100 stylus.
Therefore, if you can afford it, the Royal is where that true SPU magic lives, but only when used in conjunction with a high-quality SUT, such as the tailor-made Ortofon ST-80SE. Listening to those working their truly spellbinding magic together, produces unforgettable musical experiences!! :exactly:
Marco.
anubisgrau
23-05-2013, 20:43
Isn't an Ortofon SPU tailor-made SUT in fact T-100, not ST-80?
Hi Gordan,
To my ears, no, having tried both, prior to buying the ST-80SE. IMO, the latter is significantly the better sounding unit :)
Marco.
anubisgrau
25-05-2013, 10:47
Interesting, if their blogs are to be trusted, it seems that Japanese audiophiles rate SPU-T100 SUT better.
It could be something with geomagnetism of the place where you have tested yours. T100 is according to Ortofon papers "able to isolate the external magnetic wave completely, naturally geomagnetism of 45,000nT (Tokyo area)".
;)
Btw, anyone knows what are the transformers inside of ST-80 and T-100? I think the ones in Verto SUT are Lundahl...
They're also from Lundahl in both the Verto and ST-80SE :)
Marco.
Interesting, if their blogs are to be trusted, it seems that Japanese audiophiles rate SPU-T100 SUT better.
It could be something with geomagnetism of the place where you have tested yours. T100 is according to Ortofon papers "able to isolate the external magnetic wave completely, naturally geomagnetism of 45,000nT (Tokyo area)".
;)
Btw, anyone knows what are the transformers inside of ST-80 and T-100? I think the ones in Verto SUT are Lundahl...
Strange, the earth's magnetic field at these latitudes is around 20,000nT.
Sounds like a bit of 'technobabble' designed to impress. Any transformer worth its salt will have sufficiently good shielding to screen out the (static) background magnetic field of the earth.
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