View Full Version : Ortofon SL15 Cartridge and matching StepUpTransformer
Selling my spare SL15 E SPU Cartridge and matching Ortofon 2-15K Stepup transformers.
The cartridge is in very good condition with a full strength Alnico magnet and the original elliptical stylus is in very good condition.
The Transformer is in good nick with SME phono plugs on the output, it has a 2ohms input and 15kohms output, stepup ratio is 1:86 and will plug into a standard phono amp 47k input.
Ebay latest prices Cartridge £130.00 Transformers £160.00.
Asking £200.00 for the set.
Hi Will,
Is it the low-output or high-output version of the SL-15? Having heard both, I know which one I prefer ;)
Regardless though, this is a bargain for anyone looking for near-SPU performance on the cheap!
Marco.
It is the late 60's low output, imp. 2ohm thats why the SUT has a gain of 86,cost then was 60.00 U.S. and the T/x was 20.00 the SL15T is the one with T/x fixed to the cartridge and was cheaper US 75.00 same cartridge same transformers both SPU's.
It is the late 60's low output, imp. 2ohm thats why the SUT has a gain of 86,cost then was 60.00 U.S. and the T/x was 20.00 the SL15T is the one with T/x fixed to the cartridge and was cheaper US 75.00 same cartridge same transformers both SPU's.
That's the version that I have. Until very recently I was using an SL15E, after becoming unhappy about stylus wear on the mark II version that I had used previously.
I think the higher output version with integral transformer was called the ST15, or ST15E (if fitted with an elliptical stylus). How this differed from the SPUGT or SPUGTE (elliptical stylus) I don't know. There were also versions of the SPU called SPUG or SPUGE, respectively. These did not have an integral transformer. It all gets a bit confusing.:scratch:
Barry
Is this the one you have
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j317/willcowen/HiFiEbay007.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j317/willcowen/HiFiEbay008.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j317/willcowen/HiFiEbay005.jpg
That transformer would also work well with an SPU, wouldn't it?
Marco.
Yes they are the same as the ones that are connected to the SPU cartridge.
The SPU was sold with or without the transformers, the SPU with transformers attached and encased was the SL15T the T standing for transformer.
The SPU without T/x's the one I have is the SL15 the matching T/x's were sold as you can see in the above photo.
What is common is the Alnico magnets which gives it its sound as in Shure M3D, Denon 103 and other 1960-70's cartridges I cant mention:)
You should PM Richard (Gromit). He's just bought an SPU and is running it through his active NVA MC phono stage. I reckon that he might get an improvement running the SPU with your SUT above into an MM stage, and he might also be interested comparing his SPU to the SL-15 with a view to purchasing the latter and the SUT if he liked the results :)
Marco.
pure sound
06-04-2009, 07:13
Having had both SPU & SL15 I'd have said the SL15 was similar but perhaps not quite as good. Does anyone know what the actual physical differences were between them? Were they both available at the same time & if so what was the price difference?
One big difference, Guy, is the usable VTF of both models... The SPU tracks at 3g and above, and the SL-15 1.5-2g. This would suggest that the stylus profile for starters is rather different! :)
However in terms of electrical characteristics, the low-output SL-15 and SPU appear to be the same.
Marco.
pure sound
06-04-2009, 09:36
Of course, I'd forgotten that. I didn't have the 2 side by side, one probably 6-9 months after the other. The SL15 was an elliptical tip iirc. Both were very enjoyable though. Fuller tone than the more modern Ortofons and, like you say elsewhere, less forensic in their approach.
Here is the specs..SL15
Weight of Pickup Cartridge..............................7 Grams
Output impedence......................................... .. 2 Ohms
Recommended load impedence per channel..... 1.5 Ohms
Equivalent mass (at stylus point)....................... 0.9 Mgs.
Recommended stylus pressure......................... 3/4 - 1 1/2 Grams
Output in MV/CM/Sec (loaded)..................... 0.04 MV.
Stylus Tip Radius - Eliptical............................. .0007" x .0003"
Frequency Response...................................... 10-40,000 HZ
Vertical Tracking Angle.................................. 15 Degrees
Channel Seperation at 1000 HZ..................... 20-30 db
pure sound
06-04-2009, 10:56
Similar output & loading requirements to the Io. Must have very few turns around the coil former (a good thing!)
The SL15e was a good cartridge and I liked the few I heard very much, but the M3D? Do leave off..... :)
What is so special about alnico magnets anyway? They change their characteristics over the years (can't hold a charge as well when used in speakers) and I understand that the extra flux they were supposed to have (?) can now be bettered today by more consistant modern magnetic formulations.
Please educate/re-educate me someone?
having said the above, I wish I had a spare couple of hundred available. I'd rather do up one of these than a Troika..........
A bit of a myth the alnico speakers lost magnet stength due to being over driven by later large sand amps.
Alnico cartridges have a organic sound without loss of detail.:cool:
pure sound
06-04-2009, 12:31
and are even better if you add a permendur yoke & pole pieces! ;)
They do indeed, Will!
Dave, you'll eat your words with the M3D - I promise :eyebrows:
Do you think moi would pay £85 for one on Ebay and import it from the States if it wasn't any good? ;)
Marco.
Is this the one you have
Hello Will,
Many apologies, I hadn't realised that you were replying to my post and asking me a question.
Yes, the photos are of an SL15E, a cartridge that I have been using up to about a week ago. I also have the transformer that you show but have not used it for a long time, not since I used a preamp that could handle low output MC cartridges.
I notice that the thread has deviated a little from you initial post advertising the items for sale. There seems to be some confusion on how the SL15 compares with the SPU, and I must confess that I might have been guilty of starting the confusion. If there are members who are thinking about buying your SL15E but are undecided, let me say that the SL15 is very good cartridge and probably second only to the SPU (which fetches a lot more than you are asking). If I was to compare it so the Denon 103C, I would say that the SL15E has more 'swing', but is not quite as detailed.
Since this tread started I have done a little research into the SPU, S-15T and SL15. If you are intersted, I have posted this on the 'Strokes of Genius' forum as 'A short history of early Ortofon cartridges'.
Regards
Barry
Cheers Barry no problems , I've run the spare SL15e today and its too good to sell, its the first time its been played for about a year and its on parr with the higher output SL15ELL.
The Transformers are on Ebay.
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