New Arrival - ORTOFON SPU A95 ANNIVERSARY

[WESTLOWER]

So after much badgering and penny pinching, I have managed to prise away Petrat's very sparsely used, Ortofon SPU A95 Anniversary.

I’ve bee playing with a couple of Vintage SPUs over the past couple of years which were wonderful and a great introduction to the unique SPU sound.
Sometimes, for everyday listening they can be a little rich in flavour, other times they just ooze character and really hit the spot with the music I mainly listen to, Jazz.

A fantastic all round cartridge was the more modern approach, the Ortofon Royal N.
This is a cracking cartridge, which retains that SPU richness through the mids and a lovely controlled bass but also ups the detail output and is very clever at balancing both.
The Royal N used a fancier tip than the original SPUs, Nude Ortofon Replicant 100 and also has Electrum coils, consisting of a gold and silver alloy.
Altogether a satisfying combination of juice, oomph and detail...a keeper! ....but then came along this beautiful thing below.

I can only say the Ortofon SPU A95 Anniversary is such a classy performer it just demands to be played.
It has an Elliptical tip, so tips it's hat towards vintage SPUs, has a wholeness about it's character that is 100% in line with the originals.
It's Coilwire material is Silver-plated Copper and thus surpasses even the Royal N in it's detail retrieval.
For me it's a wonderful combination of legacy SPU sound and feel with a modern spin offering the sparkle and subtlety present in good Moving Coils.

On the end of my SME 3012, it's a match made in heaven. Oh, and it comes in a pretty box! ;)

some more info from the Ortofon site:

The mechanical structure of the SPU A95 cartridge has also been re-engineered, as well as many of its internal assemblies. At the mechanical heart lies a revolutionary customized SLM (Selective Laser Melting) manufacturing procedure. The use of Titanium in SPU A95 has provided a further improvement to the internal damping capabilities as well as to the overall rigidity of the structure.

Another special feature is the inclusion of the renowned Field Stabilizing Element (FSE) system, which consists of a small cylinder of conductive material placed strategically inside of the magnetic system. FSE guarantees that the force field within the system will remain stable at all times regardless of the movement of the armature.

A Nude Elliptical diamond stylus graces the aluminum cantilever, representative of the legacy created by SPUs past, along with a black painted, grinded wood body.

https://i.imgur.com/3og7dMl.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/vkV0uuP.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/22wEOq7.jpg?1

[montesquieu]

Nice one Adam. Out of all the many many SPUs that have been here (from Royal N, Royal GM, Gold, Synergy, Spirit, Silver Meister, any number of vintage and non-vintage G variants from GTE to GM MkII, etc etc) the A95 was undoubtedly my favourite. It's a truly fantastic cartridge and looks the business too!

Enjoy! (And first dibs ...).

[Jimbo]

Never heard an SPU but intrigued how they sound.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Never heard an SPU but intrigued how they sound.

You'll not get the same analytical playback as the 2M black or Cadenza black, it's more than that. It's extremely hard to put your finger on. Once heard never forgotten. I now own 3 SPU's a mono, silver Meister v2, and the Royal N. All add a little something extra to playback.

[Vrajbasi]

Congratulations, you will certainly have many hours of pleasure with the SPU A95 I own four of them 2 that are used and two unused, I have been collecting spu cartridges for over 30 years now, and have a host of vintage models some with piggy back transformers and modern models including various golds and the stunning anniversary box set that was available in 2011. The box which has the SPU Classic, SPU Gold Reference, SPU 85th Anniversary and SPU 90th Anniversary is lovely. I like the gold from that set the most, the A95 is superb in its detail and the way deals with the bass and midrange integration one of the less fussy spu cartridges in my opinion. I have the Centuary which is also a very very fine cartridge, the spu cartridge that touches my heart the most is the Shindo spu, it has a almost ghostly quality that is truly seductive the midrange while sweet powerful has great transparency but not in the modern way of sounding thin and bleached. I think the A95 ranks very highly in the spu line up, setting up and using a spu can be challenging to say the least, the A95 glides along playing music proving great detail with a slight modern twist, spu ownership is very addictive as each and every model has there own charm and virtues.

[Ammonite Audio]

Congratulations, you will certainly have many hours of pleasure with the SPU A95 I own four of them 2 that are used and two unused, I have been collecting spu cartridges for over 30 years now, and have a host of vintage models some with piggy back transformers and modern models including various golds and the stunning anniversary box set that was available in 2011. The box which has the SPU Classic, SPU Gold Reference, SPU 85th Anniversary and SPU 90th Anniversary is lovely. I like the gold from that set the most, the A95 is superb in its detail and the way deals with the bass and midrange integration one of the less fussy spu cartridges in my opinion. I have the Centuary which is also a very very fine cartridge, the spu cartridge that touches my heart the most is the Shindo spu, it has a almost ghostly quality that is truly seductive the midrange while sweet powerful has great transparency but not in the modern way of sounding thin and bleached. I think the A95 ranks very highly in the spu line up, setting up and using a spu can be challenging to say the least, the A95 glides along playing music proving great detail with a slight modern twist, spu ownership is very addictive as each and every model has there own charm and virtues.

Do you know what differentiates the Shindo SPU from Ortofon's regular models? From your comments, I think maybe the current SPU Wood A is cut from the same cloth as the Shindo - a thing of intense musical beauty which comes as a bit of a shock given its very ordinary (basic, even) specifications.

SPUs are lovely things and Adam is a lucky chap to have that SPU A95

[Vrajbasi]

Do you know what differentiates the Shindo SPU from Ortofon's regular models? From your comments, I think maybe the current SPU Wood A is cut from the same cloth as the Shindo - a thing of intense musical beauty which comes as a bit of a shock given its very ordinary (basic, even) specifications.

SPUs are lovely things and Adam is a lucky chap to have that SPU A95

As with most of these things shindo were very secretive, I have the SPU WOOD A again a lovely thing for me does not quite have the overall ghostly quality of the shindo which is breathtaking, the best component of the shindo record playing system is the cartridge in my opinion. I do like the stunning wood A as I love the century.

[petrat]

So after much badgering and penny pinching, I have managed to prise away Petrat's very sparsely used, Ortofon SPU A95 Anniversary.

Ah, that's where I left it ... was looking for it this afternoon! Can I have it back now, please? :)

[WESTLOWER]

Ah, that's where I left it ... was looking for it this afternoon! Can I have it back now, please? :)

Who are you? What do you want with me?! :lol:

[mikeyb]

Who are you? What do you want with me?! [emoji38][emoji23]

[The Black Adder]

Very choice.

I wonder how this would compare to my SPU GT?

Not really tried any of the MC SPUs.

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[petrat]

Hi Josie.

Ah, that's where I left that SPU GT ... I was looking for it the other afternoon! Can I have it back now, please? :)

Crikey, is there anyone on this forum that hasn't bought an SPU from me??

To answer your question. Your SPU GT is very special, and is one of only a couple of bits of hifi that I immediately regretted selling. In fact, it is only recently that I managed to get a similar one, this time a GTE .... a 1990's elliptical job, with the little transformers, made for the Japanese market, I believe (thanks, Clive!). It's very nice, but still doesn't quite have the magic of your's. The A95 is a brilliant all-rounder, adding some 'hifi' detail to the traditional SPU sound, although imo it loses some of the richness and 'density' of the old spherical, Alnico ones, like your's.

So, keep it ... or sell it back to me ... please ...

[petrat]

Congratulations, you will certainly have many hours of pleasure with the SPU A95 I own four of them 2 that are used and two unused, I have been collecting spu cartridges for over 30 years now, and have a host of vintage models some with piggy back transformers and modern models including various golds and the stunning anniversary box set that was available in 2011. The box which has the SPU Classic, SPU Gold Reference, SPU 85th Anniversary and SPU 90th Anniversary is lovely. I like the gold from that set the most, the A95 is superb in its detail and the way deals with the bass and midrange integration one of the less fussy spu cartridges in my opinion. I have the Centuary which is also a very very fine cartridge, the spu cartridge that touches my heart the most is the Shindo spu, it has a almost ghostly quality that is truly seductive the midrange while sweet powerful has great transparency but not in the modern way of sounding thin and bleached. I think the A95 ranks very highly in the spu line up, setting up and using a spu can be challenging to say the least, the A95 glides along playing music proving great detail with a slight modern twist, spu ownership is very addictive as each and every model has there own charm and virtues.

Very interesting post. Thanks!

Regarding the SPU Century, I've had all sorts of problems trying to optimise Shibata stylii on other cartridges, so I'm curious if this one is any easier? Not sure it's a great idea to track that stylus at 4 grams, either. Any thoughts?

[Vrajbasi]

Very interesting post. Thanks!

Regarding the SPU Century, I've had all sorts of problems trying to optimise Shibata stylii on other cartridges, so I'm curious if this one is any easier? Not sure it's a great idea to track that stylus at 4 grams, either. Any thoughts?

I have personally found how I align the century and the a95 makes a big different, having used many many protractors and procedures I have found the Acoustical systems on the Uni din setting being optimum in terms of performance. I find a slight grain an hardness if used on any of the other settings.

[Ammonite Audio]

I have personally found how I align the century and the a95 makes a big different, having used many many protractors and procedures I have found the Acoustical systems on the Uni din setting being optimum in terms of performance. I find a slight grain an hardness if used on any of the other settings.

I agree regarding UNI-DIN alignment - whenever I have tried aligning a cartridge to Baerwald/LoefgrenB etc, I always find myself reverting to UNI-DIN since it seems to result in a much more engaging and musical sound. You do need to buy the SMARTractor to align to UNI-DIN, though!

Although it's another expensive tool (and really a dealer tool) the Analog Magik computer based cartridge setup system does take the guesswork out of accurate alignment, which is quite difficult to achieve with SPUs since there is nowhere to put a convenient bubble level to give a visual and repeatable indication of VTA and azimuth, which become increasingly important with fancier stylus profiles like Shibata and Replicant.

[WESTLOWER]

I agree regarding UNI-DIN alignment - whenever I have tried aligning a cartridge to Baerwald/LoefgrenB etc, I always find myself reverting to UNI-DIN since it seems to result in a much more engaging and musical sound. You do need to buy the SMARTractor to align to UNI-DIN, though!

Although it's another expensive tool (and really a dealer tool) the Analog Magik computer based cartridge setup system does take the guesswork out of accurate alignment, which is quite difficult to achieve with SPUs since there is nowhere to put a convenient bubble level to give a visual and repeatable indication of VTA and azimuth, which become increasingly important with fancier stylus profiles like Shibata and Replicant.

Blimey!
Anyone got a SMARTractor tool they want to rent to me!?!

[Vrajbasi]

I agree regarding UNI-DIN alignment - whenever I have tried aligning a cartridge to Baerwald/LoefgrenB etc, I always find myself reverting to UNI-DIN since it seems to result in a much more engaging and musical sound. You do need to buy the SMARTractor to align to UNI-DIN, though!

Although it's another expensive tool (and really a dealer tool) the Analog Magik computer based cartridge setup system does take the guesswork out of accurate alignment, which is quite difficult to achieve with SPUs since there is nowhere to put a convenient bubble level to give a visual and repeatable indication of VTA and azimuth, which become increasingly important with fancier stylus profiles like Shibata and Replicant.

I fully agree with the Analog Magik, its a bit more specialist though hence why not mentioned, I would certainly recommend the smart tractor because of the Uni Din setting and ease of use. The Shibata does take a lot of care but can be highly musical if treated with care.

[WESTLOWER]

Blimey!
Anyone got a SMARTractor tool they want to rent to me!?!

Sorted... thank you Mike!

[Parkie37]

Blimey!
Anyone got a SMARTractor tool they want to rent to me!?!

I have the full Acoustical Systems alignment setup tool that came with my tonearm, but unfortunately I live 5000 miles away : ( If I was a tad closer I would be happy to loan it to you!

[mikeyb]

I have the full Acoustical Systems alignment setup tool that came with my tonearm, but unfortunately I live 5000 miles away : ( If I was a tad closer I would be happy to loan it to you!He's sorted, I loaned him my one [emoji6] [emoji3526]

[thingfish]

So after much badgering and penny pinching, I have managed to prise away Petrat's very sparsely used, Ortofon SPU A95 Anniversary.

I’ve bee playing with a couple of Vintage SPUs over the past couple of years which were wonderful and a great introduction to the unique SPU sound.
Sometimes, for everyday listening they can be a little rich in flavour, other times they just ooze character and really hit the spot with the music I mainly listen to, Jazz.

A fantastic all round cartridge was the more modern approach, the Ortofon Royal N.
This is a cracking cartridge, which retains that SPU richness through the mids and a lovely controlled bass but also ups the detail output and is very clever at balancing both.
The Royal N used a fancier tip than the original SPUs, Nude Ortofon Replicant 100 and also has Electrum coils, consisting of a gold and silver alloy.
Altogether a satisfying combination of juice, oomph and detail...a keeper! ....but then came along this beautiful thing below.

I can only say the Ortofon SPU A95 Anniversary is such a classy performer it just demands to be played.
It has an Elliptical tip, so tips it's hat towards vintage SPUs, has a wholeness about it's character that is 100% in line with the originals.
It's Coilwire material is Silver-plated Copper and thus surpasses even the Royal N in it's detail retrieval.
For me it's a wonderful combination of legacy SPU sound and feel with a modern spin offering the sparkle and subtlety present in good Moving Coils.

On the end of my SME 3012, it's a match made in heaven. Oh, and it comes in a pretty box! ;)

some more info from the Ortofon site:

The mechanical structure of the SPU A95 cartridge has also been re-engineered, as well as many of its internal assemblies. At the mechanical heart lies a revolutionary customized SLM (Selective Laser Melting) manufacturing procedure. The use of Titanium in SPU A95 has provided a further improvement to the internal damping capabilities as well as to the overall rigidity of the structure.

Another special feature is the inclusion of the renowned Field Stabilizing Element (FSE) system, which consists of a small cylinder of conductive material placed strategically inside of the magnetic system. FSE guarantees that the force field within the system will remain stable at all times regardless of the movement of the armature.

A Nude Elliptical diamond stylus graces the aluminum cantilever, representative of the legacy created by SPUs past, along with a black painted, grinded wood body.

https://i.imgur.com/3og7dMl.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/vkV0uuP.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/22wEOq7.jpg?1

Better than a Goldie 1042 mm then......?

[petrat]

Better than a Goldie 1042 mm then......?

Yes!

So is this ... https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?63924-Audio-Note-IQ1-cartridge