Ortofon --- A90 or SPU 90th?

[adhesiv]

Trying to decide between an Ortofon A90 or SPU 90th. They both utilize a lot of the same technologies.

Rest of system is Garrard 301 (grease), Schick 12" G-style Tonearm, Shindo Masseto/Cortese, Devore Nines.

I'm a relative newcomer to vinyl and trying to do it right the first time. I've heard great things about both cartridges but heard neither personally. I've also never heard an SPU in general so not sure what kind of sound characteristic differences i would see between an SPU type and non-SPU type cartridge.

Thoughts?

[Removed]

Originally Posted by adhesiv

Trying to decide between an Ortofon A90 or SPU 90th. They both utilize a lot of the same technologies.

Rest of system is Garrard 301 (grease), Schick 12" G-style Tonearm, Shindo Masseto/Cortese, Devore Nines.

I'm a relative newcomer to vinyl and trying to do it right the first time. I've heard great things about both cartridges but heard neither personally. I've also never heard an SPU in general so not sure what kind of sound characteristic differences i would see between an SPU type and non-SPU type cartridge.

Thoughts?

Jayson.....Both cartridges are no longer in production however there are plenty of current production SPU's that are great. IMO I would go with both typs of cartridges for a nice mix.

In regards to sound.....the SPU's will have a more old school analog sound, they have a bit less pronouced detailed side to them and a more meat on the bone sound.....The more modern MC cartridges seem to flesh out details a bit more and bring a more precise sound to the party....I own both and enjoy what each has to offer.

[PHC1]

FYI, I still have a brand new in the box A90 that I am selling.

[adhesiv]

Thanks Jeff...while they are both out of production there is still an opportunity to source them, in many cases still New in Box.

I like your idea of one of each, if only my budget could allow. At this point my budget only allows for one and I can then consider adding to the collection down the line.

There is one person I've seen with an A90 through his Shindo based system and his feedback is very positive. from a mass/load/compliance perspective are both cartridges a good match with my tonearm? I'm still learning what and how VTA, Azimuth, Mass, High/Low compliance etc factor into a good playback system.

Since i'm on that topic is there a good one stop resource to learn about such things?

[adhesiv]

Hi Serge, i did see that you had an A90 for sale new in box. Once i figure out what I'm doing I might be PM'ing you about it.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by adhesiv

Hi Serge, i did see that you had an A90 for sale new in box. Once i figure out what I'm doing I might be PM'ing you about it.

I'll be here...

[turntable]

If you listen to mainly 50's and 60's music, the spu will be hard to beat. It's forward midrange presence just makes magical music. It can be a bit to much in modern recordings and music.

The a90 is the better cartridge for all types of music.

IMO, I would buy the a90 and down the line a classic E spu. That is the spu that really gives you spu magic.

Cheers

[Removed]

Originally Posted by adhesiv

Thanks Jeff...while they are both out of production there is still an opportunity to source them, in many cases still New in Box.

I like your idea of one of each, if only my budget could allow. At this point my budget only allows for one and I can then consider adding to the collection down the line.

There is one person I've seen with an A90 through his Shindo based system and his feedback is very positive. from a mass/load/compliance perspective are both cartridges a good match with my tonearm? I'm still learning what and how VTA, Azimuth, Mass, High/Low compliance etc factor into a good playback system.

Since i'm on that topic is there a good one stop resource to learn about such things?

Agree both are available....the A90 is easier to source and the one from Serge would be a good way to go, I know the history of that cart very well and who it came from .......the 90th annv. will be more difficult to source, beware of the gray market one's floating around from international non Ortofon dealers!......As already mentioned the A90 would be more of a daily driver and perhaps better with everything as the 90th would be more suited for older pressings. There really is no one stop resource to learn everything you should know, it takes many years to learn all the ropes but if you can find someone willing to guide you along the way or do some searching around on the web you'll start to pick up on the things you need to know.....

[adhesiv]

Well after a bit of toiling on the matter i found an SPU 90th for a good deal and pulled the trigger. It made more sense to me to get the SPU over the A90 because of the tonearm I have (Schick 12") which was made for SPU's and the A23 SPU SUT I picked up. Anyway, i'm excited to put it all together. More details soon (maybe about a month or so).

[Removed]

That's awesome Jayson ....hopefully its a low hour but if not you can have it retipped from ortofon. Did you get the nice box and is it serialed numbered?