Ortofon SPU GTX S

The SPU series by Ortofon, launched in 1958, has been renowned for decades for its unparalleled musicality and tonal richness. The SPU GTX S continues this legacy while introducing significant improvements. It retains the warm and immersive sound signature characteristic of the SPU series, while offering enhanced clarity and precision thanks to modern technological advancements.

The cartridge body, faithful to the iconic SPU series design, now houses a next-generation MC generator. This evolution delivers a wider and more open stereo image, impressive dynamics, and highly accurate tonal reproduction.

Precision Handcrafted Construction

Each SPU GTX S is hand-assembled in Denmark by skilled artisans. The cartridge’s monoblock body is molded in a single piece from a specially selected fiberglass-reinforced copolymer. This innovative material, used for the first time in the SPU series, ensures exceptional dimensional stability and low resonance.

The bottom cover is made from the same material, ensuring perfect structural uniformity. This unified design encapsulates the generator in an optimal environment, minimizing unwanted vibrations and preserving the integrity of the audio signal.

A Spherical Diamond for Faithful Playback

The SPU GTX S is equipped with a spherical stylus, chosen for its specific sonic qualities. This tip shape, the most common, offers a rounded contact surface with the groove walls. It delivers a balanced and smooth sound, particularly appreciated by fans of vintage vinyl or audiophile pressings.

The spherical diamond also ensures excellent longevity and uniform wear on records, making it a wise choice for collectors keen on preserving their precious vinyl.

Built-in Step-Up Transformer: Simplicity and Performance

One of the major innovations of the SPU GTX S is its built-in step-up transformer, developed in collaboration with Swedish specialist Lundahl Transformers. This integration significantly simplifies the installation and use of the cartridge while preserving the sonic qualities inherent to MC cartridges.

Thanks to this transformer, the SPU GTX S delivers a high output level of 4 mV, comparable to that of a moving magnet (MM) cartridge. It can thus be directly connected to any phono preamp or amplifier equipped with a standard MM phono input, without requiring additional equipment.

This elegant solution allows audiophiles to enjoy the sonic advantages of a high-end MC cartridge without the usual challenges associated with their low output levels.

Exclusive Suspension for Enhanced Precision

The SPU GTX S benefits from Ortofon’s exclusive suspension system, the result of decades of research and development. This high-precision suspension ensures optimal control of the stylus movement, guaranteeing perfect tracking of the record grooves.

This system contributes to the cartridge’s excellent tracking ability, enabling it to faithfully reproduce the subtlest nuances of the recording, from deep bass to crystal-clear highs.

Advanced MC Generator for Exceptional Musicality

At the heart of the SPU GTX S lies a next-generation MC generator, utilizing high-purity oxygen-free copper (OFC) coils. This configuration ensures precise conversion of mechanical vibrations into electrical signals, preserving the integrity and richness of musical information.

The MC generator, combined with the built-in step-up transformer, offers a high signal-to-noise ratio and impressive dynamics. The result is a sound reproduction of great clarity, rich in detail and nuance, capable of revealing the full depth and emotion of your favorite vinyl recordings.

Remarkable Versatility

While designed to deliver optimal performance with high-end tonearms, the SPU GTX S stands out for its versatility. Its lateral compliance of 10 μm/mN and weight of 38 grams make it compatible with a wide range of tonearms, from classic models to the most modern designs.

This adaptability allows audiophiles to easily integrate the SPU GTX S into their existing setup, regardless of the turntable used. It offers the opportunity to significantly enhance playback performance without requiring a complete equipment overhaul.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

• Type: Low-output moving coil (MC) cartridge
• Weight: 0.38 kg

Stylus

• Diamond: Spherical
• Tip radius: 18 µm
• Tracking angle: 20°

Electrical Characteristics

• Coil system: Quadruple oxygen-free copper (OFC) coils
• Output voltage: 4 mV
• Internal impedance (DC resistance): 610 Ω
• Recommended load: 47 kΩ, 150-600 pF

Audio Performance

• Channel separation at 1 kHz: 20 dB
• Channel balance: 1.5 dB
• Frequency response (20-20,000 Hz): ± 3 dB

Mechanical Characteristics

• Tracking ability at 315 Hz (recommended tracking force): 60 µm
• Lateral dynamic compliance: 10 µm / mN
• Recommended tracking force: 4 g