Ortofon
Ortofon SPU Classic N E Cartridge | The Grid HiFi
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Ortofon SPU Classic N E Cartridge | The Grid HiFi
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Overview
Ortofon SPU Classic N E Moving Coil Phono Cartridge
Nude Elliptical stylus. Classic SPU design. Headshell-free construction.
The Ortofon SPU Classic N E brings the traditional SPU moving coil design to a cartridge supplied without an integrated headshell. It shares the sound reproduction characteristics of the SPU Classic G E series while offering a different mounting configuration.
Its Nude Elliptical diamond stylus features an 8/18 µm profile designed for detailed groove tracing and expansive stereo imaging. The cartridge combines high-purity oxygen-free copper coils with a low-impedance generator producing 0.2 mV output.
The SPU Classic N E can be installed in a compatible vintage SPU-type headshell or mounted to a conventional headshell using Ortofon's separately available SPU N Adapter.
Key Features
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Nude Elliptical stylus: 8/18 µm diamond profile for detailed stereo reproduction.
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Classic SPU generator: Low-output moving coil design delivering 0.2 mV.
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Headshell-free construction: Supplied without an integrated G-style headshell.
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Flexible mounting: Compatible with suitable vintage SPU headshells or the optional SPU N Adapter.
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High-purity copper coils: Oxygen-free copper winding material.
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Low internal impedance: 2 Ω, with a recommended 10 Ω load.
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60 µm tracking ability: Measured at 315 Hz.
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13 g cartridge weight: Excludes a separate headshell and adapter.
Complete Technical Specifications
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Specification |
Ortofon SPU Classic N E |
|---|---|
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Cartridge type |
Moving coil (MC), stereo |
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Mounting configuration |
Headshell-free SPU cartridge |
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Conventional headshell installation |
Requires SPU N Adapter |
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Stylus type |
Nude Elliptical |
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Stylus tip radius |
r/R 8/18 µm |
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Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec |
0.2 mV |
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Channel balance at 1 kHz |
1 dB |
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Channel separation at 1 kHz |
20 dB |
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Channel separation at 15 kHz |
Greater than 10 dB |
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Frequency range at −3 dB |
20 Hz–25 kHz |
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Frequency response, 20 Hz–20 kHz |
+3 / −2 dB |
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Tracking ability at 315 Hz |
60 µm |
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Dynamic lateral compliance |
8 µm/mN |
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Tracking force range |
3.0–5.0 g (30–50 mN) |
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Recommended tracking force |
4.0 g (40 mN) |
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Tracking angle |
20° |
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Internal impedance / DC resistance |
2 Ω |
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Recommended load impedance |
10 Ω |
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Coil wire material |
High-purity oxygen-free copper (OFC) |
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Cartridge color |
Matte black |
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Cartridge weight |
13 g |
SPU Classic N vs. SPU Classic N E
Both cartridges use the same headshell-free SPU mounting arrangement, moving coil output, and recommended tracking force. The principal difference is the stylus profile.
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Specification |
SPU Classic N |
SPU Classic N E |
|---|---|---|
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Stylus |
Nude Spherical |
Nude Elliptical |
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Stylus radius |
18 µm |
8/18 µm |
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Output voltage |
0.2 mV |
0.2 mV |
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Tracking ability |
60 µm |
60 µm |
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Recommended tracking force |
4.0 g |
4.0 g |
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Dynamic compliance |
8 µm/mN |
8 µm/mN |
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Cartridge weight |
13 g |
13 g |
The Classic N E's elliptical stylus is designed to retrieve additional groove detail and produce more expansive imaging. The spherical Classic N retains the traditional stylus geometry associated with the original SPU design.
Compatibility & Installation
Important: The SPU Classic N E does not include a headshell. It cannot be mounted directly to a conventional ½-inch headshell without the appropriate adapter.
Ortofon's SPU N Adapter allows the cartridge to be fitted to a traditional headshell. The adapter is made from aluminum, weighs 2.9 grams, and is sold separately.
The cartridge's low compliance and recommended 4.0 g tracking force make tonearm matching important. Its 0.2 mV output requires a suitable moving coil phono stage or appropriately matched step-up transformer. Ortofon specifies a recommended load impedance of 10 Ω.
Discover Ortofon at The Grid HiFi. Our Houston team can assist with SPU cartridge selection, mounting compatibility, and moving coil phono stage matching.
FAQs
Please read our FAQs page to find out more.
Do you price match?
Yes. We match any authorised dealer, including big-box retailers. If you find the same product at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free shipping on every order, with 2-day delivery available on most products. Easy returns and exchanges are included.
Where is your showroom?
We're at 6362 Alder Drive, Houston, Texas. The showroom lets you hear and compare reference-level systems in person before making any decisions. If you're considering a larger purchase or installation, it's well worth the visit.
Can I buy online without visiting the showroom?
Yes. The full product range is available through the online store with free nationwide shipping. For more complex system builds, speaking with one of our advisers first tends to lead to a better result.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Special financing is available through the BrandSource Credit Card for qualifying purchases, allowing you to spread payments over time with no annual fee. Promotional rebate savings are also available periodically. See the financing page for full details.
Do you install systems as well as sell equipment?
Yes — installation is central to what we do. We design and install whole-home audio and video, home theaters, media rooms, outdoor audio, lighting and motorised shades, and full smart home automation.
Do you provide support after installation?
Yes. We provide ongoing service and support to ensure systems continue performing as intended — not just on installation day, but over the long term.