SPU Wood A

About the SPU Wood A

The Ortofon SPU Wood A is a unique moving coil cartridge distinguished by its handcrafted body made from Japanese Beech wood, finished with traditional Urushi lacquer in Japan, giving it a luxurious and durable finish. It features the classic Ortofon SPU G/GM motor combined with a nude mounted bonded spherical stylus, emphasizing a retro design reminiscent of early SPU models with a short 'A' shell. The cartridge has a low compliance and requires a tracking force of 3.0-5.0 g, with a recommended 4.0 g. It outputs 0.18 mV at 1000 Hz and has a frequency response of 20-25,000 Hz. The cartridge is relatively heavy at about 29-31 g and requires an adapter (Ortofon APJ-1) for mounting on modern tonearms due to its short shell design. The SPU Wood A is praised for its ability to convey musical textures and nuances with clarity and warmth, making it a prized choice for audiophiles seeking a retro aesthetic and sound signature.