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About the SPU 85 Anniversary
The Ortofon SPU 85th Anniversary, launched in 2003 to celebrate Ortofon's 85th anniversary, was produced in a limited run of 500 units. It features a unique housing made from Japanese Hida Beech wood, finished with the ancient Urushi lacquer technique for a hard, resistant dark maroon surface. The cartridge retains classic SPU elements in its motor system, including AUCURUM wire (composite of pure copper and gold) for armature windings, neodymium magnet, and nude elliptical stylus on an aluminum cantilever. Ortofon's listening panel noted its charming, open, dynamic sound with enhanced midrange (200-1500 Hz) and pleasant high-frequency integration due to the wooden housing's lower resonance Q compared to metal. Designed for rigid, heavy tonearms with standard Ortofon/SME connectors, it requires 3-4g tracking force. No longer manufactured, it is available only for repair services.
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