EMT TSD SPH Cartridge, Stereo MC with Spherical Stylus

The EMT TSD SPH is a stereo cartridge with a spherical diamond of 15 µm rounding radius, designed for early stereo pressings and fully compatible with the earlier TSD 15.

It shares generator, magnesium body and mounting dimensions with the other TSD models — the difference is up front, at the tip. A spherical cut sits wider and higher in the groove than a fineline cut. Exactly where records from the early stereo years were cut, and where newer tips get restless in already-played grooves.

Why the EMT TSD SPH?

Because not every record needs a magnifying glass. If you mostly listen to pressings from the 1950s and 1960s, or second-hand stock with history, the spherical stylus gives you a calmer, more forgiving sound instead of scratched-up detail. It rides over light groove damage instead of acoustically cataloguing it. Add to that the structural robustness of the TSD range: aluminum-boron cantilever, body milled from solid magnesium, connection available as EMT, INT (Ortofon A) or X (SME).

What you hear

Substance and calm. Fundamental tone and midrange stand firm, groove noise noticeably recedes, the sound image holds together even on older records. At the top end the SPH stops at 20,000 Hz rather than 25,000 Hz like the SFL — no loss for recordings whose original master rolls off earlier anyway. At 0.21 mVs/cm it delivers the same strong MC output as its siblings.

Who is the TSD SPH for?

For collections focused on early stereo pressings, for archive and studio use, and for anyone who wants an uncomplicated, long-lasting cartridge. Straight talk: if you mostly listen to audiophile new pressings and want the last layer of overtones, go for the TSD SFL instead — the spherical stylus deliberately leaves some of that on the table. The SPH isn't for genuine mono records either, that's what the mono cartridges in the TMD and TND ranges are for. And the tonearm should be medium to heavy.

Our verdict

The TSD SPH is the sensible one among the EMT cartridges: no showpiece effect, but years of everyday reliability and a stylus cut that likes exactly the records many other systems struggle with. Tell us at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil what's on your platter — from that it's almost always obvious whether SPH or SFL is the right choice.

Technical data

• Type: MC stereo (cartridge)
• Diamond: SPH, spherical, 15 µm
• Cantilever: Aluminum-boron
• Body: Magnesium, milled from solid
• Output transfer level: 0.21 mVs/cm (roughly 1.05 mV at 5 cm/s)
• Internal impedance: 2 × 24 Ohm
• Recommended load impedance: 200 – 300 Ohm
• Recommended tracking force: 2.5 g
• Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz (±2 dB: 40 – 12,500 Hz)
• Compliance: 12 µm/mN
• Vertical tracking angle: 23°
• Weight: 17.5 g
• Connection: EMT (standard), optional INT (Ortofon A) or X (SME)
• Mounting length: 32 mm (EMT and INT), 51 mm (X)

Frequently asked questions

Which records is the TSD SPH designed for?

Mainly for early stereo pressings and used records. The spherical diamond with 15 µm rounding sits wider in the groove than a fineline cut and tracks reliably where finer tips already pick up traces of wear. For audiophile new pressings, the TSD SFL is the more refined choice.

Can I play mono records with the TSD SPH?

Only to a limited extent. The TSD SPH is a stereo system and also reads vertical deflection, which means extra noise on genuine mono grooves. For mono collections, EMT offers the TMD 015 and TMD 025 with true mono winding, and the TND 065 for shellac. We're happy to help you sort out the right match.

What tracking force and load does the TSD SPH need?

2.5 grams tracking force and 200 to 300 Ohm load impedance at the MC input. Internal resistance is 2 × 24 Ohm, compliance is 12 µm/mN. That puts it on a medium-to-heavy tonearm. If that doesn't suit your arm, we'll tell you before you buy.

Does the TSD SPH fit in place of an old TSD 15?

Yes. EMT lists its current TSD cartridges as fully compatible with the earlier TSD 15. You just choose the matching connection variant: EMT as standard, INT for Ortofon A mounts, or X in SME length of 51 millimeters. Which one is fitted on your setup, we'll work out together over the phone.

Why buy the EMT TSD SPH at HD Zürisee?

Because the choice of stylus cut depends on your record collection, not on a brochure. As an authorized dealer with years of experience in analog, we advise you honestly, handle installation and setup on request, and stay reachable after the purchase too. Write to us or pick up the phone.

Goes well with

A cartridge needs an MC input with the right matching — you'll find it among the Phono-Vorverstärker. If the turntable itself is up for discussion, it's worth a look at the Plattenspieler; for setup, cleaning and weights there's the Plattenspieler-Zubehör. More cartridges are listed under Tonabnehmer.