Ortofon SPU Meister Silver G MK II MC Cartridge

The Ortofon SPU Meister Silver G MK II is a moving-coil cartridge in the SPU housing with a nude elliptical stylus and coils of 6N pure silver — the reference model of the SPU-G line.

"Meister" isn't marketing talk here: silver coils with six-nines purity (99.9999%) are laborious to wind and a clear step beyond the copper-wound SPU models.

Why the SPU Meister Silver G MK II?

Silver conducts marginally better than copper and, in the view of many experienced listeners, colors the sound brighter and more open without sounding thin. Combined with the nude elliptical stylus and the massive SPU housing, this results in a cartridge that pairs the series' substance with noticeably more air and resolution.

What you hear

The powerful SPU character, this time with markedly more transparency and fine detail in the upper registers. Instruments are placed more precisely in space, without losing the series' warm fundamental tone.

Who is the SPU Meister Silver G MK II suited for?

For experienced SPU listeners with a high-quality medium-weight to heavy tonearm and a matching phono stage who want to get the maximum out of the SPU form factor. Straight talk: the premium over the Classic GE MkII is only worth it if the rest of the chain (tonearm, phono stage, turntable) keeps up — otherwise the potential goes unused.

Our verdict

The flagship of the SPU-G series: silver coils, nude stylus, maximum resolution in the familiar SPU housing. For systems that have earned it.

Technical data

• Type: MC cartridge (SPU design)
• Stylus: nude elliptical, r/R 8/18 µm
• Output voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 0.3 mV
• Internal impedance (DC): 3 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 10 ohms
• Channel separation (1 kHz): 20 dB
• Stylus compliance (dynamic, lateral): 8 µm/mN
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (+2/−1 dB)
• Tracking force: 4.0 g (3.0–5.0 g)
• Tracking angle: 20°
• Coil wire: silver, 6N (99.9999% purity)
• Housing: wood-resin composite, gloss black, bayonet/SME universal connector
• Weight: 28 g

Frequently asked questions

What do the silver coils actually deliver?

Silver at 6N purity is considered marginally more conductive than copper and is described by many listeners as brighter, airier, and more detailed — on this model combined with a nude elliptical stylus for extra resolution.

Does the Meister Silver G MK II fit any SPU tonearm?

Mechanically, yes; sonically, it pays off most on a correspondingly high-quality tonearm and a low-noise MC phono stage. We're happy to check that together with you.

Why buy the Ortofon SPU Meister Silver G MK II at HD Zürisee?

Because with a reference cartridge like this, we look especially closely at whether the rest of the chain keeps up — and Mauri sets it up with correspondingly careful precision.

Goes well with

For the right amplification, phono preamps, for setup turntable accessories, and more from the world of vinyl.