Ortofon SPU Mono CG 65 DI MKII MC Cartridge

The Ortofon SPU Mono CG 65 DI MKII is a moving-coil cartridge in an SPU housing with a large 65 µm spherical stylus tip, built for early and heavily worn mono pressings.

The large 65 µm stylus radius rides higher in the groove, above the wear zone where narrower stereo or 25 µm mono styli already pick up crackle and noise.

Why the SPU Mono CG 65 DI MKII?

Older mono pressings from the 1950s and heavily played records often show wear exactly where narrower styli touch the groove wall. The 65 µm stylus tracks higher and bypasses that zone – the result is often audibly calmer, less noisy sound from records that would otherwise sound worn.

What you'll hear

Noticeably less surface noise on heavily played or early mono pressings, but a warmer, slightly less detailed presentation than the 25 µm version – deliberately built to spare rough grooves rather than push them for every last detail.

Who is the SPU Mono CG 65 DI MKII for?

For collectors with early 1950s mono pressings or heavily played records, where low noise matters more than ultimate detail resolution. Straight talk: for well-preserved, later mono pressings, the CG 25 Di with its smaller radius is usually the higher-resolution choice.

Our verdict

The specialist tool for the tough cases in a mono collection: old, heavily played or early-pressed records, where calm matters more than fine detail.

Technical specifications

• Type: MC cartridge, mono (SPU design) – not suitable for stereo records
• Stylus tip: Spherical, R 65 µm
• Output voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 1.5 mV
• Internal impedance (DC): 6 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 100 ohms
• Stylus compliance (lateral): 7 µm/mN
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (+3/−1 dB)
• Tracking force: 4.5 g (4.0–5.0 g)
• Tracking angle: 20°
• Coil wire: OFC (oxygen-free copper)
• Housing: wood-resin composite, bayonet/SME universal mount
• Weight: 35 g

Frequently asked questions

Why such a large stylus radius?

65 µm tracks above the typical wear zone, where narrower styli on old or heavily played mono records already pick up noise and crackle. This audibly reduces surface noise.

CG 25 Di or CG 65 Di – which one for my collection?

For well-preserved, later mono pressings, the CG 25 Di; for early 1950s pressings or heavily played records, the CG 65 Di. For mixed collections, we'll help you pick the right one.

Why buy the Ortofon SPU Mono CG 65 DI MKII from HD Zürisee?

Because we know from experience which radius works best for which pressing era, and we set the cartridge up properly. Mauri handles mounting and alignment for you here in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

For interchangeable headshells, turntable accessories, for the groove, record cleaning, and more from the world of vinyl.