Ortofon SPU Royal N MC Cartridge

The Ortofon SPU Royal N is a moving-coil cartridge with a nude Ortofon Replicant 100 stylus and gold-plated silver coils – the flagship of the SPU-N line, without an integrated housing.

"N" stands for the design without its own SPU housing: the Royal N is a pure cartridge body, mounted via a separate SPU-N adapter onto any universal tonearm – considerably lighter and more flexible than the integrated G models.

Why the SPU Royal N?

The nude Replicant 100 stylus, with its asymmetrical grind (r/R 5/100 µm), follows the groove shape with exceptional precision and delivers the finest resolution of the entire SPU family. At just 13 g (compared to 28–38 g for the G models), the Royal N also fits lighter and medium-mass tonearms that would be unsuited to the heavy integrated SPUs.

What you'll hear

The warm SPU house sound, but with the highest resolution and finest detail the line has offered so far. Details in attack and decay become audible without losing the series' musicality.

Who is the SPU Royal N for?

For SPU connoisseurs with a universal tonearm and SPU-N adapter who want to extract maximum resolution from the form factor. Straight talk: without the right adapter, the Royal N can't be mounted at all – clarify this beforehand. If you prefer the integrated SPU housing, go for the Meister Silver G MK II.

Our verdict

The resolution flagship of the SPU family: lighter, finer, pricier – for tonearms that benefit from lower moving mass.

Technical specifications

• Type: MC cartridge without housing, requires SPU-N adapter
• Stylus tip: Nude Ortofon Replicant 100, r/R 5/100 µm
• Output voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 0.2 mV
• Internal impedance (DC): 7 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 100 ohms
• Channel separation (1 kHz): 25 dB
• Stylus compliance (dynamic, lateral): 8 µm/mN
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (+1.5/−0 dB)
• Tracking force: 3.0 g (2.5–3.5 g)
• Tracking angle: 20°
• Coil wire: gold-plated silver
• Weight: 13 g (without adapter)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special adapter for the Royal N?

Yes, the SPU-N adapter. Without a housing, the Royal N can't be mounted directly into a tonearm – the adapter provides the mechanical mount and the SME/bayonet connection.

What sets the Royal N apart from the G models like the Meister Silver G?

The Royal N comes without an integrated SPU housing (13 g instead of 28 g) and uses the Replicant 100 stylus instead of an elliptical or spherical one – making it lighter and higher-resolution, but dependent on the right adapter.

Why buy the Ortofon SPU Royal N from HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you whether your tonearm suits the SPU-N adapter, and we align the Replicant 100 stylus with particular care. Mauri handles this for you in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

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