RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
(from The Ortofon website:)SPU Classic GE MKII The SPU Classic series embodies the essence of the original Moving Coils and are a perfect solution for the playback of both early and modern and contemporary stereo recordings.The SPU Classic GE MkII’s elliptical stylus profile provides more d...
Is A$980 good value for this cartridge, or are you paying top dollar for a niche moving-coil? Against the recent AUD comp set, it sits just under the 75th percentile at A$983, well above the median A$439, so this is an ambitious ask rather than a bargain.
That said, Ortofon’s higher-end MC designs are often admired for their speed, detail, and clean tracking, so a clean example can still make sense for someone chasing that presentation. The real upside here is only if the stylus/cantilever are fresh, the hours are low, and any original packaging or setup accessories are included; without that, I’d want stronger value than A$980.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Ortofon: A Century of Precision Sound
Ortofon traces its lineage to October 9, 1918, when Danish engineers Axel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen founded the Electrical Phono Film Company in Copenhagen. The name itself derives from Greek, meaning "correct sound"—a philosophy that has guided the company's trajectory for over a century. Initially focused on synchronized sound film technology, Ortofon pivoted to audio reproduction after 1945, when the superior recording quality of new cutting equipment revealed the inadequacy of existing playback systems. This gap sparked the development of the pioneering Ortofon mono pickup in 1948, establishing the foundation for the company's future dominance.
Today, Ortofon is the world's largest manufacturer of magnetic cartridges for phonograph turntables, producing approximately 500,000 units annually. The company's product portfolio centers exclusively on phono cartridges—both moving magnet and moving coil designs—with over 300 distinct models developed since 1948. This singular focus reflects deep specialization rather than diversification, positioning Ortofon as a micro-mechanical specialist rather than a broad-based audio manufacturer.
Ortofon occupies the high-end segment of the audio market, commanding respect among vinyl enthusiasts and professional studios alike. The brand benefits from Denmark's established reputation for acoustic engineering and industrial design, supported by in-house research and development. For discerning turntable owners, Ortofon cartridges represent the gold standard—a heritage brand whose century-long commitment to cartridge excellence remains unmatched in the industry.
See all Ortofon listings on RADAR.
audio-markt.de
Good
audio-markt.de
Good
audio-markt.de
Good
Marktplaats
ES
audio-markt.de
New
audio-markt.de
Good
DE
