Decided to try a SPU cartridge

SPUs are typically very low impedance devices that work exceptionally well run directly into transimpedance phono preamps. Usually a perfect combo 🎶

The only caveat I can think of could the be use of a coaxial signal cable that may treat the +/- signals differently. I prefer a cable (e.g. twisted pair) whose equal outputs are just an extension of the cartridge pins.

Preferably a tonearm with an overhang adjustment such as SME’s Horizontal Tracking Adjustment base which I believe the Groovemaster II has.

While a conventional SPU has no zenith adjustment, a strong case for conical/spherical types, it never hurts to have flexibility for such pickups.

Oddly enough, the SME manual conflates the two.

And has been doing so since 1959 😉

@cleeds HTA is Horizontal Tracking ANGLE (not adjustment) which IS the way to adjust overhang on an SME tonearm.

HTA/zenith semantics aside, IMO the use of a standard SPU will benefit greatly from any tonearm featuring an SME style HTA adjustable base.

@cleeds on defining HTA:

The SME base allows for adjusting overhang, not HTA. Overhang and HTA are two different things.

I never implied they weren’t.

Overhang adjustment on any conventional radial tonearm will affect HTA - period.

Your image linked to the Audio Technica Headshell accurately displays how one must skew the zenith (HTA) in an slotted headshell when an adjustable HTA armbase such as supplied by SME is not available.

@cleeds I agree completely.

I believe we’re saying the same thing if we consider HTA = Zenith.

Ditto 👍

Ortofon’s SPU Classic GM E MKII looks like my pick once they’re back in stock.

there is one arm manufacturer that the SPU's will work with that flies in the face of this rule, this being the Viv Lab's Rigid Floats.

Wow, you’ve definitely got my attention! This is exactly what I was planning on trying as soon as Ortofon had SPU Classic GM E MKII inventory again. With the headshell collet of the ViV Labs, I would assume a std (non 1/2”) SPU would also be ideal. 

From what I am hearing from users, seems like offset angle/zenith/HTA may not be the end all. Lateral stability in the generator from an absence of antiskating compensation makes for an experience normally associated with linear tangential trackers. May be a function of their ferrofluid damping? Seems like an interesting topic for discussion. Looking forward to investigating soon.

@kennyc 

. . . the ViV won't work on a SPU "G" but may likely work on SPU "N".

The ViV should work with either style. My plan is to try the “G” version SPU Classic GM E MKII, as soon as I hear from Louis, on a ViV.