Ortofon Windfeld - anyone heard one?

Hi Downunder,
yes I have heard it, I own one -- alas it is in with Ortofon for check-up/repair right now.

I had a thread on it, inquiring about its INDUCTANCE (not impedance). Ortofon does not measure this, they say.
I used to run it with an SUT also (FR XF-1), which prompted the inductance question due to primary trannie loading used.

Back to the sound, I would like to know what arm you will use with it. I had mine mounted in a SME V on a SME 10 'table.

Since you say you are using an SPU Royal, and have not mentioned "N", are you using a "G" head-shell Royal, not the one that goes into a 'normal' head-shell?
That would also mean a bayonet head-shell type arm i.e. more on the heavy side of it like SME 3009 or 3012?

The Windfeld with >13g mass is about a heavy as a medium weight arm (10 -11g mass SME V) will be fine with. There is a heavier weight for a lot of arms (also SME V) but I'm not sure that's always such a good idea.

The PW will sound more 'refined' than the Jubilee and a lot of other MC carts. It has a more 'balanced' sound -- not as 'jumped up' as some MCs can get. That's because of the damping system used.
It's not a 'lose cannon' or 'run away train' in the treble. For that reason it also prefers less loading (higher resistor value) 500 to 1k ohm and even no loading going into 47k is an option (YMMV).

This will give you some idea, and if you have more specific questions please ask.
Greetings,
Axel

Hi Downunder
you say:
>>> If the Windfeld is more refined in the upper frequencies - ... <<<
That is the case, I might call more 'delicate' also, compared to a Jubilee which itself is quite good at that. The Windfeld also has better bass punch, not to forget!

I had been looking into getting an SPU Royal N or G, or a SPU Synergy. Could you give me some idea, let's say compared to your DV XV-1s? and/or Jubilee please?
How would you characterise the main difference?

Thanks,
Axel

Thank you, Downunder
:-)
>>> Bottom line is I think the SPU is wonderful, but you need a 2nd cartridge that will be a bit more transparent when the recording warrants it. <<<

I was starting to get exactly THAT notion. It seems to explain (I'm a bit slow here, sorry) why so many commentators sport AT LEAST two arms and with cart(s).

I'm busy for (reasons explained) with a number of MM carts, and the same issue arises here also.

Now what's my next step? --- Go like Raul, who's excusing himself, that he ONLY can mount 10 tonearms/carts at a time?

Thank you for 'clarifying' that issue :-) ...

Axel
PS: As hard as I look, no way to get a second arm onto my SME-10... two cars, two arms, two carts, two... eish!

Hi Tobes,
oh yes, but as with all things audio, take that 'review/rave" with a pinch of salt...

It's a good cart, but you're not 'talking to angels' as yet with it :-)

I listen to a number of jolly good MMs (oldies) and they make that review a bit overenthusiastic in my view. It's sort of on the same level as the hype about the PW emanating from Ortofon's sales brochure...

Axel

Hi Tobes,
yes, I think it'd be just good to get some other perspectives on thatsubject.
There is one thing that struck me (always trying to find some explanation) when a lot of these MM where in use NOBODY, but for a few audio enthusiasts, knew much about VTA, never mind the other alignment subjects. Might this just have contributed to some 'lesser' regards for those oldies?
A guy that spend big $$$$ (at the time) on an MC and SUT (A MUST AT THAT STAGE) might just have been more 'into it' all...
Of course phono-stages have improved a lot also. If it was not for all of that, including really crappy TTs, the CD would NEVER have had much of a chance and gone the way e.g. SACD is going. How else to explain it.

Back to your P77, according to the 'Brothers' (straight from the horses mouth!) that P77 needs positive VTA a-plenty!
That's why it can sound the way you describe it, if run on e.g. a level arm. Your exact sound description of to small an SRA!

Greetings,
Axel