Bang & Olufsen SP-12

A moving micro cross (MMC) phono cartridge designed for high-fidelity vinyl playback

Overview

The Bang & Olufsen SP-12 is an MMC cartridge using the MMC (Moving Micro Cross) system, built for precise analog audio reproduction. Manufactured by Bang & Olufsen, it was sold with an original price of ¥19,000 around 1973. This cartridge is designed for use with 47k Ω input impedance and delivers a balanced signal across a wide frequency range. The exchangeable stylus unit is designated Type 5430, priced at ¥19,000 at release.

Specifications

TypeMMC Cartridge
Frequency band15 Hz to 25 kHz ± 3 db
Stylus Diameter0.2x0.7 mil (oval)
Proper needle pressure1.0g ~ 1.5g
Channel separation25 dB or More (1 kHz)
Channel balanceWithin 2 dB
Compliancemin:25x10^-6 cm/dyne
Vertical tracking angle15 °
Output voltage5mV/5cm/s
Load impedance47k Ω
Dead weight8.5g
Exchange needleType 5430(¥19,000)

Design

The SP-12 is an MMC cartridge that uses the Moving Micro Cross system, designed for accurate stereo signal retrieval and extended frequency response.

eBay Listings

Bang & Olufsen SP-12 vintage audio equipment - eBay listing photo 1
Pfanstiehl needle - 264-DE / Bang & Olufsen SP-12 cartridge
$120
Bang & Olufsen SP-12 vintage audio equipment - eBay listing photo 2
Bang & Olufsen SP-12 Cartridge Review, 1 pg, 1971
$9.99
Bang & Olufsen SP-12 vintage audio equipment - eBay listing photo 3
Bang & Olufsen SP-12 Cartridge Review, 1970, 2 pages
$9.99
Bang & Olufsen SP-12 vintage audio equipment - eBay listing photo 4
Bang & Olufsen SP-12 Cartridge Review, 1 page, 1971
$13.00
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