Bang & Olufsen SP-15
A lightweight MMC phono cartridge with high-frequency extension and low tracking force, made for Bang & Olufsen turntables.
Overview
The Bang & Olufsen SP-15 is a moving micro cross (MMC) phono cartridge made by Bang & Olufsen. It belongs to a series of high-fidelity cartridges built for accurate stereo reproduction. Tracking force runs from just 0.7g to 1.5g, so it was built to go easy on records. Channel separation is 25 dB or more at 1 kHz. The MMC system is a proprietary Bang & Olufsen technology for converting mechanical motion to an electrical signal in vinyl playback.
Specifications
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 30 kHz ± 2.5 dB; 50 Hz to 20 kHz ± 1.5 dB |
| Stylus tip | 0.2 x 0.7 mil (oval) |
| Tracking force range | 0.7g ~ 1.5g |
| Channel separation | 25 dB or More (1 kHz) |
| Channel balance | Within 1.5 dB |
| Compliance | 30 x 10^-6 cm/dyne (min) |
| Vertical tracking angle | 15° |
| Output voltage | 3mV/5cm/s |
| Load impedance | 47k Ω |
| Cartridge weight | 4g |
Design
The SP-15 uses the MMC (Moving Micro Cross) system, a core Bang & Olufsen technology. The design stresses mechanical precision and low mass, which helps high-frequency response and channel separation.
Market
The SP-15 had an original price of ¥36,000 circa 1973. A replacement stylus or body cost ¥18,000, which put it in the premium serviceable class of cartridges at the time.
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