The SP6 and 7 are identical except that the body of the 6 has 1/2" lugs so it can be fitted to a non Beogram. The styluses are identical. The SP14 would be a good alternative but all of these models are NOS and hence 40 years old. Nothing wrong with that though - I have a modified SP2 made by Axel that is on my Beogram 3000 and it is superb. Getting a refurbished cartridge from Axel's successor would be what I would do.

The SP9 was the top of the range for the arm you have - these have an elliptical profile diamond and were fitted to the Beogram 3000 Thorens when fitted with the standard arm.

Hi Peter, 

Thanks so much for your reply - I'm still a little confused however...you mentioned that the Sp6 and sp7 are almost identical, but nonetheless two different styluses. Mine says SP6-7 on it - does that make it a combination/hybrid of the two, or is it simply just the cartridge saying that it will accept and Sp6 or and sp7? Apologies if that's stupid but I can't work out if there are 3 separate things i.e.an Sp6, an sp7 and an sp6-7? Many thanks again!

The sp6 and sp7 use the same stylus - and in fact the stylus for the sp8 and sp9 will fit on the body of the sp6 or 7. The only difference between the sp6 and sp7 is at the back of the cartridge where there is a bracket added on the cartridge body with the lugs for a 1/2" connection to a headshell.

I attach a picture of an SP8 I have - in its superb wooden case!!

Hi,

Your eBay item is suitable of course, but it is too expensive with no guarantee it won’t sound bad, even though it is new. I have one of those NOS stylii that sounds hopelessly muffled.

I suggest you make the seller an offer, and make sure they offer a money back possibility.

Hi Jacques,

Thanks so much for your advice - I have no idea how much is a fair price for one of these and you make a good point about there being no guarantee it will sound good.

Are you aware of anywhere that sells modern replica cartridges that I could use instead of looking for an original that may not work?

Thanks,

Matt

The best option is to have an old one re-tipped. Nobody makes new ones.

Make sure they replace the suspension.

Thank you again for the advice.

Do you think that having it re-tipped could solve the issue I was having where it would only play through the left speaker, or is that more likely an issue with the cartridge than the stylus?

Also, what does replacing the suspension do?

Apologies for all the questions - trying my best to learn!

Thanks