Ortofon MC X Cartridge Series Launched at High End Munich

In the world of vinyl playback, the journey begins with a cartridge tracking your record. Ortofon's new MC X range of moving coil cartridges, comprising the MC X10, MC X20, MC X30, and MC X40, features a new magnet system, silver coil wire, a range of cantilever materials, and diamond stylus profiles.

At the core of the MC X Series is an advanced honeycomb-structured stainless-steel frame created using Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) technology. Ortofon states that this construction "ensures superior mechanical stability" and provides the ideal foundation for precise and accurate sound reproduction.

Following the moulding and sintering process, a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) surface treatment is applied to enhance the surface appearance and maintain material integrity over time.

All MC X cartridges feature quad coils wound with high-purity silver wire and a newly developed magnet system with a one-piece pole cylinder integrated into a rear magnet yoke. Engineered for maximum magnetic efficiency and paired with pure silver coils, the company says this configuration "ensures a clean, powerful signal path that elevates overall performance."

Meanwhile, in-house produced and developed rubber compounds are key to the MC X Series' mechanical damping system. Rubber dampers are essential for controlling the physical movement of the coils, maintaining stability, minimising unwanted vibrations, and enabling precise coil motion. The manufacturer proclaims this design results in superior tracking, reduced distortion, and musical accuracy.

MC X10 features a refined elliptical diamond stylus (r/R 8/18 µm) and aluminium cantilever that promises clarity and precision, bringing your records to life with stunning detail. It's the perfect starting point for an exceptional audio journey. Channel separation at 1 kHz is listed as 24dB.

The MC X20 features a nude elliptical diamond stylus (r/R 8/18 µm) on an aluminium cantilever with Ortofon highlighting it to reveal greater depth and definition, uncovering the whole character of each track. Channel separation at 1 kHz is listed as 25dB.

The MC X30 promises to push your listening even further thanks to its nude fine-line diamond stylus (r/R 8/40 µm) and aluminium cantilever. We're told to expect "extraordinary accuracy and resolution, rendering your music and every track with breathtaking detail and dynamic range." Channel separation at 1 kHz is said to be 26dB.

MC X40 is the pinnacle of the MC X Series, with Ortofon stating it is "designed for the most discerning audiophile". Featuring a nude Shibata diamond stylus (r/R 6/50 µm) mounted on a rigid and lightweight boron cantilever, this cartridge promises unparalleled transparency, speed, and responsiveness. Channel separation at 1 kHz is shown as 26dB.

All cartridges in the range are spec'd with a 0.5dB channel balance at 1 kHZ, weigh 8.6 grams and require a recommended 2-gram tracking force and >50 Ω load resistance. Dynamic lateral compliance across the range is 15 µm/mN, aside from the MC X10's 13 µm/mN. Similarly, frequency response is given as 20Hz-20kHz +/-1 dB, except for the MC X10, whose figure is +/-2 dB.

The MC X10 is priced at £269/ €299, the MC X20 is £429/ €399, the MC X30 comes in at £599/ €599, and the range-topping MC X40 will sell at £875/ €999.

Stay tuned for a StereoNET review of the MC X10, which is coming soon.

Visit Ortofon for more information