Considering an upgrade to a moving-coil cartridge? Ortofon's latest MC X series may be the solution you're seeking.
Ortofon Unveils the MC X Series: A Game-Changer for Moving-Coil Cartridges!
Say hello to Ortofon's latest offering - the MC X range! Replacing the celebrated Quintet series, this Danish cartridge specialist has rolled out four new models that promise to redefine your vinyl listening experience. Let's delve into the intricacies of the MC X family!
The lineup includes the MC X10 (£269), MC X20 (£429), MC X30 (£599), and range-topper MC X40 (£875). Regardless of the model, they all share the same generator system and housing design. What sets them apart are the variations in stylus tip types. The MC X40 boasts a boron cantilever, while the others employ an aluminum one.
Ortofon's dedicated team of engineers have left no stone unturned in their quest for perfection, starting from scratch to push performance boundaries. The MC X series is built upon a new honeycomb stainless-steel core, infused with the latest Metal Injection Molding (MIM) technology. This design echoes that of Ortofon's ultra-premium, cutting-edge MC-90X.
Each MC X cartridge features a refined magnet system, custom rubber dampers, and hand-wound coils made of ultra-thin, high-purity silver wire. Ortofon's unwavering commitment to quality is evident in their in-house production of most components, including the rubber suspension system.
The MC X cartridges exhibit impressive consistency in their specifications. From the sensible 0.4mV output level to the conventional 2.0g recommended tracking force, and their weight of 8.6g, you can expect a smooth performance across multiple tonearms and phono stages.
After comparing all four models, Ortofon’s listening room in Næstved, Denmark, paints a compelling picture:
- The entry-level MC X10 delivers a surprising punch for the price. While we'll reserve final judgments for a more controlled environment, our initial impressions positive and expectations high.
- The MC X20 impresses with its improved detail and mature presentation, offering better insight into recording layers.
- If budget permits, consider the MC X30. Preliminary listening suggests it could be the sweet spot of the range, boasting enhanced clarity, dynamics, and naturalness.
- The range-topper, MC X40, excels in revealing an even larger soundstage and resolving more detail. While it may not match the MC X30 in overall musical cohesion and engagement, its finer brushwork may sway audiophiles seeking greater information and accuracy.
The MC X range represents a significant leap from the much-loved Quintet series, bringing advanced features, superior materials, and consistent performance to the mass market of vinyl enthusiasts. We eagerly await putting these new cartridges through our rigorous listening tests!
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[1] Ortofon MC X Range: The Driving Force Behind the Transformation[2] Ortofon MC X Series vs Quintet: How the New Line Compares to Its Predecessor[3] Best Cartridges of 2021: Our Top Picks Across All Budgets[4] Ortofon MC X40: A Beacon of Innovation at an Accessible Price Point[5] The Art of Cartridge Design: Decoding the Differences Between MC X and Quintet
- The highly anticipated MC X range from Ortofon has been unveiled, promising to revolutionize moving-coil cartridges and your vinyl listening experience.
- Ortofon's new lineup consists of four models: the MC X10, MC X20, MC X30, and MC X40, each sharing a common generator system and housing design, while differing in stylus tip types.
- Engineered with precision, the MC X series showcases a new honeycomb stainless-steel core, integrated with Metal Injection Molding (MIM) technology, similar to that of Ortofon'sflagship MC-90X.
- Spectacular features of the MC X range include a refined magnet system, custom rubber dampers, and hand-wound coils made of ultra-thin, high-purity silver wire.
- In terms of specifications, the MC X cartridges exhibit consistent output levels, recommended tracking forces, and weights, ensuring smooth performance across varied tonearms and phono stages.
- Following testing in Ortofon's listening room, the MC X range appears to offer improved sound quality and detail as compared to the Quintet series, with the MC X30 being a standout as the sweet spot of the range.
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