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These sonic evaluations are based on the work of our permanent external listening panel. The panel plays an essential role in the development process, especially for our MC cartridges, to ensure that we achieve the desired sonic performance. When reading these notes, please bear in mind that every listening experience is subjective and that factors such as the other components in the audio system and the listening room itself can have great impact on the resulting quality of sound. Therefore, the sonic notes on the various cartridges may not in every detail correspond exactly with your impression in your system in your room. But, because the sonic impressions of Ortofon’s “Golden Ears” listening team are based on a wide range of music auditioned on high-performance audio systems, we are confident that they are an accurate indication of what you will hear using a playback system of appropriate quality. We trust these notes will be a useful guide in selecting the right Ortofon cartridge to match your musical and sonic preferences. As noted in the descriptions, we strongly recommend experimenting with load impedance (if your system has user-selectable impedance settings) in order to optimize sonic performance. Enjoy. |
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MC 5000 The black ceramic body, sintered at approximately 1,200 degrees Celsius, is a rigid structure that eliminates resonances in the audible range. Mounted on a sapphire cantilever, Ortofon’s Nude Replicant diamond is cut to match the sapphire which cut the record groove as closely as possible. MC 5000 is a highly accurate, analytical and neutral transducer. All available information is retrieved from the grooves and music is crisply reproduced with palpable presence that converts your living room into a concert hall. A reference-grade audio system is required to reveal these qualities. Because
output is relatively low, a high-performance MC transformer or MC
preamplifier should be
used. Recommended load: 20 – 100
Ohms. Housed in the same body as MC 5000, this cartridge also employs the same Nude Replicant diamond, but mounted on a conical aluminium cantilever. MC 3000 Mk II has a strong sonic resemblance to MC 5000, with a milder, gentler, more laid-back style, while maintaining the integrity, power and authority of complex orchestral works. The listening room is experienced as an integrated part of the concert hall. As with MC 5000, the low output requires a high-performance MC transformer
or MC preamplifier with a recommended load of approximately 50 Ohms.
The actual load, is, as always, a question of personal preference. A
lower value will allow the sonic image to snap into sharper focus, while
a higher value will have the opposite effect. The white ceramic body offers the same fine acoustic properties as the MC 5000 Mk II and MC 3000 Mk II. Similarities to the two models above are immediately apparent, including the low-mass, non-magnetic armature to reduce the mass of the moving system. Mounted on a conical aluminium cantilever, the slim-line Nude FG 80 diamond offers marginally reduced contact to the groove wall, making correct cartridge mounting less critical. Resolution of fine detail and high frequency clarity are slightly reduced. This appeals to many enthusiasts who prefer tonal consistency and a wide open, yet unaggressive musical presentation. Output voltage
is similar to MC 5000/3000. When used with an MC preamplifier, a 50 – 200
Ohm load is recommended. The top of the line in Ortofon’s new reference series features entirely new exterior design and interior construction based on numerous technological advances in the service of your listening experience. Interior redesign has resulted in a substantially increased output
voltage of The acclaimed, finely polished Nude Shibata diamond is mounted on a boron cantilever. MC Jubilee also incorporates Ortofon’s patented WRD (Wide Range Damping) system to ensure outstanding tracking ability. Our listening panel’s notes: Amazing tonal neutrality, dynamics and purity of sound which set new standards for potency, detail, consistency and soundstaging. A high performance MC transformer or MC preamplifier is required to take full advantage of these qualities. MC Jubilee is fitted with 2.5 mm screw threads in the mounting base. Recommended load: 100 Ohms or much higher, unless the ancillary system
has bright tendencies. Named after Ortofon’s former managing director, in honour of many years of service, this cartridge is milled from a solid block of aluminium. The dark blue anodised body exploits aluminium’s special damping characteristics to suppress resonance. The slim-line Nude Orto-Line diamond ensures flawless tracking of even the most dynamic passages. MC Rohmann conveys the full range of detail and subtle nuance, even when a powerful brass section competes with the fine nuances of quieter instruments such as the flute or harpsichord. MC Rohmann is fitted with 2.5 mm screw threads in the mounting base. A high performance MC transformer or MC preamplifier is recommended. Recommended load: 100 Ohms or more. The exterior design of the matt stainless steel body signals close kinship with MC Jubilee. Featuring a slim-line nude FG 80 diamond mounted on a ruby cantilever, Kontrapunkt b delivers a lively, airy upper frequency range with richly etched detail to bring out the subtlest overtones. The bass has weight with resolution and authority that make the cartridge suitable for large-scale works of all genres. One contributing factor is the much higher 470 µV output. Kontrapunkt b is fitted with 2.5 mm screw threads in the mounting base. Recommended load: 50 - 100 Ohms. This cartridge features Ortofon’s Nude Fine Line elliptical diamond mounted on an aluminium cantilever. The listening panel recommends this model as the ideal choice for the afficionado who loves classical music, choral arrangements and acoustic jazz that require perfect balance and consistency from the deepest bass, across the crucial midrange and up through the highest high’s. The same high output as Kontrapunkt b ensures an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio even with MC inputs with lower gain. Recommended load: 50 - 500 Ohms. General: These two cartridges round out the Kontrapunkt line with the final two letters of Bach’s surname. Both incorporate Ortofon’s newly developed FSE (Field Stabilizing Element) to achieve optimal frequency response linearity by stabilizing the magnetic field – especially during complex crescendo passages – and to ensure consistently fine channel separation across the frequency band. An output of 470 µV ensures an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio
with any MC input. The conical aluminium cantilever is fitted with a Nude FG 80 diamond stylus. Our listening panel concludes: Kontrapunkt c is a true high end reference cartridge, conveying music with supreme precision, impact and dynamics. Its stereo imaging capabilities illuminate the furthest corners of the soundstage in all three dimensions. A high-resolution audio system is required to fully realize the information retrieval potential of this cartridge. Recommended load:
50 – 100 Ohms. For enhanced openness – as
high as 1,000 Ohms. This model features the same Nude Fine Line elliptical diamond stylus mounted on an aluminium cantilever as Kontrapunkt a. This cartridge employs Ortofon’s innovative FSE (Field Stabilizing Element) for exceptionally open bass and midrange with smooth, natural overtones. Recommended to enthusiasts who value tonally neutral reproduction of high-quality recordings over the more expressive handling of dynamic high-frequency detail of the Kontrapunkt c. Recommended load: 100 Ohms or higher, depending on the desired degree
of openness. General: With a high 500 µV output voltage, all models in the Supreme Series match a broad range of phono inputs, MC transformers and MC preamplifiers with resulting gains in signal-to-noise ratio. The Supreme Series features black anodized aluminium bodies with 2.5 mm screw threads. All models employ nude elliptical diamonds on aluminium cantilevers.
The Supreme audio signature is a powerful, detailed sound with emphasis
on dynamics and bass authority. The top model in this series employs the FG 80 diamond for optimal groove wall contact even during the loudest passages. The listening panel characterises its stereo image as wide open with clear focus on the overall musical event and an impressive sense of space around the performers. Recommended load: 50 - 150 Ohms, lower if the audio system has bright
tendencies. With the FG 70 diamond, this model retains most of the qualities of the MC 30 Supreme, especially a richly detailed upper frequency range. It is more forgiving and less critical with regard to the high frequency capabilities of loudspeakers. MC 20 Supreme is an all-rounder with solid bass, excellent resolution and fine rhythm and timing. Recommended load: 100 Ohms. The carefully selected elliptical diamond ensures an open, detailed midrange that allows the listener to easily follow the tonal contribution of each instrument to the whole. Slight high frequency brightness and moderately dynamic bass. Recommended load: 50 - 150 Ohms. General: All four models employ Alnico magnets with 200 or 340 µV output. Both body and mounting base are aluminium with the exception of MC 15 Super II which is housed in a black non-resonant body of synthetic Noryl. The mounting bases have unthreaded screw holes. MC 15 Super II offers a higher output of 340 µV. All four models employ Nude diamonds mounted on aluminium cantilevers.
The sonic signature is similar to the Supreme range, though somewhat
less dynamic. The top model in the series employs the Ortofon Nude Replicant diamond mounted on a conical aluminium cantilever. The listening panel concludes: Its light, smooth-flowing style is balanced by a characteristic warm midrange which allows the acoustics of the recorded space to be heard during quiet passages. The musical whole is emphasised without undue focus on details and dynamics. Recommended load:
50 – 100
Ohms. This cartridge employs the Nude FG 80 diamond mounted on an aluminium cantilever. Warm, fluid bass and midrange lend a pleasant sound with fine precision and good stereo imaging. Recommended load: 100 – 500
Ohms. This model features the finely polished Nude Fine Line elliptical diamond mounted on an aluminium cantilever. The body with hinged stylus guard and mounting base with no screw thread are moulded from non-resonant black synthetic Noryl. The motor assembly is adjusted for an substantial output of 340 µV. The listening panel awards MC 15 Super Mk II high marks for its potent, extrovert handling of the mid and high frequencies. The cartridge has excellent tracking ability and is well suited to large-scale performances in any genre. Reviews in the independent audio press compare MC 15 Super Mk II favourably to much more expensive competitors. Recommended load:
50 – 200
Ohms. This cartridge employs the Nude FG 70 diamond mounted on an aluminium cantilever. It shares the characteristic bass and midrange warmth of the MC 20 Super Mk II. Its upper frequencies are by design less finely detailed for listeners who prefer a less intense listening experience or for better matching with bright-sounding loudspeakers. Recommended load:
100 Ohms or higher. A lower value of 40 – 50
Ohms may be used for a more focused soundstage. General: Both models share an impressively high output of 500 µV. High output ensures a fine signal-to-noise ratio when using a conventional
MC transformer in an MM input or direct connection to the MC input of
a budget amplifier. The black anodised bodies include 2.5 mm screw threads
in the mounting base. This cartridge employs a finely polished Nude Fine Line elliptical diamond mounted on an aluminium cantilever. The listening panel’s conclusion: Excellent value for money, a musical all-rounder with all the classic moving coil virtues of fine detail, airiness, dynamics and extended frequency response with equal musical weight across the requency band from the deepest bass to the highest high’s. Recommended load: Greater than 100 Ohms. This model features a Nude elliptical diamond mounted on an aluminium cantilever. It offers outstanding tonal consistency and a relaxed upper frequency range, well-suited to enthusiasts who prefer a laid-back musical approach, instead of microscopic detail and in-your-face dynamics. Recommended load: Greater than 100 Ohms. This is the latest top model in the legendary SPU range extending back to 1958 when Ortofon established the Moving Coil as the dominant technology for high-performance LP playback. Unlike previous models, Royal N has no outer body. Instead, it is supplied with an adaptor for use in a headshell with standard 1/2” mounting. The mounting base is dark blue with a gold-plated cover. Total weight is 12.8 g including screws. An Ortofon Replicant 100 diamond is mounted on a gold-plated aluminium cantilever. Output is 200 µV. Royal N requires relatively high tracking force in return for its optimal tracking ability, with fine high-frequency detail and powerful dynamics, but somewhat reduced bass weight. Royal N is recommended for use with either a high-quality MC transformer
or an MC preamplifier with a recommended load of 100 Ohms or greater.
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