Entering the second century of continuous innovation
A micro-mechanical powerhouse
From being a development laboratory for tone films in 1918 Ortofon became an important force in fostering the gramophone industry in 40's. Since the 80's, the development of products became highly influenced by major technological progresses with regard to materials and processing technology.
Today Ortofon develops, manufactures and markets the world acclaimed phono cartridges and components for the medico and hearing aids industries.
May 2022: Ortofon's quest for Accuracy in sound and Authenticity of experience
The greatest phono cartridge ever, the MC Diamond delivers recorded music like you’ve never heard it before. “The most authentic vinyl experience in the world”, - said by Leif Johannsen, Ortofon’s Chief Officer of Acoustics and Research. Featuring a titanium body, optimized magnet system, diamond cantilever and a new rubber suspension, the MC Diamond provides an entirely new level of experience for audiophiles.
This time, Ortofon's patented Wide Range Damping System (WRD) has been re-engineered to include an enhanced rubber suspension, specially developed in-house. The new rubber compound formula is based on the Multi Wall Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNT) highly efficient nano filler. The new rubber suspension offers desirable mechanical properties, which allow for optimal interaction between compliance and damping, that improves stability and playback and ensures unparalleled sound quality.
March 2022: Concorde ELITE - a world-class DJ cartridge
The Concorde ELITE is based on the legacy of the Ortofon Concorde MkII Series. Owing to the number of components' upgrades, the ELITE achieves a new level of sound quality, not previously found in the DJ categorized cartridges.
The Concorde ELITE features a new, special-molded gold-plated stylus body. The ELITE stylus uses Nude Elliptical diamond on a rigid Aluminum-Magnesium cantilever, which properties ensure that the stylus picks up the groove vibrations with a stable and accurate trace performance. The Nude Elliptical diamond, normally found in HiFi cartridges, delivers a powerful and detailed sound reproduction. Special developed Coil System transmits the diamond’s movements to deliver an optimized output. To ensure superior tracking performance, a new Rubber Suspension has been developed.
September 2021: a new premier model is launched
The MC Verismo has been developed based on our extensive knowledge of vibration properties, different shapes and materials characteristics, as well as competences in magnetism, mechanical design and technologies.
The MC Verismo is a state-of-the-art cartridge benefitting from an Ortofon's Replicant 100 diamond, a diamond Cantilever and the housing made in Titanium with the SLM technique pioneered by Ortofon. The coils are made of gold-plated, 6NX oxygen free copper.
August 2021: the 2M Black LVB 250 receives the EISA Award
The Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 has won the prestigious EISA Award in the category of Best Phono Cartridge 2021-2022.
The Expert Imaging and Sound Association is the community of 60 technology magazines, websites and social media commentators from 29 countries, specialising in Hi-Fi, home theatre and audio equipment. Every year, the EISA Awards celebrate those new products that combine the most advanced technology and desirable features with class-leading performance. The EISA award is reserved for the single best product within its category.
Continue reading here https://eisa.eu/awards/ortofon-2m-black-lvb-250/.
June 2021: Increasing production capacity
The production capacity of Ortofon is based on specially designed machines, that produce small precision components for our cartridges. That provides several advantages: we have the volume capacity and we can produce a large number of components with a relatively short lead time.
Once again Ortofon demonstrates the company’s technological prowess and persistent pursuit of innovation, having acquired an advanced Winding machine Meteor MMS101. The MMS 101 model is developed for the fully automatic winding of wire on electronic coils. 6 winding spindles can process nearly all types of coils. The machine conforms to the current state of the art technology and recognized safety regulations.
Making the wire winding on coils using automatic processing allows for more precise component assembly, uniform industrial manufacturing process and better acoustic performance of the products.
REACH Qualified Partner
As a manufacturer and supplier of products and components to the EU marked Ortofon should comply with the following regulations of the European Union:
1. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation EU 1907/2006
2. RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances), Directive EU 2011/65/EU, Annex II
3. POP (Persistent Organic Pollutants, Regulation EU 2019/1021
4. The European Conflict minerals regulation, Regulation EU 2017/821
To assure compliance with the a/m regulations and directives, Ortofon A/S and Ortofon Microtech partnered with Bureau Veritas HSE.
As a REACH Qualified Partner with Bureau Veritas HSE we will be able to continuously follow and comply with the actual regulations, rules and laws.
February 2021: Ortofon partners with PHONOCUT
Ortofon joins the new Austrian vinyl recorder company PHONOCUT to further develop high quality home vinyl recording.
63 years after the introduction of the first stereo cutterhead in 1957, Ortofon collaborates with PHONOCUT to develop a revolutionary approach to record production, bringing the art of cutting high quality vinyl records to the homes of around the world.
Ortofon’s Chief Officer of Acoustics and Research, Leif Johannsen actively joins the international PHONOCUT development team to contribute Ortofon’s expertise in High-End audio hardware development, production and quality control.
Leif Johannsen will participate in the final stages of PHONOCUT’s first generation home vinyl recorder to be shipped in 2021.
December 2020: the 2M Black LVB 250 Exclusive cartridge is launched
This year, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven, we announce the release of the 2M Black LVB 250 Exclusive Model.
The 2M Black LVB 250 uses a Nude Shibata diamond on a Boron cantilever, the combination known from the acclaimed MC Cadenza Black cartridge.
- The Nude Shibata stylus’s slim, highly polished profile allows an exceedingly wide contact area to the groove walls and ensures notably detailed reproduction throughout the spectrum, including even the highest frequencies.
- The use of an extremely stiff and lightweight Boron cantilever adds remarkable transparency, speed and responsiveness.
November 2020: Ortofon embraces the power of automation technology
Once again Ortofon demonstrates the company’s technological prowess and persistent pursuit of innovation, having acquired an advanced automated line for Moving Magnet styli assembly.
Making the replacement styli using automatic assembly allows for more precise component assembly, uniform industrial manufacturing process and better acoustic performance of the product.
Watch this amazing video: it not only shows the automated production process of the 2M Red replacement stylus step-by-step, but also reveals the complexity of the stylus design and assembly.
October 2020: the new Technology Hub
Ortofon continues its growth and opens the new Technology & Acoustic Center in Næstved in October 2020. The new Technology Hub is a part of Ortofon's development and growth strategy, with a special focus on Micro-mechanics and Medical Devices industry. The Technology Hub will be an integrated part of the corporate HQ and production facilities in Nakskov. The new department’s favourable geographical location on the South-West of Zealand opens up more opportunities for our company, in particular: events and Products DEMO for foreign partners who will be able to arrive and leave same day.
With the corona crisis Ortofon has experienced increasing demand for its phono cartridges. People spend more time at home and listen more to music. Therefore Ortofon has expanded its staff: technicians, engineers and production staff. The department in Næstved frees up some needed square meters for production in Nakskov. We hope the new Technology & Acoustic Hub can attract engineers looking for demanding assignments and professional development.
The new VNL cartridge for skilled DJs is launched in October 2020
Skilled DJs demand specialized tools that can help them push their creativity to the edge – consistently testing the boundaries in the realm of performance. Understanding this and reflecting our extensive experience in industrial design and technological know-how, we presents the new Ortofon VNL cartridge – a model tailored uniquely to the unrelenting demands of modern turntablists and portablists.
The VNL features a spherical stylus which is perfect for tough groove handling. Furthermore, it reduces record wear when scratching and back-cueing to an absolute minimum. The VNL provides excellent compatibility when used in an assortment of playback systems, ensuring it stays in the groove under the most demanding conditions.
The new DJ CUSTOM LAB is launched in April 2020
The Ortofon DJ CUSTOM LAB allows our customers to design their own unique Concorde model with just a few clicks.
How the DJ CUSTOM LAB works?
1. Choose your model according to your personal application.
2. Make your cartridge even more exclusive by chosing the components' colors you like, e.g. the type of the connector, the color of the fingerlift and the bottom plate.
3. And finally, personalize the design with your own logo.
Be creative, it's all on you! Dozens of possibilities...
Announcing the Vinyl Alliance foundation
Vienna, February 04, 2020: The Vinyl Alliance is a new industry organization dedicated to promoting awareness of vinyl records and composed of manufacturers, dealers, record companies and other interested parties.
The goal of the Vinyl Alliance is to strengthen the position of vinyl records in a digital world. The Association will offer global visibility and valuable services to the industry as a whole, as well as to its members, by pooling resources in research, quality and marketing activities.
Board members, from the left to the right → :
Board Member Kurt Van Scoy, Audio-Technica
Board Member Nike Koch, Sony Music Entertainment
Board Member Leif Johannsen, Chief Acoustics and Development Ortofon A/S
President Günter Loibl, Rebeat Innovation GmbH
Treasurer Thomas Neuroth, Rebeat Innovation GmbH
Secretary Mickie Steier, Masterdisk USA
Vice President Michael Hosp, kdg mediatech GmbH
May 2019: a new PREMIER model is launched
The MC Anna Diamond model represents the highest echelon of Moving Coil cartridges.
As its name suggests, the MC Anna Diamond uses a Diamond cantilever that in combination with Ortofon Replicant 100 diamond offers extreme transparency, speed and responsiveness beyond that of any other combination.
This state of the art product, representative of numerous Ortofon design elements and ideas, is truly exemplary of the highest degree of performance possible in contemporary analogue playback technology.
Ortofon new TRUE MONO EXCLUSIVE model launched in May 2019
The MC A MONO comprises numerous Ortofon design elements and ideals:
• The body of the cartridge is made in Titanium with SLM technique.
• A specially designed armature is used to achieve extreme precision in each coil turn in all layers.
• The magnet system is based on an extremely strong Neodymium magnet.
• Diamond: Special polished Ortofon Replicant 100 on Boron cantilever.
• Coil wire material: Aucurum, gold-plated 6NX oxygen free copper.
Concorde 40 Anniversary
The cartridge that ensured the survival of Ortofon through the last decade of the 20th century. "In 1979, the Concorde looked radically different to any cartridge that had been manufactured by Ortofon or any of its rivals up to then. However, the initial inspirations for its development were the search for a stylus that had a lower mass to fit in the VMS system and a design of an integrated cartridge and headshell that could be easily mounted on a tonearm without the need for screws or the plugging in of wires. Award-winning industrial designer Jan Trägårdh conceived the Concorde’s unique look." - by Kevin Howlett, "Ortofon 100 Anniversary. A century of accuracy in sound 1918 - 2018"
The Concorde 40 Anniversary was launched in November 2018. This Anniversary model uses the Nude Elliptical diamond and the 2M Blue improved engine. The sound is open, balanced, dynamic and detailed.
2018: Centenarian celebrations
There are very few companies which survive long enough to celebrate their 100th birthday, but Ortofon is one. With the publication of the Ortofon 100 years Anniversary book, we share our pride in Ortofon with the public; in particular, with our many loyal customers all over the world.
This book reveals the remarkable history of a company that for 100 years has always been in the business of acoustics. Ortofon has played a significant role in creating a rich heritage for Danish acoustics. As you will discover in the book, the list of Ortofon’s famous and groundbreaking products is a long one.
2018: A new Anniversary masterpiece
The SPU Century is built with the magnetic system based on the concept developed by Robert Gudmandsen to embody the essence of the original design as well as the original elements in the construction of the magnetic circuit.
With the SPU Century, the bar is raised for both its modern and vintage counterparts:
• At the mechanical heart lies a Selective Laser Melting manufacturing procedure.
• The best coil wiring comprising 5NX Silver Plated Oxygen Free Copper wire.
• The most sophisticated LW-800S lead wires are used for the internal terminal wiring.
• The new absolutely crucial feature is the use of a Nude Shibata diamond, considered one of the best stylus profiles available.
May 2018
The MC CENTURY was launched at the Munich High-End. The MC CENTURY represents the absolute top of Moving Coil cartridges. This state of the art product is truly exemplary of the highest degree of performance possible in contemporary analogue playback technology:
• The housing and the body of the cartridge are made in Titanium with SLM technique.
• High performance iron-cobalt alloy is applied for some parts of the magnet system.
• The armature damping system provides complete elimination of unwanted resonance.
• Ortofon Replicant 100 diamond tracing accuracy unparalleled by any other needle in existence.
• The crystal structure and exceptional hardness of the new Diamond cantilever ensures the best possible interface between the stylus and the armature.
2018: The revival of the iconic Ortofon cartridge
The Concorde CENTURY, Hi-Fi Concorde version, was launched at Munich High-End, May 2018.
Having celebrated many of previous anniversaries by launching innovative products, naturally, the approaching centennial year called for some grand designs and the relaunch of the cartridge that is emblematic of Ortofon’s pioneering approach to design – the Concorde.
With a tip of the hat to the Concorde’s origins, Ortofon released in a limited edition of 1.000 a Hi-Fi Concorde version THE CONCORDE CENTURY.
2018: Concorde MkII new generation
January 25th 2018 Ortofon released the new CONCORDE MkII GENERATION.
5 models designed from the ground-up featuring a variety of enhancements to fulfill the needs of any serious vinyl DJ: MIX, DJ, CLUB, SCRATCH and DIGITAL. Newly redesigned models, tailored uniquely to the demands of modern turntable DJs. The Concorde MkII’s unique 2-seqment body design creates a fresh and attractive aesthetic.
• All models benefit from a replaceable reinforced finger lift, which is easily replaced if broken.
• The cartridge bodies have been broadened, to offer greater stability during performances.
• Replacement styli offer a tactile feedback when seating, indicating a snug and secure fit, while a cut-out area in the front allows for far more accurate needle drops.
2017
February: Launch of the new Ortofon Reference Interconnect and Speaker cables Series designed and manufactured by Ortofon Japan.
May: Ortofon has extended the range of the Exclusives Series to include the brand new MC Windfeld Ti phono cartridge. At the heart of the MC Windfeld Ti lies a revolutionary customized Selective Laser Melting manufacturing technology pioneered by Ortofon for manufacturing of the legendary MC A90 in 2007. The use of Titanium in the MC Windfeld Ti has provided a further improvement to the overall rigidity of the structure and the cartridge weight.
December: A new masterpiece from Ortofon came in December. A perfect combination of Japanese and Danish craftsmanship and technique, the new SPU Wood A-shell is beautiful in finish and form, as well as in its sonic expression.
December: Adding choice to our value propositions: Ortofon OM 1S is introduced - a magnetic cartridge with a Spherical shaped stylus that provides balanced and distortion-free playback for general purpose applications.
2016
August: Ortofon SPU #1 models are launched. SPU #1 S and SPU #1 E cartridges are perfect all-rounders for the newcomers to the world of SPU.
October: HINMICO project completed. Ortofon in close collaboration with DTU Mechanical Engineering has been successfully working on development of HINMICO micro-factory concept. The HINMICO project's final results have enabled production of micro-components for consumer market and hearing aid industry by applying the new "integrated moulding and assembly" technology.
December: The Ortofon Test Record is introduced. The Test record is designed to verify the home HiFi system in the most natural audio surroundings - at home. The Test Record contains special test signals developed for analyzing cartridge performance as well as its interaction with your tonearm and turntable.
December: The DS-3, a new lightweight compact digital stylus pressure gauge model introduced. The DS-3 is a miniature ultra precision non-magnetic instrument that tunes tonearm to the highest possible degree.
2016
January: Ortofon obtained ISO 13485 certification with a scope "Manufacturing of components in plastic, rubber and metal for the medical device industry and manufacturing of Bone Conductors".
February: Ortofon participates in the Horizon 2020 - the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme. Ortofon A/S and DTU Mechanical Engineering are working in close collaboration to provide an all-round, comprehensive and specialized training in micro manufacturing.
March: ST-7 - a new versatile MC transformer introduced. The ST-7 is a perfect match the MC Quintet Series and the SPU Classic models.
May: A new headshell model LH-4000 introduced. The LH-4000 is is great for a wide variety of cartridges, specially recommended for the MC Quintet series.
September: The new MC Quintet Black S model graced with Shibata stylus on the Sapphire cantilever introduced. Sapphire is one of the best cantilever options that provides an excellent mechanical pulse transfer from the stylus to the coil system.
2013: Ortofon's 95 year Anniversary
2013: The new Exclusive Series Anniversary MC A95 cartridge introduced. A world class moving coil cartridge is launched to commemorate the 95th Anniversary of Ortofon’s technical leadership in the audio industry.
2014: Ortofon participates in the HINMICO project (The High Throughput INtegrated Technologies for Multimaterial Functional MIcro COmponents) developing the new micro-factory concept.
• The SPU 95th Anniversary introduced to celebrate Ortofonʼs 95 years of masterful analog research and technology. SPU A95 is a state of the art product representative of numerous Ortofon design elements and ideals.
• The 2M Mono Special Edition cartridge is specifically created as a tribute to the new mono Beatles albums set.
2015: Ortofon received the DTI (Danish Technological Institute) award "3D Print Series Production Prize 2015" for having been the "first movers" in mass production with the Selective Laser Melting technique - starting back in 2008.
• As a recognition of the company’s successful development and significant positive impact on local society, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, the Prime Minister of Denmark, visited Ortofon factory April 27th 2015.
95 year Anniversary
• A new accessory to the 2M Series cartridges introduced. The new 2M PnP headshell is a practical and elegant solution for our customers who wish direct and easy mounting and replacement on their tonearm. The combination of 2M Headshell and 2M Series cartridge adds unique distinction to the turntable.
• Ortofon starts serial production of the Bone Conductor - a niche product in hearing aid market. Ortofon core competences in acoustics and micromechanicals are ideally suited to the manufacture of bone conductors. A bone conductor produces vibrations that are transmitted through the skull to the inner ear where it is perceived as sound.
• MC Quintet Series introduced. Each of the five Quintet Series cartridges has its own individual sonic expression, and all five models together represent the ensemble of five classic variations. The cartridges in this new series are more than worthy successors to the long line of models that has made Ortofon the global leader in the manufacture and supply of phono cartridges.
2011: An exceptionally high quality headshell LH-10000 introduced. LH-10000 incorporates damping technology promoting a further reduction in unwanted resonances.
• The Ortofon’s MC Anna launched. MC Anna represents the highest echelon of Moving Coil cartridges. This state of the art product, representative of numerous Ortofon design elements and ideals, is truly exemplary of the highest degree of performance possible in contemporary analogue playback technology.
2012: Ortofon introduced an addition to the range of the 2M Series - 2M Verso models are alternative producs for the customers who own bottom mount tonearms.
• The new True MONO models 2M 78 and 2M Mono are for playback of respectively 78 rpm and Mono microgroove vinyl records are launched.
• Ortofon extended the range of proven and recognized Tonearm, Interconnect and Speaker Cables.
2010: The establishment of a separate B2B division Ortofon Microtech manufacturing components to the hearing aid industry.
• Introduction of the Ortofon TA-110 tonearm with a special vibration damping rubber insert. TA-110 has gone to the next level by reducing unwanted vibrations in the tonearm.
2011: Ortofon continues to expand successful step-up transformer range with introduction of the new stunningly looking ST-80 SE Moving Coil transformer.
• Launch of the Ortofon Xpression High-End cartridge, a modern high performance cartridge with a standard headshell connector. Ortofon Xpression bridges the gap between SPU-type cartridges and High-End cartridges like the MC A90 and the MC Windfeld designed for headshell mounting.
• The new TA-210 12" tonearm introduced. Our extensive knowledge of vibration properties and characteristics in different shapes and materials has been applied for optimization of TA-210 tonearm.
Ortofon celebrates its 90th Anniversary
2008: The MC Windfeld is launched, using the newly developed state-of-the-art technology. This highly advanced design is seen as a tribute to Ortofon’s departing engineer Mr. Windfeld, who has been a feature of the high-end culture as head of the companies R&D for more than 30 years.
• MC Cadenza Series, SPU 90th Anniversary and MC A90 are lanched. Ortofon paves the way for the use of Rapid Manufacturing technology and the SLM Manufacturing technique.
2010: Launch of the revolutionary new DJ cartridge Ortofon-Serato S-120. S-120 represents a completely new way of constructing and designing cartridges. Its breakthrough patent pending technology has been designed to provide maximum freedom for DJ performances.
• The same year Ortofon wins the HBH marketing award for its DJ marketing. It is the most prestigious marketing award in Denmark, previously awarded to companies with innovative marketing strategies.
Ortofon turns 85 years
2003: To celebrate Ortofon's 85th anniversary the SPU 85 is introduced.
• Based on requests from international DJs Ortofon introduces a new cartridge for the Disco scene - the Concorde Elektro for the Techno.
2004: The MC Rondo Series: Rondo Red, Blue and Bronze models and MC Dance Series: MC Tango, MC Samba and MC Salsa are launched.
2005: Ortofon enter into a sponsorship contract with Q.Bert Thud Rumble, Concorde Q.Bert cartridge, co-developed by one of the most legendary DJs of all time is introduced.
• SPU Synergy GM and A models launched respectively 2005 and 2006.
2006: The production is further extended to Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) products, B2B division.
2007: The 2M Series cartridges are introduced. Each of the 2M Series cartridges has its own individual sonic expression, and all models together represent the ensemble of five classic variations.
Ortofon 80 year Anniversary
1998: To celebrate Ortofon's 80th anniversary the completely newly designed MC Jubilee is introduced together with SPU Royal.
1999: The Scratch cartridges for DJs who exact perfection are successfully introduced. Ortofon obtains a leading position within the manufacturing of the DJ Scratch cartridges and continues to be the exclusive cartridge and styli sponsor of the Technics/DMC DJ World Championship held in New York.
2000: On the day of Johann Sebastian Bach's 250th anniversary Ortofon launches the Kontrapunkt B and Kontrapunkt A MC phono cartridges.
The BACH Kontrapunkt Series of cartridges is completed when Ortofon launches the Kontrapunk C and Kontrapunkt H in 2003.
Ortofon celebrates its 75th Anniversary
1993: Ortofon celebrates its 75th anniversary by introducing the top model MC 7500.
1995: In honor of Erik Rohmann, Ortofon's long-time Managing Director, Ortofon launches the Rohmann Moving Coil cartridge.
1995: Based on many years' experience with producing Disco cartridges and a close contact with DJ's, Concorde DJ S with extremely high robustness is introduced.
1996: The masterpiece of Mr.Robert Gudmandsen, the SPU Meister Silver with coil wires of 6-N pure silver is introduced. The SPU Mono CG-Di and CA-Di cartridges engineered and introduced back in 1948 are revived employing exactly the same technology.
1997: Ortofon is awarded as one of the fastest growing companies in Denmark.
The company's 70th Anniversary
1988: The MC 70 Anniversary Moving Coil cartridge is introduced in October.
• Ortofon PPA 600 professional Two-Channel Power Amplifier launched among other products: MC 30 Super II, MC 20 Super II, MC 10 Super II, HMC 20 and HMC 10 cartridges.
1989: A wide range of new products introduced: SPU Reference, SPU Mono, HMC 30, T20 MkII, RMG 309 arm Limited edition, RMG 212 arm Limited edition, MC 2000 MkII, MC 3000 MkII.
• The Night Club Series for Discos featuring easier cueing, improved styli, better sound and a higher stability is introduced.
1990: Ortofon introduces the world’s first 99,99999 % (7N) Super Pure Copper Cables for Audio- and Speaker Application for Audio- and Speaker Application.
1992: The SPU Meister is introduced to celebrate Mr. SPU Robert Gudmandsen’s 50th anniversary working at Ortofon.
Mr. Gudmandsen was also personally awarded by the Danish Queen Margrethe II.
Robert Gudmandsen on the right and then-CEO of Ortofon Eric Rohmann on the left →
Ortofon turns 65 years
1983: Ortofon Inc., a subsidiary company, is established in Plainview, New York.
Ortofon Instruments launches the P400 measuring instrument for the production floor test of audio transducers.
1984: The silver colored Concorde Pro and OM Pro, which combine the sound quality with the ruggedness for the professionals (DJs) is introduced to expand into a new area of business.
• OMP series including OMP 10, 20, 30 and MCP 100 Super launced.
1985: MC 20 Super introduced.
1986: Scan Micro, Ortofon’s BtB facility, is established as a separate division. Scan Micro starts the production of diamond styli.
• MC 30 Super, X1-MC and X3-MC launched.
1987: SPU Classic GM E, SPU Classic AE, T-3000 transformer for use with MC 3000 cartridge introduced.
1980: The Instrument Department is established with the objective of developing and producing advanced measuring equipment for the audio industry.
• VMS 10E MkII, VMS 30 MkII and Concorde STD launched.
1981: Ortofon introduces the world's first low mass magnetic cartridges LM10 and LM15 with a very high compliance andthe net weight reduced to only 2.5 grams.
• SMG 212/SKG 212MkII tonearms manufactured.
• A deluxe version of SPU - SPU Gold GM, SPU Gold in A-shell, T-30 transformer introduced.
1982: MC 2000 cartridge and T2000 transformer introduced.
MC 10 Super, MC 100 and MC 200 Universal, TMC 200 and TM 20H models introduced.
1960: Stereo Amplifier type 601 (2 x 15 watt) is a new popular product on the market.
Mid 60s: The S-15 series were designed, the series was based on the SPU: the S 15T with an integral transformer, weighing 18.5 g and a lighter model without transformer, the SL 15, weighting 7g. Both the S 15T and SL 15 had improved channel separation and compliance over that of SPU.
1969: The first magnetic cartridge, the M-15, constructed on the VMS (variable magnetic shunt) generating system is launched.
1970: The production facility moves to a new factory in Nakskov, Denmark.
1976: AS 212 tonearm manufactured. The introduction of the MCA 76 pre-amplifier in order to match the Moving Coil cartridges and amplifiers.
1977: The iconic MC 20 is launched in Japan.
1979: Ortofon receives the Danish Industrial Design Award for its Low Mass Concorde integrated cartridge/headshell configuration. Concorde 30, Concorde 20, MC 20 MkII, LM 30(H), LM 20(H), SME 30H manufactured.
1947: Ortofon A/S is established as a trading company under Fonofilm Industri A/S. The name Ortofon derives from the Greek words “orto” (meaning "correct") and “fon” (meaning "sound").
1948: The world’s first Moving Coil cartridge is engineered with characteristics that match the quality level of the cutterhead.
1953: The first A212 tonearm in the range is manufactured.
1957: In the transition from mono to stereo, Ortofon develops stereo cutterheads.
1957-1959: During these years Ortofon develops its legendary SPU stereo cartridge. The SPU (Stereo Pick Up) is launched in 1959. The target audience is primarily professionals, e.g. the Danish State Broadcasting Company, the Swedish State Broadcasting Company and Deutsche Grammophon. SPU launched in A-shell and GM-shell.
1918 9th of October: the Electrical Phono Film Company is founded by Axel Petersen (1887-1971) and Arnold Poulsen (1889-1952) with the objective of developing one of the world’s first synchronized sound film system.
1923 12th of October: the first sound film recorded indoors is shown at the Palace Theatre, Copenhagen.
1924 March: the world’s first sound film recorded outdoors is made.
1938-1944: During this period microphones, dynamic compressors, oscillographs, optical instruments and similar equipment & accessories are developed.
1946: The first mono cutterhead for the gramophone industry is developed. The cutterhead is revolutionary because the level of registration of the oscillations is raised from 5 kHz to 14 kHz.
The company name is changed to "Fonofilm Industri A/S".
