Ortofon Moving Coil phono cartridges

Nothing demonstrates Ortofon's long-standing resilience more than its commitment to the refinement of analogue sound quality and its continued development of new cartridge's models.

Setting the bar high for the cartridges

Nothing demonstrates Ortofon's long-standing resilience more than its commitment to the refinement of analogue sound quality and its continued development of new cartridge's models.

The first Ortofon cartridge, the MC Mono-A cartridge was developed by Holger Christian Arenstein in 1948. In 1958 the first SPU - Stereo Pick Up came to the market.

Since 1948 Ortofon has introduced more then 100 different Moving Coil models, with our latest being the MC Century. 

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Lightweight model MC 20

A new MC lightweight model, MC 20, was introduced in 1977 and two years later the MC 20 MK II came. The MC 20 MK II became the first cartridge to be implemented with the patented Wide Range Damping System which insured very high tracking ability. Both models were awarded by the Japanese Grand Prix Committee.

Since the 80s, the development of Moving Coil cartridges became highly influenced by major technological progresses with regard to materials and processing technology.

Very strong magnetic materials like Samarium Cobalt and Neodymium almost decimated sizes of magnetic circuits and even increased cartridge output data at the same time. New thin cantilever rods made from very hard Sapphire, Boron and Ruby mounted with exceptional new diamonds profiles were implemented as well as extremely pure Japanese copper and silver wires for MC-coils.

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New processing technology

Processing technology for molding complex structures in either ceramic or pure metals, based on  the special Metal Injection Molding process, created completely new design possibilities and has successively been introduced by Ortofon suppliers in either ceramic, stainless steel or pure iron parts.

In 2004 Ortofon started using a wood-powder resin material for new SPU-G housings as well as for the Rondo models.

Contrary to other types of phono catridges, the moving coil principle is not suited for mass production. Each of the four coils contains between 11 and 24 turns of wire, depending on model, and has to be wound by hand under a microscope.

The high degree of craftsmanship involved is one of the "secrets" behind Ortofon's reputation.

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We preserve our heritage by continuously investing in technology and product development

In 2008 Ortofon introduced two completely new anniversary models that were designed in cooperation with the Danish Technological Institute.

The SPU 90th Anniversary and MC A90 phono cartridges were thought as a celebration of a significant milestone in the Ortofon history and was the result of a research spanning the Ortofon technological heritage and the emergence of new manufacturing technology called Selective Laser (Rapid) Manufacturing or SLM.

This specifically product related SLM technique is also applied to the Xpression, MC Anna, SPU A95, MC A95 and MC Windfeld Ti phono cartridges.

Ortofon has a long history and a rich heritage, but the most important point is to have something to offer today’s consumer. It is our philosophy that even a traditional product can benefit greatly from new technology and industrial competences.

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In continuation of the new paradigm in engineering and manufacturing

The MC Windfeld Ti, a new moving coil phono cartridge in the absolute high-end class was introduced in 2017. At the heart of the MC Windfeld Ti lies a revolutionary customized SLM manufacturing technology. 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.

The new MC Windfeld Ti has gone to the next level by reducing unwanted vibrations and increasing the dynamic capability of the cartridge.

Those who choose to adopt the MC Windfeld Ti will experience the lifelike, dynamic and open sound, with exceedingly clear midrange. The MC Windfeld Ti remains extremely musical while paying close attention to micro dynamic details, with its delicate, but also analytical nature.

MC Century on tonearm

2018: Celebrating 100 years of masterful analog research

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. The combination of Nude Ortofon Replicant 100 diamond on Diamond cantilever provides extremely responsive and transparent sound reproduction.

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Our Support Team is ready to help you and will offer value-added technical expertise to all our customers.