Ortofon MC Rondo Series phono cartridges

Rondo cartidges are made of wood, a natural and unique material for acoustic products.

  • Wood is an excellent material for a cartridge, but difficult to use. So when we were informed from Japan about a new moulding material based on 55% grinded wood in a resin matrix, that was to be processed by injection moulding just like thermoplastic material, the chance of making even more complicated structures in the design became of high interest.

The well-known Japanese tradition in decorative art and lacquering techniques also became of interest for the presentation of a quite new look for the Rondo models. Rondo Series comprises Rondo Red, Rondo Blue, and Rondo Bronze models. The chosen surface colours and decorations are basic Bronze - Blue and Red lacquer modulated by black shadows. We decided that the tooling process was to take place in Japan based on the drawings and specifications made by Ortofon engineers.

The integrated Ortofon MC-system used for Rondo models involves new and well-known components responsible for the exclusive Ortofon sound quality and easy mounting:

The integrated Ortofon MC-system used for Rondo models involves new and well-known components responsible for the exclusive Ortofon sound quality and easy mounting:

  • The use of Neodymium magnets are inplemented for achieving 500μVolt high outputs - to obtain the best signal to noise ration for the customers.

  • A combination of diamonds and cantilevers with individually developed damping systems for the models was arranged for very linear frequency responce and a high tracking ability.

  • A very special genuine copper wire with a two-layer gold plating was chosen for the armature windings. The material Aucurum shows excellent resistance to corrosive elements from the environment and thereby stabilizes the conductivity of the small number of armature windings in the system, which - again - is very important for the quality of sound.

  • A very close mechanical contact between the wood-based housing and motor units has resulted in a new homogeneous sound quality. By using wood, we have learned about the amazing non-resonant influence wood makes on the sound image.

Ortofon MC Rondo Bronze phono cartridge

The Nude FG80 diamond is mounted on a conical aluminum cantilever yielding very linear frequency response over the entire frequency range, while at the same time ensuring very high tracking ability. Recommended load resistance between 50 and 100 Ohm depending on personal preference of openness. Higher load resistance will always tend to more liveliness and space in sound-image.

Ortofon Golden Ear Panel statement says:

The sound from the Rondo Bronze cartridge is very detailed in its spectrum and differentiates the sound source in a refined and homogenous manner. Big orchestral music will be reproduced powerfully yet well-controlled and open up space around the instruments.

Easy Mounting

Review quote

Hi-Fi World February 2007, Reviewed by Noel Keywood

February 2007, Reviewed by Noel Keywood

"... The Rondo Bronze is one of the funkiest sounding Ortofon moving coil cartridges yet made ...

...The new Rondo Bronze is more than an entry-level moving coil cartridge ... It is quite a height up the evolutionary tree as MCs go ...

... Superlative performance at the price, thanks to superb detail, insight and poise. A landmark moving coil bargin.

MC Rondo Bronze Technical data

Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.  -   0,5 mV
Channel balance at 1 kHz   -  1 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz   -  25 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz   -  18 dB
Frequency range at - 3dB  -   20-40.000 Hz
Frequency response   -  20-20.000 Hz ±1,5 dB
Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force   -   90 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral  -   15 µm/mN
Stylus type   -  Nude FG80 on tapered Aluminium cantilever
Stylus tip radius   -  r/R 5/80 µm

Tracking force range  -   2-2,5 g (20-25 mN)
Tracking force, recommended   -  2,3 g (23 mN)
Tracking angle   -  20°
Internal impedance, DC resistance  -   6 Ohm
Recommended load impedance  -   10-200 Ohm
Cartridge body material  -   Grinded wood/Resin comp.
Wire material: Aucurum, a genuine copper wire with a two-layer gold plating 
Cartridge colour  -   Bronze
Cartridge weight  -  10,5 g

Download MC Rondo series brochure