MC Acoustic Signature MCX-2 cartridge

The Acoustic Signature MCX-2 is a modern moving-coil cartridge, manufactured using the latest and most advanced technologies. It is the second model in the German manufacturer's cartridge range.

Acoustic Signature MCX-2: Technology

The Nude Elliptical stylus ensures precise tracking with minimal distortion and very low surface noise. It is paired with an aluminum cantilever. The coils are wound with 99.99% pure silver wire.

The cartridge body is CNC-machined from a specially selected aluminum alloy optimized for resonance control. With a compliance of 15 and a weight of 12.2 g, it is compatible with tonearms of medium to high effective mass.

Acoustic Signature MCX-2: Installation

The wiring and color coding follow industry standards, and the right and left channel terminals are positioned in the same way as on the majority of MC cartridges.

Installation is relatively straightforward thanks to the cartridge's precision-threaded inserts. The MCX-2 is supplied with two pairs of mounting screws. It is important to use screws of the correct length during installation. The required screw length depends on the thickness of the headshell. For headshells up to 3.5 mm thick, use the 5 mm screws. For headshells thicker than 3.5 mm, use the 7 mm screws.

Azimuth adjustment, or vertical cartridge alignment, is essential for optimal channel separation. To verify it, simply place the cartridge on a thin mirror positioned on the platter and check whether the reflection is perfectly perpendicular to the cartridge when viewed from the front. During this test, the tonearm should remain parallel to the record surface.

The cartridges are designed so that the cantilever angle matches the record cutting angle of 20° when the recommended tracking force is applied, the cartridge body is parallel to the tonearm, and the tonearm itself is parallel to the record surface.

Acoustic Signature MCX-2: Sound Performance

The MCX-2 delivers an open and highly dynamic sound with a subtle touch of warmth that gives instruments and voices a particularly pleasing tonal character, while offering a significantly higher level of transparency and detail than the MCX-1. The presentation also feels more neutral and more open, resulting in a stronger sense of realism.

It is naturally an ideal partner for the manufacturer's NEO tonearms, but it also pairs exceptionally well with turntables and tonearms from other brands.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Acoustic Signature MCX-2 cartridge

What is the difference between the MCX-2 and the MCX-1?

The MCX-2 is the second model in the range. It features a Nude Elliptical stylus (offering higher performance) and coils wound with 99.99% pure silver wire. It delivers a significantly higher level of transparency and detail than the MCX-1, with a more neutral and open presentation that provides a more convincing sense of realism.

Which tonearms is it compatible with?

Its compliance of 15 and weight of 12.2 g make it compatible with tonearms of medium to high effective mass. It is naturally an ideal partner for the manufacturer's NEO tonearms, but it also pairs extremely well with turntables and tonearms from other brands.

What does it sound like?

The MCX-2 delivers an open and highly dynamic sound with a subtle touch of warmth that gives instruments and voices a very pleasing tonal character. Its level of transparency and detail is significantly higher than that of the MCX-1, while the overall presentation feels more neutral and more open, resulting in a stronger sense of realism.

How can I verify the cartridge alignment after installation?

Correct azimuth adjustment (vertical alignment) is essential for optimal channel separation. A simple method is to place the stylus on a thin mirror positioned on the platter and check whether the cartridge and its reflection form a perfectly perpendicular line when viewed from the front. During this test, the tonearm should remain parallel to the record surface.