Ortofon MC X50 MC Cartridge

The new Ortofon MC X range is reminiscent of the iconic models of the 80s and 90s. With the MC X series, Ortofon sets a new benchmark in low output MC cartridge design, bringing high-end moving coil technology to unprecedented performance levels at the given price point. The Ortofon MC X50 is the most ambitious and highest-performing model in this new series.

Ortofon MC X50: Body

The body has a particularly elegant shape. Its complex design stands apart from the rectangular form of the Quintet series. Its shape is reminiscent of a diamond's facets. It is made from a high-quality matte black polymer featuring several silk-screen prints: on the front, the brand name with a diamond-shaped logo below it, and on the right side, the cartridge identification, here "X50".

The top of the cartridge, which makes contact with the headshell, features a honeycomb structure. This integrates threaded brass inserts designed to receive the mounting screws.

Ortofon MC X50: Generator

All cartridges in the MC X series are fitted with coils wound with ultra-high-purity silver wire. The use of this premium component ensures exceptional signal clarity and unmatched sonic precision, with an outstanding level of detail. This is complemented by a new magnetic system comprising a one-piece pole cylinder integrated into a rear magnetic yoke. Designed for maximum magnetic efficiency and combined with pure silver coils, this configuration delivers a precise and powerful signal path that enhances overall performance.

Ortofon MC X50: Stylus

The Ortofon MC X50 is fitted with a Nude Micro Ridge stylus that ensures exceptional tracking precision and long-term stability. Thanks to its extremely narrow lateral radius, it offers improved high-frequency tracking, reduced inner groove distortion and remarkable longevity. Combined with a boron cantilever, this assembly delivers superior transient response, resolution and distortion levels compared to other combinations. A newly developed rubber suspension, featuring a unique compound, has been specially designed for the MC X50. By maximising this damping, tracking is improved and distortion is reduced, resulting in enhanced precision and musicality.

Ortofon MC X50: Technology

At the heart of the MC X50 cartridge lies a stainless steel frame with a honeycomb structure. This structure is manufactured using Metal Injection Moulding (MIM).

After moulding, a Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) surface treatment is applied to enhance the surface finish and preserve the integrity of the material over time.

This high-end construction ensures remarkable mechanical stability and low resonance, delivering precise, neutral and faithful sound reproduction.

Ortofon MC X50: Listening Test

The Ortofon MC X50 should of course be used in a high-performance analogue system. The phono preamplifier is as critical as the tonearm of the turntable.

The MC X50 represents the top of the MC X series range. Ortofon states that it is designed for the most demanding music lovers. The Nude Micro Ridge stylus profile combined with a rigid boron cantilever undeniably bring improvements to overall performance. The bass is highly detailed and tight, which enhances the intelligibility of this register and delivers a remarkable sense of realism.

From the very first bars, there is no doubt that the MC X50 extracts even more from the record groove than the X40. A noticeably wider, deeper and above all more precise soundstage is also apparent compared to the X40. This cartridge retrieves even more detail, especially in the low frequencies, where bass quality and precision are remarkable. The entire frequency spectrum is reproduced with great precision and, above all, with a surprising balance. The high frequencies are rendered with great nuance, refinement and transparency. The Ortofon MC X50 is fast, precise and offers superb separation of sound layers. It provides a great sense of air around instruments and musicians. The Ortofon MC X50 goes much further in terms of neutrality, refinement and nuance than the MC X40.

A reference!