MC X40 Ortofon cartridge

The new Ortofon MC X range is not without recalling the iconic models of the 80s/90s. With the MC X series, Ortofon sets a new benchmark in low-end MC cartridge design, propelling high-end moving coil technology to unprecedented levels of performance at the price offered. The MC X series offers a new design that harmonizes perfectly with the majority of headshells.

Ortofon MC X40: Case

The shape of the case is particularly elegant. Its complex design contrasts with the parallelepiped of the Quintet series. Its shape evokes the facets of a diamond. It is made of a high-quality matte black polymer, which features several screen prints: on the front, the brand with a diamond-like logo underneath, and on the right side, the cartridge identification, which is "X40".

The top of the cartridge that is in contact with the cartridge holder shows a honeycomb structure. This incorporates threaded brass inserts designed to receive the fixing screws.

Ortofon MC X40: Generator

All MC X Series cartridges are equipped with ultra-high-purity silver wire coils. The use of this premium component guarantees exceptional signal clarity and unparalleled sound precision with an exceptional level of detail. 

This is combined with a new magnetic system. It consists of a single-piece pole cylinder integrated with a rear magnetic yoke. Designed for maximum magnetic efficiency, combined with pure silver coils, this configuration ensures a precise and powerful signal path that improves overall performance.

Ortofon MC X40 : Diamond

The Ortofon MC X40 is equipped with a high-quality Nude Shibata diamond. It is paired with a very rigid boron cantilever. The combination allows for refined reproduction with beautiful clarity and excellent precision.

Ortofon MC X40 : Technology

Ortofon's in-house developed and produced rubber compounds form the core of the MC X Series' mechanical damping system. These dampers are essential for controlling coil movement, maintaining stability, minimizing unwanted vibrations, and enabling precise coil movement. Maximizing damping control improves tracking and reduces distortion. This results in improved accuracy and musicality.

At the heart of the MC X40 cartridge is a stainless steel honeycomb frame. This structure is manufactured using metal injection molding (MIM).

After molding, a vapor-coated (PVD) surface treatment is applied to improve the surface appearance and preserve the integrity of the material over time.

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

Ortofon MC X40 : Test et listen

The Ortofon MC X40 must of course be used in a high-performance analogue system. The phono stage is just as critical as the turntable and tonearm. We paired it with the Aurorasound Vida Prima and the EAT E-Glo Petit 2.

The MC X40 is the successor to the acclaimed Quintet Black S, and as such Ortofon describes it as "designed for the most demanding audiophile". The move to a Nude Shibata stylus profile and the replacement of aluminium with the stiffer boron for the cantilever undeniably bring a meaningful improvement in performance.

From the very first tracks, there is no doubt that the MC X40 retrieves even more information from the groove than the X30. The soundstage is also noticeably wider and deeper. This cartridge resolves yet more detail, especially in the low frequencies, where the quality and precision of the bass is remarkable. The entire frequency spectrum is reproduced with great accuracy and above all with a surprising balance. High frequencies are rendered with considerable nuance and refinement. This cartridge is never dull — it favours dynamics and a highly realistic swing.

The Ortofon MC X40 appears to go even further than the acclaimed Quintet Black S in terms of refinement, nuance and neutrality.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Ortofon MC X40 MC cartridge

What is the difference between this MC X40 and the X30 in the same series?

The X40 draws more from the groove than the X30, with a noticeably wider and deeper soundstage, more detail (particularly in the low frequencies) and superior tonal balance across the whole spectrum, according to our measurements and comparative listening. From the very first measurements, there is no doubt the MC X40 draws even more from the record groove than the X30. The top of the cartridge, which contacts the headshell, shows a honeycomb structure. This incorporates threaded brass inserts designed to receive the mounting screws.

Which cantilever and stylus does this cartridge use?

It receives a high-quality Nude Shibata stylus paired with a boron cantilever, a very rigid material that delivers refined sound, fine clarity and excellent tracking precision. Changing the stylus profile to a Nude Shibata and replacing aluminium with more rigid boron for the cantilever undeniably improve performance. At the heart of the MC X40 is a stainless steel frame with a honeycomb structure. This cartridge reproduces even more detail, especially in the low frequencies, and the bass quality and precision are remarkable.

How is tracking precision controlled?

The heart of the damping system relies on rubber compounds developed in-house by Ortofon. They control coil movement, maintain stability and minimise unwanted vibration, improving tracking and reducing distortion. A honeycomb stainless-steel frame, made by metal injection moulding (MIM) and surface-treated (PVD), ensures strong mechanical stability.

What system is the MC X40 intended for?

As a cartridge of high refinement, it calls for a capable analogue system, where the phono preamplifier is decisive, as are the turntable and its arm. Its matte black polymer body, faceted like a diamond, matches most headshells, with threaded brass inserts for mounting.