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. In addition to the turntable, the phono preamplifier is also crucial. We used it with the Aurorasound Vida Prima and the EAT Iglo Petit.

The MC X40 is the top of the range in the MC X series. Ortofon claims that it is ‘designed for the most demanding audiophile’. The change in diamond profile to a Shibata Nude and the replacement of aluminium with more rigid boron for the cantilever undeniably bring about improved performance.

From the very first measurements, there is no doubt that the MC X40 exploits the groove of the record even more than the X30. We also notice a significantly wider and deeper soundstage than the X30. This cartridge reproduces even more detail, especially in the low frequencies, where the quality and precision of the bass is remarkable. The entire spectrum is reproduced with great precision and, above all, with surprising balance. High frequencies are reproduced with great nuance and finesse. This cartridge is never boring, favouring dynamics and a very realistic “swing”.

The Ortofon MC X40 seems to go further in terms of finesse and nuance than the famous Quintet Black S.

Our favourite!