MC Acoustic Signature MCX-3 cartridge

The Acoustic Signature MCX-3 is a modern moving-coil cartridge, manufactured using the latest and most advanced technologies. It is the third model in the German manufacturer's cartridge range.

Acoustic Signature MCX-3: 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 12.6 g, it is compatible with tonearms of medium to high effective mass.

Acoustic Signature MCX-3: 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-3 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-3: Sound Performance

The MCX-3 is designed for highly demanding music lovers. It delivers a rich and refined presentation, with exceptional nuance and subtlety. To this it adds an open and highly dynamic character, complemented by a slight touch of warmth that gives instruments and voices a particularly pleasing tonal quality.

What truly sets the MCX-3 apart is its exceptional high-frequency resolution and its level of transparency and detail, which surpasses that of the MCX-2 by a significant margin. The presentation is neutral, highly lively, and supported by a spacious soundstage, bringing a striking sense of realism to live recordings.

The MCX-3 is naturally the ideal partner for the manufacturer's NEO tonearms, but it also pairs exceptionally well with compatible turntables and tonearms from other brands.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Acoustic Signature MCX-3 cartridge

Who is the MCX-3 designed for?

The MCX-3 is intended for highly demanding music lovers. It offers a rich presentation with exceptional finesse and nuance, along with outstanding high-frequency resolution.

What is the difference between the MCX-3 and the MCX-2?

The MCX-3 is the third model in the range. It retains the Nude Elliptical stylus and 99.99% pure silver-wire coils found in the MCX-2, but delivers a significantly higher level of transparency and detail. The presentation is neutral, highly dynamic, and supported by a spacious soundstage, creating a remarkably realistic experience, particularly with live recordings.

Is this cartridge compatible with my tonearm?

Its compliance of 15 and weight of 12.6 g make it compatible with tonearms of medium to high effective mass. It is the ideal partner for the manufacturer's NEO tonearms, but it also pairs extremely well with compatible turntables and tonearms from other brands.

Is installation complicated?

Installation is relatively straightforward thanks to the cartridge’s precision-threaded inserts. The MCX-3 is supplied with two pairs of mounting screws (5 mm for headshells up to 3.5 mm thick, and 7 mm for thicker headshells). Wiring and color coding follow industry standards and are identical to those used by the vast majority of MC cartridges.