MC Acoustic Signature MCX-4 cartridge

The Acoustic Signature MCX-4 is a modern, high-end moving-coil cartridge, manufactured using the latest and most advanced technologies. It is the most sophisticated model offered by the German manufacturer.

Acoustic Signature MCX-4: Technology

The MCX-4 is equipped with a Nude Shibata stylus profile, ensuring precise tracking without distortion and with virtually no surface noise. This finely polished profile provides an exceptionally large contact area with the groove walls, guaranteeing highly detailed reproduction across the entire frequency range. It is paired with an aluminum cantilever, which is connected to OFC copper coils that have undergone a 24k gold electroplating process.

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-4: 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-4 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-4: Sound Performance

The MCX-4 is designed for the most demanding music lovers. It delivers a rich presentation filled with finesse and nuance, offering remarkable clarity and transparency. The treble is exceptionally refined and silky, the midrange is highly open and expressive, while the bass is deep, articulate, and fast.

The soundstage is expansive both in width and depth. Instrument placement is highly precise, with lifelike scale and presence. The overall presentation is neutral and highly dynamic, resulting in striking realism with acoustic instruments and live recordings.

The MCX-4 is naturally the ideal partner for Acoustic Signature's NEO tonearms, but it also pairs exceptionally well with compatible turntables and tonearms from other manufacturers.

The Acoustic Signature MCX-4 is an outstanding choice, offered at a highly competitive price considering its level of performance.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Acoustic Signature MCX-4 cartridge

What sets the MCX-4 apart from the other cartridges in the range?

The MCX-4 is the most advanced model offered by the manufacturer. It features a Nude Shibata stylus profile—a finely polished design that provides an exceptionally large contact area with the groove walls—as well as OFC copper coils enhanced with 24k gold electroplating. It delivers precise tracking without distortion and with virtually no surface noise.

Who is this cartridge designed for?

The MCX-4 is intended for the most demanding music lovers. It is an exceptional cartridge that offers outstanding performance at a highly competitive price point.

What does it sound like?

The MCX-4 delivers a rich and nuanced presentation, with remarkable clarity and transparency. Treble frequencies are exceptionally refined and silky, the midrange is open and natural, and the bass is deep while remaining articulate and fast. The soundstage is expansive both in width and depth, with precise instrument placement and a remarkably realistic presentation, particularly with acoustic music and live recordings.

What type of tonearm is it compatible with?

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 Acoustic Signature NEO tonearms, but it also pairs extremely well with compatible turntables and tonearms from other manufacturers.