The MCX-4 features a nude Shibata diamond stylus, ensuring extremely precise tracking with no distortion and virtually no surface noise. This refined profile provides a very large contact area with the groove walls, delivering highly detailed reproduction across the entire frequency range.
It is paired with an aluminum cantilever connected to coils made of OFC copper, plated with 24k gold for optimal signal transmission.
The cartridge body is CNC-machined from a specialized aluminum optimized for resonance control. With a compliance of 15 and a weight of 12.6g, it is well suited for medium to high-mass tonearms.
Acoustic Signature MCX-4: installation
The wiring follows a standard color code, and the channel pins are positioned in the same layout as most MC cartridges.
Installation is straightforward thanks to precision-threaded inserts. The MCX-4 comes with two sets of screws:
- 5 mm screws for headshells up to 3.5 mm thick
- 7 mm screws for thicker headshells
Azimuth adjustment is essential for optimal channel separation. This can be checked using a thin mirror placed on the platter, ensuring the cartridge is perfectly perpendicular when viewed from the front. During this process, the tonearm must remain parallel to the record surface.
The cartridge is designed so that the cantilever angle matches the standard 20° cutting angle when the recommended tracking force is applied and the cartridge body is parallel to both the tonearm and the record surface.
Acoustic Signature MCX-4: sound performance
The MCX-4 is designed for the most demanding listeners. It delivers a rich sound with exceptional finesse and nuance.
It offers outstanding detail, remarkable clarity, and excellent transparency. The treble is refined and silky, the midrange open and natural, while the bass is deep, fast, and well controlled.
The soundstage is wide and deep, with precise instrument placement and very realistic scale. The overall presentation is neutral, lively, and highly realistic, especially with acoustic recordings and live performances.
Naturally, it pairs perfectly with the brand’s NEO tonearms, but it also matches very well with compatible turntables and tonearms from other manufacturers.
FranckDesign: Moving coil (low-output MC)
Stylus: Nude Shibata
Coils: Gold-plated OFC copper
Chassis: Aluminium, optimised for resonance reduction
Output voltage (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 0.30 mV
Channel balance at 1 kHz: < 1.0 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz: > 26 dB
Frequency response at -3 dB: 20–25,000 Hz
Compliance: 15 m/mN
Tracking force: 2.1 to 2.5 g
Recommended tracking force: 2.3 g (23 mN)
Impedance: 5 Ω
Recommended load: 100 Ω
Cartridge weight: 12.6 g
