Ortofon Concorde Music Red MM cartridge

The Ortofon Music Red cartridge is the entry-level model in this new "Concorde" Hi-Fi series, which includes five cartridges.

This series has been designed to be mounted on S-shaped tonearms with SME bayonet mounts. It allows a DJ turntable to be used in a more "Audiophile" way.

ORTOFON CONCORDE MUSIC RED: TECHNOLOGY

All the models in this series (which includes five) share a generator with four coils equipped with split pole pins. These coils use oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors that have undergone silver electrolysis. The elliptical diamond is mounted on an aluminum cantilever. The output level of 6 mV allows it to be paired with preamps offering a gain below 40 dB. However, this technology is not entirely new as Ortofon is the inventor and had already offered it on the 500 models and more recently on the 2M Bronze, for example. 

Here, it has been particularly improved and optimized to significantly reduce distortion and to particularly improve the linearity and the bandwidth range, especially in the treble, which is often the weak point of moving magnet cartridges. The manufacturer's clear intention is to offer a simple moving magnet cartridge that eliminates the need for overhang and azimuth adjustments. However, you will still need to apply the tracking force, antiskating, and VTA.

ORTOFON CONCORDE MUSIC RED: TEST AND LISTENING

The performance is logically similar to that of the 2M Red. The dynamics of this Ortofon Concorde Music Red are remarkable. The high end of the spectrum is very defined and quite clear but without any aggressiveness. This results in exceptional balance and channel separation, offering precise and dynamic sound. The bass is very articulate and very precise. 

The overall performance is very homogeneous.

The Concorde Music Red stylus is also available separately.