Ortofon Concorde Music Black LVB 250 MM cartridge

The Ortofon Music Black LVB 250 cartridge is the flagship model of the manufacturer's Concorde Music range, which includes 5 models. 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 BLACK LVB 250: TECHNOLOGY

All models in this series share a generator with four coils equipped with split pole pins. These coils use oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors that have undergone silver electrolysis. This technology has been particularly improved and optimized to significantly reduce distortion and to improve the linearity and bandwidth range, especially in the treble, which is often the weak point of moving magnet cartridges. The superb Shibata diamond is mounted on a competition-grade boron cantilever. The Shibata profile is distinguished by a narrow and long contact surface. The Shibata is very close to the original stylus shape, ensuring very precise reproduction, low distortion, and a very wide frequency range. The combination with an extremely rigid and lightweight boron cantilever adds remarkable transparency, speed, and responsiveness. 

The output level of 6 mV allows it to be paired with high-quality phono preamps offering a gain of 40/43 dB. The manufacturer's clear intention is to offer a high-end 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, and use a high-performance turntable.

ORTOFON CONCORDE MUSIC BLACK LVB 250: TEST AND LISTENING

The performance is logically similar to that of the 2M Black LVB 250. Given the range and ambition of this phono cartridge, it is certain that it must be paired with a very high-performance turntable. We tested it with the Technics SL1200G. From the first measures, the picture is clear. The Ortofon Concorde Music Black LVB 250 shows transparency and detail unprecedented in moving magnet cartridges. The definition and transparency are surprising. You might think you are in the presence of an MC cartridge... The finesse in the high frequencies and their precision are exemplary. The bass is very articulated and particularly precise. Additionally, the midrange is surprisingly clear and free from any distortion or surface noise. 

The Ortofon Concorde Music Black LVB 250 is more neutral and straight than the Concorde Music Black. The frequency range is incredibly extended. There are no limits felt at either end of the spectrum. The dynamics are excellent, though they do not match the transients of a low-output MC cartridge. The noise level is barely audible… No hiss or surface noise, and silences are respected religiously. 

The Ortofon Concorde Music Black Ludwig van Beethoven 250 Anniversary MM cartridge is certainly the best high-output MM cartridge with SME mounting. Even if it cannot rival the finesse and nuance of an MC cartridge of the same range, it is a "feat" and a reference!

The Concorde Music Black LVB 250 stylus is also available separately.

Highly recommended!