Ortofon MC A Mono MC cartridge

The Ortofon MC A Mono is a true mono cartridge designed for the playback of mono recordings. When listening to a mono record with a stereo cartridge, the signal will not be identical on both channels due to imperfections such as crosstalk, noise, phase errors, tracking errors, anti-skating and distortion. This difference between channels results in an unstable and partially blurred soundstage. A mono switch can, to some extent, improve this issue without fully resolving it.

Playing a mono record with a true mono cartridge eliminates all of the above issues, as this cartridge produces only a single signal, which is then distributed to both channels of the system. The result is a more powerful, stable soundstage with greater presence.

Another significant advantage of using a true mono cartridge for mono record playback is its insensitivity to vertical movement. A true mono cartridge is insensitive to the pinch effect that occurs when the stylus is pushed vertically upward in very narrow grooves. Furthermore, sensitivity to dust, dirt and wear is considerably reduced as the vertical component is eliminated. These effects cannot be achieved by simply using a mono switch.

Ortofon MC A Mono: Body

The cartridge body is manufactured from titanium using Selective Laser Melting (SLM). This technique, originally developed by Ortofon for the MC A90 and SPU A90 cartridges, has been refined for the Exclusive series models. The SLM process involves fusing fine titanium particles layer by layer to build a one-piece body free from foreign materials.

This technique enables precise control of titanium density, ensuring extremely high internal damping. The result is a total absence of vibration within the cartridge body. The use of titanium has further improved the internal damping capabilities as well as the overall rigidity of the A Mono cartridge structure.

Ortofon MC A Mono: Generator

The use of Ortofon's Aucurum coils, in 6NX oxygen-free gold-plated copper, allows lossless transmission of the stylus movements via its boron cantilever. This combination, also used in the MC Windfeld, MC A90 and MC A95 cartridges, combines a low moving mass with extreme rigidity.

The magnetic system is designed with an extremely powerful and compact neodymium magnet. This gives the generator minimal dimensions and a very low mass. Inspired by the MC A95 design, the MC A MONO uses a specially designed armature made from a metal alloy far less magnetic than conventional iron. This considerably improves the dynamics of the cartridge, as the armature exerts virtually no influence on the magnetic field during movement. It is paired with the Aucurum coils, which ensure perfect reproduction of cantilever movements without compromise.

Any trace of residual magnetic influence that could cause distortion is eliminated through the use of a Field Stabilising Element (FSE). Ortofon's FSE, a small conductive cylinder placed strategically inside the magnetic system, ensures the stability of the magnetic field regardless of armature variations. The FSE improves channel separation while minimising dynamic distortion and intermodulation.

Ortofon MC A Mono: Stylus

One of the essential conditions for linear reproduction with a wide frequency bandwidth and optimal tracking performance is the use of a stylus whose shape is as close as possible to that of the original cutting stylus. Like all cartridges in the Exclusives series, the MC A MONO is fitted with Ortofon's Replicant 100 stylus, renowned for its fine and lightweight profile while having an exceptionally wide contact surface.

Thanks to its shape being very close to that of the cutting stylus, the Replicant 100 offers unmatched tracking precision. The special polishing of the stylus, combined with the use of a boron cantilever, guarantees remarkable transparency, speed and responsiveness, superior to any other combination on the market.

Among the essential components is Ortofon's patented Wide Range Damping (WRD) system. This system consists of a small heavy platinum disc sandwiched between two rubber dampers with different properties. It thus ensures exceptional tracking and perfect damping across the entire frequency bandwidth. As a result, distortion and resonance are virtually eliminated. First introduced on the MC 20 Mk II in 1979, then integrated into all Exclusives series cartridges, the Wide Range Damping system explains in large part why the MC A MONO, while offering the most linear frequency response and the highest upper frequency limit ever achieved, ensures exceptional tracking of 90 µm with a vertical tracking force of 2.3 grams.

Ortofon MC A Mono: Listening

There is something for every taste in the world of mono cartridges. The MC A Mono sits at the top of the list, at least in my experience…

The Ortofon MC A Mono delivers a mono soundstage that is stable, wide and perfectly centred between the speakers. Playback is broad, three-dimensional and remarkably clear. The reproduction is very fluid, rich, detailed and powerful. One also notices a far cleaner and quieter reproduction of mono records compared to traditional mono cartridges.

The reference mono cartridge.