Ortofon has been the leader in low-output MC cartridges for half a century. The expertise gained in winding and using copper and silver conductors motivates the manufacturer to offer a range of interconnect cables that are both technical and highly sophisticated.
The Reference range is offered in four models, as Ortofon does with its phono cartridges. Thus, we have Red, Blue, Bronze, and Black. These cables are handmade in Ortofon's Japanese factory, where cables for the medical field are also produced.
The Ortofon Reference Blue interconnect cable is logically the second model in the Danish manufacturer's range.
ORTOFON REFERENCE BLUE: SHEATH AND CONDUCTORS
The Reference Blue comes in an elegant blue sheath with a diameter of 8 mm.
Despite its relatively understated appearance, it contains a complex structure based on conductors of different types and diameters. This technology is rarely found in Hi-Fi cables at this budget and requires perfect mastery of the conductors. The goal is to extend the bandwidth without sacrificing harmonics and to minimize the skin effect as much as possible.
The structure is symmetric; the positive and negative conductors are identical. Each conductor comprises 20 x 0.18 mm and 30 x 0.12 mm OFC copper and 49 x 0.08 mm HiFC copper! They are combined with a highly effective shield made of aluminum foil and a braid of 4N OFC copper wire.
Ortofon has also considered mechanical damping, securing the conductors with polyethylene tubes. The overall insulation is made of halogen-free elastomer.
The Ortofon RCA connectors are of superb quality, offering excellent mechanical and electrical contact. A collet allows tightening the grip to perfectly secure the female RCA.
ORTOFON REFERENCE BLUE: TESTING AND LISTENING
This interconnect cable offers very high-end performance and lives up to the technical investments made. It conveys an enormous amount of detail and highlights the ambiance of rooms and recordings.
The level of detail and its extended bandwidth do not in any way promote clarity or aggressiveness.
The Reference Blue shows a very nice balance and enhances the characteristics and qualities of the source.
The Ortofon Reference Blue interconnect cable is an excellent choice and demonstrates the expertise of a great manufacturer.
Highly recommended!
FranckConductors: OFC and HiFC
Structure: 0.18 mm x 20 + 0.12 mm × 30 and 0.08 mm × 49
Damping : PE 1.4mm x 4 + chemical fiber (proprietary material)
Shielding: aluminum tape + 4N OFC 0.12 mm x 8 x 16
Primary insulation: halogen-free elastomer
Sheath: braided nylon fiber
Cable diameter: 8 mm
Capacity: 360pF / m
Terminations: RCA Cu/Or
