Danish cartridge manufacturer Ortofon has reimagined its renowned MC cartridge, the MC A90, by introducing the Ortofon MC 90X. This new model boasts a stainless steel chassis created through Selective Laser Melting (SLM), providing exceptional rigidity and improved resonance management. Additionally, the upgraded Ortofon Rubber Dampers contribute to enhanced sound clarity, effectively reducing distortion for a more refined listening experience. Furthermore, there are additional innovative features included.
The MC 90X is enhanced with Ortofon’s Field Stabilizing Element (FSE) and Wide Range Damping (WRD) technologies, ensuring accurate tracking and a broad frequency response. The WRD system incorporates a platinum disc positioned between two rubber dampers, effectively managing resonance and achieving a linear frequency response.
Featuring a Replicant 100 cut diamond stylus, the Ortofon MC 90X is designed with a slender and lightweight profile that maximizes contact surface area. Ortofon claims this design closely mimics the original cutting stylus used for record grooves. The unique diamond shape, specialized polishing technique, and the use of a drill stylus carrier contribute to delivering “extraordinary transparency and speed” in sound, as stated in Ortofon’s press release.
The magnet system utilized in the Ortofon MC 90X draws inspiration from previous models like the MC Windfeld and MC Jubilee. It features a neodymium magnet that is both compact and highly effective. Ortofon claims that a unique field stabilization component guarantees a consistent magnetic field, irrespective of the armature’s movements. This design is intended to enhance dynamic performance and achieve a channel separation exceeding 28 dB.
The MC 90X features Aucurum, a gold-plated 6NX oxygen-free copper coil, engineered to provide exceptional signal transfer and faithfully reproduce the complete richness of vinyl recordings.
Ortofon MC 90x: Specifications
- Output voltage: 0.25 mV
- Cantilever material: Boron
- Stylus type: Ortofon Replicant 100
- Stylus tip radius: r/R 5/100 μm
- Stylus suspension: Ortofon exclusive
- Flushing system: Quad flushing
- Bobbin thread: Aucurum
- Channel balance at 1 kHz: less than 0.2 dB
- Channel separation at 1 kHz: greater than 28 dB
- Frequency response (+/- 1 dB): 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Dynamic lateral compliance: 11 μm/mN
- Recommended needle pressure: 2.3 grams
- Recommended load resistance: greater than 10 Ohms
- Internal impedance (DC resistance): 4 Ohm
- Weight: 9.5 grams
The recommended retail price of the Ortofon MC 90 X is just under $5,000.
