Ortofon MC X20
Ortofon MC X20 moving-coil cartridge, fitted with a nude elliptical diamond, designed for vinyl enthusiasts seeking precision and dynamics.
Description
The MC X20 is a moving-coil cartridge from Ortofon, designed to fit a tonearm and convert the vinyl groove into an electrical signal for a phono preamplifier suited to MC cartridges. It belongs to a range of moving-coil cartridges in which each model offers a distinct sound profile and set of internal components.
The diamond, cut in a nude elliptical shape, is mounted on an aluminium cantilever and rests on a rubber suspension developed by Ortofon. The stylus tip radius, expressed as r/R 8/18 μm, contributes to the precision of contact with the groove. The winding is based on four coils distributed across split-pole supports (2+ and 2-), using high-purity silver-plated copper wire, which contributes to the rendering in the treble register. The output voltage of 0.4 mV and internal impedance of 6 Ω guide the choice of phono preamplifier and load resistance, recommended at above 50 Ω. The stated frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with a tolerance of +/- 1 dB, along with a channel balance of 0.5 dB and channel separation of 25 dB at 1 kHz, reflect fine tuning aimed at faithful listening.
This cartridge is aimed at users already equipped with a well-made turntable and tonearm, as well as an MC-compatible phono preamplifier, who are looking for a noticeable improvement in playback precision and high-frequency rendering compared with an entry-level cartridge.
Technical specifications
| Diamond | Nude Elliptical |
| Cantilever | Aluminium |
| Output voltage | 0.4 mV |
| Stylus tip radius | r/R 8/18 μm |
| Suspension | Rubber designed and manufactured by Ortofon |
| Coils | 4 coils on split-pole supports (2+ and 2-) |
| Copper | High-purity silver-plated |
| Channel balance at 1 kHz | 0.5 dB |
| Channel separation at 1 kHz | 25 dB |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz +/- 1 dB |
| Compliance, dynamic, lateral | 15 μm/mN |
| Recommended tracking force | 2.0 g |
| Recommended load resistance | > 50 Ω |
| Internal impedance, DC resistance | 6 Ω |
| Diamond weight | 8.6 g |
What to check before buying used
When buying used, attention should be paid to the condition of the diamond and cantilever, the most fragile elements of a cartridge and prone to wear after many hours of listening. The rubber suspension, which governs the dynamic lateral compliance of 15 μm/mN, can also harden over time and alter the mechanical behaviour of the cartridge. It is also worth checking the integrity of the connections and wiring to the coils, as well as ensuring the recommended tracking force of 2.0 g is maintained when setting up on the tonearm.
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