Historical Product

Concorde Century

Having celebrated many of previous anniversaries by launching innovative products, naturally, the centennial 2018 year called for some grand designs and the relaunch of the cartridge that is emblematic of Ortofon’s pioneering approach to design – the Concorde. 

With a tip of the hat to the Concorde’s origins, Ortofon released in a limited edition of 1.000 a Hi-Fi Concorde version the CONCORDE CENTURY. 

1979

A Concorde story began

In 1979, the Concorde looked radically different to any cartridge that had been manufactured by Ortofon or any of its rivals up to then. However, the initial inspirations for its development were the search for a design of an integrated cartridge and headshell that could be easily mounted on a tone arm without the need for screws or the plugging in of wires.

Award-winning industrial designer Jan Trägårdh conceived the Concorde’s unique look and received the Danish Industrial Design Award in 1979 for his work on the low mass Concorde. Concorde has undergone continual remodelling ever since, as it has evolved from its original purpose as a domestic hi-fi pick up to its now revered status as a cartridge for club DJs. The Concorde performs well, is remarkably robust, and, most importantly, resolutely stays in the groove.

The arrival of the Concorde and its subsequent establishment as a very popular cartridge was the result of Ortofon’s very strong focus on product development in the laboratories in Copenhagen where brilliant engineers led the department.

A very good choice for any kind of music

Ortofon iconic cartridge

The CONCORDE CENTURY uses a silver-plated copper wire and a Nude Fine Line diamond stylus, its slim profile will track even the highest frequency information. Additionally, its larger footprint ensures reduced distortion and record wear. The CONCORDE CENTURY has a full, relaxed, and homogenous sound with space, depth and detail – a very good choice for any kind of music. The CONCORDE CENTURY is for direct and easy mounting and replacement on S-shaped tonearms with universal/SME connector.

The best Moving Magnet cartridge 2020

GOLDENES
OHR AWARD

The readers of the German HiFi magazine STEREOPLAY voted for the best Hi-Fi products of the year.

With votes coming in from across Germany, the Concrode Century won in the category MM phono cartridges. 

Stereoplay April 2019Reviewed by Roland Kraft

Review quote Concorde Century

"... a top-notch Moving Magnet offering a formidable sound image across the complete sonic bandwidth, but still very subtle, precise and with lots of details which makes this easy to use..."

"... a true best buy phono cartridge, which more than deserves to be plugged on a high-end tonearm with bayonet fitting...
...Generally a punchy, full-bodied sound incl. substance and richness, but also balanced and not too analytical..."

Beautiful design

Concorde Century exclusive packaging

The Concorde Century was delivered in an exclusive solid box featuring an Ortofon Anniversary logo printed on the lid. The box is made with Medium Density fiberboard and a high-gloss lacquer with the inside lined with black velvet. The exclusive surface was chosen in order to achieve a hard, resistant, and beautiful white matte finish.

The Concorde Century Technical Data

Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.  -  5.5 mV
Channel balance at 1 kHz  -  1 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz  -  26 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz  -  15 dB
Frequency response  -  20-20.000 + 2 / - 0 dB
Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force  -  70 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral  -  16 µm/mN
Stylus type  -  Nude Fine Line
Stylus tip radius  -   r/R 8/40 µm
Tracking force range  -  1.6-2.0g (16-20 mN)
Tracking force, recommended  -  1.8 g (18 mN)
Tracking angle  -  20°

Internal impedance, DC resistance  -  1,2 kOhm
Internal inductance  -  630 mH
Recommended load resistance  - 47 kOhm
Recommended load capacitance  -  150-300 pF
Cartridge colour, body/stylus  - Chrome
Cartridge weight  -   18.5 g
Replacement stylus unit  -  Century

Download the Concorde Century userguide

Download the Concorde Century productsheet