Had the MCX20 for a few days now more than pleased with it. System-
Eclipse turntable - Origin Live Onyx tone arm- Clearaudio Nano preamp (impedance loading 51 Ohms). Technics SU700 MKII. Listen to the setup with Audio Technica / Shelter / Hana cartridges the MCX20 tracks and sounds better.
I bought the MC X40 to have another good, less expensive moving coil to complement my extraordinary MC Verismo. Having owned a Quintet black S previously, I expected something similar. Boy was I surprised! The MC X40 is a lot closer in sound quality and character to the MC Verismo than I would have ever guessed. In fact it's better than my previous Cadenza Black too! It is superb cartridge, not only for the price, its superb regardless of price. It differs from its expenentially more expensive stablemate only in the n'th degree of refinement. They are both equally revealing and incredibly dynamic, the Verismo only differentiating itself by having an almost imperceptible extra aura of musicality. In all but the most revealing of equipment, I'm pretty sure that they would sound virtually identical. Ortofon should feel really proud that they have been able to produce a cartridge of this caliber at what amounts to an enthusiast price.
Robust, reliable, and has fantastic tracking. Perfect for scratching. I won't be using anything else from here out.
I would have liked to see a more mirror like finish to be able to check the azimuthor the vertical alignment of the cartridge
Ortofon MCX30: A Cartridge That's as Smart as It Looks
By Rico Gusman
The world's longest catwalk was on Southend Pier, a fact I'm happy to repeat until it becomes a universal truth. But when I'm not recounting my past glories or wrestling two little dogs for control of the remote, I'm at home, enjoying the good life. And that good life includes music, played on a system that's been assembled with the same meticulous care I once put into designing the world's first totally digital magazine. Which brings us to the Ortofon MCX30, a cartridge that has settled into my SRM Azure deck and Origin Live Zephyr tonearm like it was always meant to be there.
Now, I've seen a lot of things come and go in my time, from the Amiga to the latest bit of tech that promises to change the world but just ends up being a glorified screen. But some things, like the simple elegance of a vinyl record, just can't be beaten. And to get the most out of it, you need a cartridge that's a true work of art.
At £599, the MCX30 isn't just a bit of kit; it's a statement. A statement that says you're serious about your tunes, but you haven't lost your mind entirely. And let me tell you, it's worth every single penny. The first thing you notice isn't a blast of sound, but a sense of... quiet. The background noise just seems to disappear. It's like the moment you get a brand new pair of specs and suddenly realise you've been living in a blurry world for years. Everything becomes clear and defined.
This translates directly into its sophisticated sound profile. It doesn't shout; it speaks. The soundstage is wide, with instruments placed precisely where they should be. It's not a boisterous, in-your-face presentation. It's elegant, controlled, and deeply engaging. You hear the full texture of a guitar string being plucked, the subtle breath of a vocalist, and the ambient hum of the recording studio. It's a proper grown-up sound.
Then there are the excellent highs. This is where the MCX30 really earns its stripes. They're pristine, extended, and utterly without sizzle or harshness. It's a delicate balance to get right, but Ortofon has nailed it. Cymbals shimmer and bells ring with a clarity that's almost angelic. I'm not a religious man, but listening to some of my old records with this cartridge, you'd be forgiven for thinking there's a celestial choir hiding in the grooves. It’s glorious.
And finally, the very pure bass. Now, a lot of cartridges get this wrong. They give you a woolly, bloated bass that just gets in the way. Not here. The MCX30 delivers bass that's taut, deep, and perfectly controlled. It's not about boom and rumble; it's about foundation and rhythm. The bass notes are distinct and punchy, providing a solid anchor for the rest of the music without ever hogging the limelight. It's the kind of bass that makes you tap your foot, not wince.
To sum it all up, the Ortofon MCX30 is a class act. Paired with the SRM Azure and Origin Live Zephyr, it’s a setup that delivers a refined, detailed, and utterly listenable experience. It’s got all the composure of a creative director presenting a campaign to a difficult client, but none of the stress. And at £599, it's a bargain for the years of listening pleasure it will provide. It might just be the best £599 I've spent since I bought that giant foam finger to celebrate my last big creative win.
Rico Gusman is a retired Creative Director living in the UK with his two small dogs, and not enough vinyl.
Good quality record brush. I had used previous record brushes and over time, the carbon bristles on those previous brushes tend to fall out.
The test record is a must have for turntable users.I thought I had my cartridge setup done correctly until I put the Ortofon Test record on.. It highlighted areas of my setup which were incorrect (namely anti-skating force and vertical tracking force).. Once corrected, I noticed a big difference in audio for some records.. Previously I put it down to worn out grooves but it turns out the anti-skating force was setup incorrectly.. I would recommend anyone with a turntable to at least invest in a test record..
Calidad de acabados excelente. Sonido nítido y gran tracción con el ajuste de peso indicado. Soporta manejo brusco y rebobinados manuales rápidos con gran seguridad. Montadas en Technics 1200 mk5.
Un jolie son bien détaillée et doux, même hors rodage, la pointe sphérique a moins de distorsion comparée au modèle supérieur elliptique (5e et stylus 10)
Excellent!
I've had the cartridge for some years now with a busted stylus.
I came via UPS - probably missed that part - so came out a bit pricey,
But given that it wasn't a bank breaker and super speedy delivery I don't mind.
My system (with my DIY amp) now sounds better then ever!
Fantastic i have lots of 60s record's and they sound amazing i have heard thing's on the record that i never knew where there thank you ortofon
Ottimo rapporto qualità prezzo. Se non si possiedono molti LP .001èla scelta ideale anche su elettroniche di alto livello.
I mount this stylus on Super OM body and this combination is optimal for Revox B795. I'm very satisfied and don't need any other cartridge for Revox turntable. Complete capacitance with phono preamp (YBA Passion PH150) is 220pF.