MC X30

​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.