Upgrade your cartridge
Discover the world
of enhanced audio
As a dedicated vinyl listener, you understand the importance of maintaining optimal sound quality. Your turntable cartridge plays a crucial role in delivering the rich, immersive sound that defines the vinyl experience.
Rediscover your favorite albums
Why should
I upgrade?
Upgrading your turntable cartridge can significantly enhance your listening experience by improving sound quality, clarity, and fidelity.
A high-quality cartridge can reproduce music with greater accuracy, capturing subtle details and nuances in the music that a lower-quality cartridge might miss.
Additionally, upgrading your cartridge can breathe new life into your vinyl collection, allowing you to rediscover your favorite albums with a fresh perspective. Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile seeking the best possible sound, upgrading your cartridge can take your vinyl listening experience to the next level.
When should
I upgrade?
Knowing when to upgrade your turntable cartridge depends on several factors, including the condition of your current cartridge, your budget, and your desired level of audio quality.
If you notice a decline in sound quality, such as distortion, sibilance, or lack of detail, it may be time to consider an upgrade. With proper care, we find that up to 1000 hours is possible without degradation of performance.
Additionally, if you're looking to enhance your overall listening experience, upgrading your cartridge can be a worthwhile investment. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on your individual preferences and priorities as a listener.
How do I choose
my upgrade?
When choosing a turntable cartridge upgrade, consider factors such as cartridge type (Moving Magnet or Moving Coil), stylus type (elliptical, nude, Shibata, etc.), tracking force, cartridge compliance, and budget. If you own or are considering a moving magnet cartridge, it is possible to make an upgrade simply by exchanging the stylus.
Determine your priorities in terms of sound quality, durability, and compatibility with your turntable. Ortofon has developed a color-coding system, which makes it easy to understand the upgrade path. Within several cartridge series, it starts with the red and then becomes better with the blue, Bronze, and Black on the top.
Advantages of a
Moving Magnet cartridge
Moving Magnet cartridges offer simplicity, ease of use, and affordability, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced vinyl enthusiasts. They also reduce the need for extra preamps. With their replaceable stylus and compatibility with a wide range of turntables, MM cartridges provide a convenient and cost-effective option for upgrading your audio setup.
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Concorde Music
Premium Moving Magnet cartridges that are easy and straightforward to install and require no tools. The perfect match to all S-shaped tonearms.
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2M Series
The 2M Series are available in four different product variant configurations: the classic 2M, 2MR, 2M Premounted, and the 2M Verso.
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OM Series
The Ortofon Optimum Match (OM) cartridges, known for their exceptional value for money, match most tonearms perfectly.
How do
I upgrade?
Upgrading your turntable cartridge is a relatively straightforward process. Begin by selecting a new cartridge that meets your requirements and preferences. Ensure compatibility with your turntable's tonearm and check if any adjustments are necessary.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the new cartridge, including setting the tracking force and alignment. Use appropriate tools and handle the cartridge and stylus with care to avoid damage.
In the video, Leif Johanssen takes you through the process of both dismounting your current cartridge and mounting a new one
Advantages of a
Moving Coil cartridge
Moving Coil cartridges offer advanced performance and unparalleled sound quality, making them a preferred choice for audiophiles and discerning listeners. With their lower moving mass and higher compliance, MC cartridges provide greater accuracy, detail, and transparency in sound reproduction compared to MM cartridges. They excel in reproducing high frequencies with precision and clarity while minimizing distortion.
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Exclusive Series
The Ortofon Exclusives series cartridges are widely acknowledged as some of the best Moving Coil cartridges on the market.
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MC Cadenza
Just as the cadenza enriches the symphony, the Cadenza series enriches your sonic experience, capturing every note and emotion with the finesse of a virtuoso performance.
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MC Quintet
Born from a commitment to create cartridges that resonate with audiophiles on a profound level, this series embodies the essence of musical collaboration and unity.
Can my MC cartridge be upgraded?
Exchange Service
The styli in Moving Coil cartridges are non-replaceable. To assist our customers who wish to upgrade their Moving Coil cartridges, Ortofon offers an Exchange service.
We accept cartridges in any condition, regardless of where the original purchase took place. Let us help you continue on your musical journey while also contributing to the reduction of our environmental impact.