Everything you need to know about cartridge design

What makes
a cartridge good?

A journey through cartridge design

Get down to the details as Leif Johannsen, Ortofon's Chief Officer of Acoustics and Research, takes you on a journey through cartridge design. In this four-part video series, you will learn everything there is to know about: 1) How does a cartridge work?, 2) What are cartridge technologies?, 3) What materials go into a cartridge?, and 4) What types of styli are there, and how do they differ?

Cartridge Principles

How does a phono cartridge work?

In this video, Leif Johannsen introduces you to two main cartridge principles: Moving Magnet and Moving Coil. Both principles have advantages and open up different possibilities for the design of the cartridge, including the use of material, implementation of technologies, and the choice of styli.

You will learn how the two systems work differently, how the music is conducted from the groove and travels true the cartridge, and how each principle benefits differently.

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Cartridge technologies

What are cartridge technologies?

In this video, you will learn about four cartridge technologies and how they work to improve the listening experience.

Leif Johannsen, Ortofon's Chief Officer of Acoustics and Research, will take you through the physics, and you will get to understand everything about: Split Pole Pins, Selective Lazer Melting, Field Stabilizing Element, and Wide Range Damping.

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Are you ready for a journey through cartridge design?

Join Leif Johannsen in our exciting video series, 'What Makes a Cartridge Good?' as he explores the world of cartridges, delving into the key factors that define excellence. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind exceptional performance!

What materials go
into a cartridge?

Chapter three explores the profound impact of materials on cartridge performance.

Leif Johannsen guides us through: 1) Cartridge housing materials, 2) The magnetic system featuring Neodymium Magnets, 3) Rubber suspension system and Ortofon Rubber Facility insights, 4) Armature types (magnet, semi non-magnetic, non-magnetic), and 5) Cantilever materials (aluminum, boron, diamond).

The world of styli

What are
the different styli?

In this final video, Leif Johannsen guides us through the fascinating world of styli - a delicate yet indispensable part of the cartridge that plays a crucial role in translating the microscopic waves extracted from the groove into captivating musical moments.

Leif will take us on a comprehensive exploration of seven distinct styli variations. From tipped to nude diamonds, he will delve into the intricate nuances of diamond shapes and contact areas, unveiling the advantages of each design.