A Classic, Reimagined.

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Rebirth of the Legendary MC A90

MC 90X

The MC 90X is a reimagining of a classic, combining precision engineering with advancements in material science and magnetism.

Building on the groundbreaking technology of the MC A90, the MC 90X features a stainless-steel structure crafted using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology, along with the Field Stabilizing Element, Wide Range Damping, Ortofon Replicant 100 Diamond stylus, and newly developed proprietary Ortofon rubber dampers.

€4.999,00
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OverviewFeaturesReviewsSpecifications

Accuracy level

For over a century, Ortofon has been dedicated to delivering music with clarity and precision. Our latest cartridge is designed to help you rediscover the sounds that have shaped your life.

Beneath its sleek blue steel exterior lies a blend of craftsmanship and innovation. It captures each note with the warmth and depth that vinyl offers, complemented by the modern technology that has made Ortofon a trusted name in audio for generations.

Replicant 100 - The finest diamond in the world

Stylus

Achieving linear reproduction with a wide frequency range and optimal tracking requires a diamond that closely mimics the original cutting stylus. The Ortofon MC 90X features the Replicant 100 diamond, renowned for its thin, light profile and exceptionally large contact surface, allowing it to trace grooves with unmatched precision.

The diamond’s shape, combined with a special polishing process and a Boron cantilever, ensures exceptional transparency, speed, and responsiveness, delivering exceptional sound quality for an immersive audio experience.

Neodymium magnet with FSE

Magnet system

The magnet system is inspired by the designs of previous iconic models including the Kontrapunkt series, the MC Jubilee, and the MC Windfeld. It is based on an extremely strong, compact neodymium magnet, which makes the generator system both compact and lighter through its minimal dimensions.

Ortofon’s Field Stabilizing Element, a small cylinder of conductive material strategically placed inside the magnet system, guarantees that the force field remains stable regardless of the movement of the armature. FSE improves the channel separation, while at the same time minimizing dynamic distortion and intermodulation. The result: fantastic dynamics and even more elbow room between the musicians. You simply experience more drama and greater breadth, height and epth in the sound scenario!

Building on the groundbreaking technology

Selective Laser Melting technology

Building on the groundbreaking technology of the MC A90, the MC 90X features a stainless-steel structure crafted using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology. The use of stainless steel in the MC 90X cartridges enhances the overall rigidity of the structure, cartridge weight, and dynamic capability. This robust material not only contributes to superior sound quality but also ensures that the cartridge is compatible with a wider range of turntables. By achieving the optimal weight, the MC 90X maintains a perfect balance, allowing for exceptional performance across various setups.

In-House Rubber Production for Ultimate Performance

Refined Damping System

A standout feature of the Ortofon MC 90X is the Wide Range Damping (WRD) system. This advanced system employs a platinum disc placed between two rubber absorbers with distinct properties, ensuring superior tracking and effective damping across the entire frequency range. This design minimizes distortion and resonance, enhancing sound clarity.

Ortofon develops and manufactures its exclusive rubber compounds in-house, ensuring exceptional cartridge performance. The improved rubber components in the MC 90X play a crucial role in enhancing overall cartridge performance and delivering an unparalleled listening experience.

Ortofon's MC 90X Further Refines A Groundbreaking Design

“In its literature Ortofon says ‘The MC 90X is a reimagining of a classic, combining precision engineering with advancements in material science and magnetism.’ I’m glad they refer to the A90 as a ‘classic’ because surely it is.

Tracking at 2.3 grams produced ‘mind blowing’ results using Ortofon's test record... This cartridge perfectly tracked the 90µm track... and... tracked the 100µm track! Not perfectly, but with only minor ‘buzz’!

There’s a sweetness and effortlessness to the 90X’s textural presentation that for Ortofon, in my experience at least, is a new sonic realm... “

Michael Fremer

Tracking Angle, 2025

Ortofon's MC 90X Further Refines A Groundbreaking Design

“Smooth, supple and satiny - words not usually applied to Ortofon MCs - but this cartridge gets them...

Ortofon has re-invented a ‘classic’ design, maintaining the original’s strong suits of high detail resolution, ‘speed’, transient precision and overall timbral neutrality, while adding midband suppleness with a satiny smooth finish.“

Michael Fremer

Tracking Angle, 2025

This cartridge turned out to be something of a hero.

“...one of the best-constructed cartridges I’ve ever seen, with behaviour as composed as its flawless physical presence.
...The opening notes positively sparkled, the attack so clearly delineated that it attested to the MC 90X’s impeccable groove tracing abilities.
...So room-filling and involving was the sound that I even followed it with Close To The Edge, the opening suite rich with differing textures... attested to the MC 90X’s superb resolution.
...Wow, can this cartridge deliver the scale of bombastic pomp as well as the finer moments of an introspective Jacko.
... the Ortofon MC 90X charms with a performance that can deal with Van Halen and Van Cliburn. “

Ken Kessler

Hi-Fi News, 2025

Specifications
  • Channel balance at 1 kHz
    < 0.2 dB
  • Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec
    0.25 mV
  • Channel separation at 1 kHz
    > 28 dB
  • Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
    +/- 1 dB
  • Compliance, dynamic, lateral
    11 μm/mN
  • Cantilever material
    Boron
  • Stylus type
    Ortofon Replicant 100
  • Stylus tip radius
    r/R 5/100 μm
  • Coil system
    Quad coils
  • Tracking force, recommended
    2.3 grams
  • Internal impedance, DC resistance
    4 Ω
  • Coil wire material
    Aucurum (Gold-plated 6NX OFC)
  • Cartridge weight
    9.5 grams
  • Recommended load resistance
    > 10 Ω
    • Download user guide

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