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Uncover New Dimensions

MC X20

Go deeper into your music with the MC X20. Featuring a nude elliptical diamond stylus, it reveals greater depth and definition, uncovering the full character of each track. Rediscover your favorite records with fresh excitement and vivid precision.

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€499,00
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OverviewFeaturesReviewsSpecifications

With the X series, Ortofon shows that genuine progress and technical innovation are still possible even in affordable MC systems.

Bernhard Rietschel

LowBeats, Aug 2025

A New Benchmark in Analog Perfection

In the world of vinyl playback, the cartridge is where the journey begins. A pivotal point where music rises from the groove and transforms into immersive soundscapes. With the MC X Series, Ortofon sets a new benchmark in MC cartridge design, pushing premium Moving Coil technology to unprecedented levels of performance.

Silver Coils in the Ortofon MC X Phono Cartridge

Exceptional Signal Clarity

/Pure Silver
Coil System

All MC X cartridges feature coils wound with high-purity silver wire. The use of premium materials is to ensure exceptional signal clarity, delivering sound with unmatched precision and preserving every detail without interference.

Maximum Magnetic Efficiency

Magnet system

The MC X Series introduces a newly developed magnet system with a one-piece pole cylinder integrated into a rear magnet yoke. Engineered for maximum magnetic efficiency and paired with pure silver coils, this configuration ensures a clean, powerful signal path that elevates overall performance.

Ortofon_MC_X_Cartridge_Optimized_Magnet_System

Precision Engineering for Unmatched Stability

Custom-Developed Rubber Dampers

In-house produced and developed rubber compounds form the core of the MC X Series’ mechanical damping system. Rubber dampers are essential for controlling the physical movement of the coils, maintaining stability, minimizing unwanted vibrations, and enabling precise coil motion. The result is superior tracking, reduced distortion, and musical accuracy.

MIM-Molded Honeycomb-Structured Core

Experience the depth.
Hear every detail.

At the core of the MC X Series is an advanced honeycomb-structured stainless-steel frame, created using Metal Injection Molding (MIM) technology. This refined construction ensures superior mechanical stability, providing an ideal foundation for precise and accurate sound reproduction.

After molding and sintering, a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) surface treatment is applied to enhance surface appearance and maintain material integrity over time.

MIM-Molded Honeycomb-Structured Core used in Ortofon MC X Phono Cartridge

Modern Elegance with Distinctive Design

The Shape of Sound

The MC X Series embodies modern elegance with a distinctive design that seamlessly complements the tonearm. From afar, its silhouette speaks of minimalist refinement; up close, its intricate detailing reveals craftsmanship at every level. True to Ortofon’s signature aesthetic, it’s a sophisticated fusion of form and function.

Best in Class Award

“This is a breathtakingly sophisticated cartridge and a serious alternative to moving magnet rivals anywhere near the price point.

Sounds astonishing for the money - Well made and easy to set up“

Ed Selley

AVForums, July 2025

Best in Class Award

“In this specific regard, the MC X20 is pretty much the defined state of the art.

What the Ortofon (MC X20 - red.) does with exceptional effectiveness is deliver on the immediacy and slightly ‘lush’ quality of moving coil carts but it does so while maintaining the potency of a good moving magnet.“

Ed Selley

AVForums, July 2025

Best in Class Award

“Detail levels are also really impressive, helped by a low noise floor that didn’t show up when listening … this isn’t going to raise the noise floor. Detail levels are also extremely good.

You just lean back and revel in a performance that is absolutely on the nose from start to finish.“

Ed Selley

AVForums, July 2025

Best in Class Award

“This is the first time I have listened to a sub £500 cartridge that offers some areas of meaningfully better performance over the superb Rega Nd7.

That performance requires a more specialist phono stage … but the moment that many people hear it, they simply won’t care.“

Ed Selley

AVForums, July 2025

Best in Class Award

“This is Ortofon pulling out all the stops and showing us what it can do. In this case what it can do is produce the Best in Class cartridge under £500.“

Ed Selley

AVForums, July 2025

Specifications
  • Channel balance at 1 kHz
    0.5 dB
  • Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec
    0.4 mV
  • Channel separation at 1 kHz
    25 dB
  • Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
    +/-1 dB
  • Compliance, dynamic, lateral
    15 μm/mN
  • Cantilever material
    Aluminium
  • Stylus type
    Nude Elliptical
  • Stylus tip radius
    r/R 8/18 μm
  • Stylus suspensions
    Ortofon exclusive
  • Coil system
    Quad coils
  • Tracking force, recommended
    2.0 grams
  • Internal impedance, DC resistance
    6 Ω
  • Coil wire material
    High-purity silver
  • Cartridge weight
    8.6 grams
  • Recommended load resistance
    > 50 Ω
    • Download user guide

Customer Reviews

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Experience analog perfection at every level

Explore the MC X Series