Ortofon Cadenza Black MC phono cartridge

Ortofon MC Cadenza Series Moving Coil Cartridges
Available to experience in-store at the Spinning Room showroom

The Ortofon Cadenza Series represents a significant step forward in moving coil cartridge design, combining advanced materials and refined engineering to achieve exceptional analogue performance. Developed with a focus on pushing both new and existing technologies, the range delivers high levels of precision, detail, and musicality.

Key innovations across the series include cobalt-iron pole pieces, an improved armature winding process, and extruded aluminium housings. These enhancements allow for greater accuracy in retrieving analogue information while maintaining structural rigidity and consistency. The range also includes a dedicated mono model, designed specifically for microgroove mono records.

Each cartridge within the Cadenza Series has its own distinct sonic character, offering a range of performance options suited to different listening preferences.

Key Features:

• Advanced moving coil cartridge series
• Cobalt-iron pole pieces for improved magnetic efficiency
• Refined armature winding process for enhanced signal accuracy
• Extruded aluminium housing for structural integrity
• Wide range of models with distinct sonic signatures
• Includes dedicated mono cartridge for microgroove records

Model Overview:

• Cadenza Mono – true mono cartridge for microgroove vinyl playback
• Cadenza Red – open, dynamic sound with a touch of warmth
• Cadenza Blue – increased dynamics, resolution, and detail
• Cadenza Bronze – highly detailed and balanced presentation
• Cadenza Black – highest performance with exceptional neutrality, detail, and insight

The Cadenza Black is the flagship model of the range, designed for maximum tonal accuracy, dynamic precision, and transparency. It features a Nude Shibata stylus mounted on a boron cantilever, providing extremely low effective mass for improved tracking and responsiveness. The boron material offers high stiffness while remaining lighter than aluminium.

It also incorporates Ortofon’s WRD (Wide Range Damping) system, which independently controls high and low frequency damping for improved stability and performance. The internal coil uses Ortofon Aucurum wire, a gold-plated 6NX copper conductor, ensuring high signal purity and consistency.

Technical Highlights (Cadenza Black):

• Nude Shibata stylus on boron cantilever
• WRD (Wide Range Damping) system for frequency control
• Gold-plated 6NX copper (Aucurum) coil wire
• High detail retrieval, stable imaging, and accurate sound staging
• Exceptional tonal neutrality and dynamic range

Specification (Cadenza Black):

• Output Voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec): 0.33 mV
• Channel Balance (1 kHz): < 0.8 dB
• Channel Separation (1 kHz): > 27 dB
• Channel Separation (15 kHz): > 20 dB
• Frequency Range (-3 dB): 20 – 60,000 Hz
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+1.5 / 0 dB)
• Tracking Ability (315 Hz): 90 µm
• Compliance (dynamic, lateral): 16 µm/mN
• Stylus Type: Nude Shibata
• Cantilever: Boron
• Stylus Tip Radius: r/R 6/50 µm
• Tracking Force Range: 2.0 – 2.5 g
• Recommended Tracking Force: 2.3 g
• Tracking Angle: 20°
• Internal Impedance (DC resistance): 5 Ω
• Recommended Load Impedance: > 10 Ω
• Cartridge Body Material: Stainless steel / Aluminium
• Colour: Black / Black
• Weight: 10.7 g

What’s Included:

• Ortofon MC Cadenza Cartridge (model dependent)
• Documentation

Note:

This product is available for in-store demonstration. Visit the Spinning Room showroom in Leeds to experience the Cadenza Series in person.