Short summary

A moving-coil cartridge with a nude Shibata stylus on a boron cantilever for speed, detail and transparency. Pure silver coils ensure ultra-clean signal transfer, with an advanced magnet system and a stainless-steel frame for stability.

Key info

  • Moving coil cartridge w/ a nude Shibata diamond stylus
  • Boron cantilever for speed and transparency
  • Pure silver coils
  • Advanced magnet system for output efficiency
  • Custom rubber dampers improve tracking
  • MIM stainless steel frame w/ PVD finish

Specifications

Physical characteristics
Weight 8.6 g
Phono cartridge specifications
Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Channel separation 26 dB (1 kHz)
Resistance > 50 Ω
Stylus Type Nude Shibata
Stylus Tip Radius r/R 6/50 μm
Recommended Tracking Force 2.0 g
Compliance, Dynamic, Lateral 15 μm/mN
Cantilever Boron
Output Voltage 0.4 mV (1 kHz)
Channel Balance 0.5 dB. (1 kHz)

Description

MC X40

MC X40 is the pinnacle of the MC X Series, designed for the most discerning audiophile. Featuring a nude Shibata diamond stylus mounted on a rigid and lightweight boron cantilever, this cartridge provides unparalleled transparency, speed, and responsiveness.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Downloads

Ortofon is one of the most respected names in vinyl playback, with a history dating back to 1918 and a long-standing reputation for precision phono cartridge design. Based in Denmark, the company…