Ortofon MC 20 Super II cartridge

A Completely New Design  - Inside and Out

As the fourth generation of Ortofon's best selling Moving Coil cartridge ever, the MC 20 Super II has a tradition as well as a reputation to live up to. Very conscious of this, the Ortofon engineering team has carefully evaluated every detail and available technology, to create a cartridge which, will deline the standard of sound reproduction in its class.

 

Fritz Gyger Type 1 Stylus With Improved Geometry and Ultra Stable Imaging

The FG Type 1 stylus benefits from the latest technological advances within diamond cutting and polishing. It is now possible to produce a very slim profile which will track even the highest frequency groove information. This is particularly important for the innermost turns of the groove. At the same time, the FG Type 1 stylus is distinguished by a larger than normal footprint for reduced distortion and record wear.

The audible results are crystal clear - a convincing and natural reproduction with a very stable definition or width and depth in the musical perspective.

 

The Ortophase Concept Adds a New Dimension to Analogue Sound

The inherently phase linear characteristics of the FG Type 1 stylus are further emphasised by the proprietary Ortophase concept which was introduced in Ortofon's famous MC 2000 cartridge.

Statistically reliable listening tests and extensive laboratory studies have demonstrated the importance of phase linearity in the reproduction of high quality audio.

But it has taken Ortofon's experience and manufacturing technology to make cartridges phase linear. Since a cartridge is a bandwidth limited transducer, a ruler-flat frequency response will not produce phase linear characteristics. Ortofon's research has shown that a very carefully calculated shaping of the amplitude response will result in a linear phase response.

This is the reason why frequency charts for the MC 20 Super II , show a slightly rising level above 5 kHz. Normally, such a response would be interpreted as a result of uncontrolled resonances. In fact, the natural resonances are under full control, and every Ortofon Moving Coil cartridge has been tuned by hand to ensure that it precisely meets the specifications of the Ortophase concept.

 

Non-Resonant Aluminium Cartridge Housing Prevents Sonic Colouration

The sound of the MC 20 Super II also benefits from Ortofon's new aluminium cartridge housing.

Internally, the magnetic assembly is securely screwed and glued to the body, and the precision fit of the two anodised extrusions makes the entire housing acoustically inert.

The large, solid upper plate makes it easy to achieve a perfect mechanical coupling to any high quality shell.

 

Specifications:

Output Voltage:  0,2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)

Channel Balance:  less than 1,0 dB

Channel Separation:  better than 25 dB

Frequency Response:  20 - 40,000 Hz +4 dB -1 dB

Compliance Dynamic:  16 µm/mN

Stylus:  FGT 2 type

Tracking Force:  1,6 - 2,0 g

Tracking Ability:  better than 90 µm

Recommended Load Impedance:  better than 100

Weight:  10 grams

 

Ortofon MC10 Super II cartridge

A Level of Quality You thought you Couldn't Afford

 

Compatible with most High quality amplifiers - Like the other higher output Moving Coil cartridges from Ortofon, the MC 10 Super II produces sufficient output voltage for the MC inputs of better audio amplifiers.

 

For more than 50 years music lovers and audiophiles all over the world have appreciated the unique sound quality generated by Ortofon's Moving Coil cartridges. Music lovers have chosen this particular design for the simple reason that it gives them greater listening pleasure. And audiophiles have praised the portrayal of space, and precise image location, plus the richness and purity of detail.

Many have asked the question: why is the sound of a Moving Coil cartridge so superior to that of a traditional magnetic design?

The answer, in one world, is linearity. The patented Ortofon low-impedance, low-output design is inherently linear over the entire audible range. And over the years, numerous enhancements developed by Ortofon have further increased the linearity of Moving Coil cartridges and eliminated still more sources to sonic colouration.

Even the least expensive member of the new MC Super II generation - the MC 10 Super II - incorporates a highly advanced diamond stylus, the Wide Range Damping System, the Ortophase concept and several other advantages, originally developed for top-of-the-line Ortofon cartridges. These technologies are also described in more detail in connection with the MC30 and MC20 Super II.

 

Outstanding Tracking Ability at All frequencies and levels

The tracking ability of a cartridge begins at the point of the stylus. In the case of the MC 10 Super II, the stylus is a nude Fritz Gyger Type 2 diamond which features a very slim profile, and a relatively large footprint.

These qualities mean that even high frequency modulation in the innermost turns of the groove will be reproduced accurately - at a lower tracking force than normally associated with Moving Coil cartridges.

Furthermore, the ingenious metal disc that is the heart of Ortofon's Wide Range Damping System ensures optimum damping of the Cantilever movements at low as well as very high frequencies. This is one more reason why the MC10 Super II will accurately track the violent modulation from a bass drum, as well as reproduce the delicate timber of a harpsichord.

 

Specifications

Output Voltage:  0,2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)

Channel Balance:  less than 1,0 dB

Channel Separation:  better than 25 dB

Frequency Response:  20 - 40,000 Hz +4 dB -1 dB

Compliance Dynamic:  15 µm/mN

Stylus:  FGT 2 type

Tracking Force:  1,6 - 2,0 g

Tracking Ability:  better than 80 µm

Recommended Load Impedance:  better than 100

Weight:  10 grams

Ortofon MC20 Super cartridge

 

Higher Output Moving Coil Cartridge

This new cartridge incorporates the very latest developments to come out of our research laboratories and also employs the acclaimed van del Hul stylus shape in the MkII version

The Stylus

The special van del Hul  stylus chosen fro the MC20 Super, is an improvement of the original shape. In addition to providing excellent tracking capability, this new slim shape is more robust and places far less critical demands on the cartridge/headshell mounting.

The van del Hul shape is , in fact, the shape that most closely resembles the actual cutting sapphire.  The slim, highly polished profile of the stylus allows a wide contact area to the groove wall and permits:

Tracking of even the highest frequency groove information (especially in the innermost turns of the record groove)

Reduced record and stylus wear

Reduced distortion and phase error, as a result of the diamond's improved tracking geometry.

 

Aluminuim Housing

In order to gain the maximum benefit from this new diamond, it was necessary to construct an extremely rigid cartridge body that was virtually free from undesired resonances. We have achieved this by engineering the cartridge housing from extended aluminium profile, whilst ensuring that the cartridge weighs no more than 9 grams.

With this cartridge we have also achieved dynamic compliance of 16 µm/mN, which means that the MC20 Susper can be mounted in all medium to heavy mass tonearms.

 

Carbon Fibre Plate

By introducing a special carbon fibre plate to the bottom of the MC20 Super we have resolved the problem of static electricity that normally appears from records as small sparks on the projecting points of the cartridge's metal parts. This plate picks up the static electricity across the entire record surface and thus reduces these sparks considerably.

At the same time the charcoal fibre plate, which is made of very hard material, connects the basis of the moving system to the housing and this too prevents undesired resonances.

 

The Advances that made the MC20 Super possible

We have again broken new ground in the development of the MC20 Super, overcoming problems that previously seemed impossible.

In order for us to achieve a higher output voltage then normal, it was necessary to place more windings on the armature. Previous attempts at this have resulted in an increase in mass and therefore a loss of performance.

However, with the new MC20 Super we have been able to keep a low equivalent stylus tip mass of just 0,5 mg with the introduction of unique Ortofon developments.

The first, is a new armature which was originally designed for Ortofon's state of-the-art. Ortophase MC2000. this new armature has been designed as a tiny, lightweight cross, which allows the number of minute windings to be increased without affecting the performance of the moving mass. As a result, the cross sectional area of the windings is identical on both coils, thereby improving channel balance. And the coil are mounted at exactly 90 to each other improving channel separation.

To meet the higher output the basic magnetic system has also been re-designed to include a stronger magnet and more efficient pole pins thus keeping the necessary number of windings to a minimum. Furthermore, the entire magnetic system is glued to the cartridge body, giving greater rigidity and mechanical stability. This also prevents internal resonances which in turn permits cleaner high frequency response.

In order to exercise complete control over all the moving parts, particularly in the high frequency range where the properties of the diamond influence reproduction most we have incorporated the extremely stable Wide Range Damping system.

The advances that we made in linear phase technology on the Ortophase Concept have also been applied to the MC20 Super. The resulting linear phase and Frequency Response  characteristics ensure an extremely high standard of stereo reproduction.

 

Specifications

Weight:  9 gram

Type of Stylus:  Van den Hul model II nude

Stylus Tip Radius:  r/R 5/70 µm

Equivalent Stylus Tip Mass:  0,49 mg

Frequency Response:  20 - 40,000 Hz =4 -1 dB

Output Voltage at 1 kHz, (5 cm/sec):  >0,2 mV

Channel Balance at 1 kHz:  >1,0 dB

Channel Separation at 1 kHz: >25 dB

Channel Separation at 15 kHz: >19 dB

Dynamic Compliance, Horizontal/Vertical:  15/15 µm/mN

Vertical Tracking Angle:  20°

Recommended Tracking Force:  18 mN/1,8 g

Tracking Force Range:  16 - 20 mN; 1,6 - 2,0 g

Tracking Ability at 315 Hz (Lateral):  >80 µm

Internal Resistance:  3 Ω

Recommended Load Impedance:  ≥10 Ω

FIM Distortion: ≤0,8%

Ortofon MC10 Super cartridge

 

Higher Output Moving Coil Cartridge

Ever since Ortofon introduces the world's first moving coil cartridge, back in 1948, it has been accepted that the finest sound reproduction comes from this type of pick-up.

But this higher quality has always gone hand-in-hand wwith greater expense. Because buying a moving coil has entailed an extra outlay on a transformer or pre-preamplifier to boost the moving coil's lower voltage outputs.

Until now. And the new Ortofon MC10 Super.

With this cartridge we have succeeded, for the first time, in producing a moving coil cartridge that has all the quality traditionally associated with the Ortofon name, but has no need for a steo-up device.

The Moving Coil Principle

Moving coil cartridges are based on the use of twin coils of microscopically fine wire (one for each stereo channel), acting as miniaturised power generators. Each generating its own electrical current as it moves within a magnetic field.

Ortofon use a patented construction method , which allows the coils to adopt two positions.

In neutral, the coil is by-passed by the magnetic field and no signal is generated. But when the stylus and cantilever shift it into the second position, the coil conatcts the magnetic field and a signal is induced.

So, as the stylus traces the record's grooves, the variations in its movement are transmitted to the coils via the cantilever. The coils are than moved from their neutral position, cutting the lines of force between the magnetic poles and producing tiny voltages.

These voltages are replicas of the signals placed in the groove when the record was cut. And it is because the moving coil principle is also used in this cutting, that the most accurate reproduction of the signals is achieved by the same method.

The higher output MC10 Super

Because normal moving coil cartridges use such miniaturised coils, their voltage output is very low (0,1 mV or less). Necessitating the use of additional amplification. But by increasing the number of windings on the MC10 Super's coils we have increased its output voltage to 0,3 mV. Which means it will provide a perfect match for any up-to-date amplifier with a built-in  MC input, without the need for an external step-up device. Yet because it has an internal impedance of 3 Ω , it can still be used successfully with any of our step-up transformers it further improvement in sound is deemed desirable, or even possible.

The advances that made the MC10 Super possible

Previous attempts at putting more windings on a moving coil, while increasing the cartridge's voltage output, have also increased its mass. With a resulting loss of performance. But with the MC10 Super we have been able to keep a low eqivalent stylus tip mass of just 0,5 mg, thanks to three further developments by Ortofon technicians.

The first is a new armature, which was originally designed for Ortofon's state-of-the-art. Ortophase MC2000. this new armature has been designed as a tiny, lightweight cross, which allows the number of minute coil windings to be increased without affecting the performance of the moving mass.

As a result, the cross-sectional area of the windings is identical on both coils, improving channel balance. And the coils are mounted at exactly 90° to each other, improving channel separation.

The second development is a new magnet and improved damping system. This has increased the strength of the cartridge's magnetic field. And has allowed its natural pivotal point to be placed immediately behind the armature giving an extremely precise moving system.

Finally, the MC10 Super has a tiny, nude Elliptical diamond, mounted on a very light and rigid cantilever. The resulting low equivalent stylus tip mass and the cantilever compliance mean that the MC10 Super will give excellent results with virtually any modern tonearm.

Ortofon's linear phase technology, the Ortophase Concept, has been applied to the MC10 Super. The result being that the phase and Frequency Response characteristics are as linear as possible, therefore, achieving an extremely high standard of stereo reproduction.

 

Specifications

Output Voltage at 1000 Hz, 5 cm/sec:  0,3 mV

Channel Balance at 1000 Hz:  1,5 dB

Channel Separation at 1000 Hz: 25 dB

Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz +4 dB/ -1 dB

FIM Distortion at Recommended Tracking Force, DIN 45-542: ≤1%

Tracking Ability at 315 Hz at Recommended Tracking Force:  >60 µm

Dynamic Compliance, Horizontal/Vertical:  14/14 µm/mN

Vertical Tracking Angle:  20°

Type of Stylus:  Elliptical Nude

Equivalent Stylus Tip Force:  0,5 mg

Recommended Tracking Force:  15 mN/1,5 g

Tracking Force Range:  13 - 18 mN; 1,3 - 1,8 g

Weight of Unit:  7 g

Internal Impedance DC Resistance per Channel:  3 Ω

Recommended Load Impedance per Channel:  ≥10 Ω

ADC XLM phono cartridge

The ADC XLM cartridge - this is the only cartridge we have seen that is really capable of tracking almost all stereo discs at 0,4 grams.

The Sound Authorities go on to say: "the XLM went through the usual torture test at 0,4 grams (some models require more than a gram)….the XLM is capable of reproducing anything found on a phonograph record." "the CBS STR-100 test record showed less than ±1,5 dB variation up to 20,000 Hz … response is within ±2 dB over the entire range, and Frequency Response is exceptionally flat."

"Distortion readings, are almost without exception better than those for any other model we've tested, … the XLM has remarkably low distortion in comparison with others, …at 0,6 grams the distortion was low  - under 1,5 percent."

"The XLM could be instrumental in lowering the input noise from the first stage of a modern transistor amplifier, … the cartridge had very good shielding against induced hum."

"This would be a very hard cartridge to surpass at any price, … we found it impossible to attribute superior sound to costlier competing models,  priced as it is, it is a rel bargain in cartridges."

Specifications

Company (Year):  ADC (1971)

Body/Molding/Stylus:  Gold / Black /Black

Stylus:  RXL

Stylus Tip:  .3 x .7 mil

Stylus Mount:  Nude

Compliance:  50 cu

Tracking Force:  .4 - 1 g

Frequency Response:  10 - 25,000 Hz

Channel Balance:  2 dB at 1 kHz

Output:  0,85 mV

Channel Separation:  25 dB at 1 kHz

Inductance:  300 mH

Resistance:  625 Ω

Capacitance:  235 pF

Weight:  5,5 grams

Micro-Acoustics QDC-1 phono cartridge

Stereo Phono Cartridge. It will make any well recorded L.P. sound exactly like its master tape.

People in the record business have known for a long time that a well recorded stereo disc is potentially every bit as good as its master tape. Our founder and president. Arnold Schwartz, created the Series 300 Micro-Point Recording Stylus - an ultra precision cutting tool used to master the world's finest recordingd. (Over two-hundred million records a year are manufactured from masters cut with our Series 300 Micro Point Styli.) And it has been our experience that there's no problem in getting the music onto the record the problem has been in retrieving it.

The cartridge is the culprit.

Until the advent of the QDC-1, there really wasn't a cartridge on the market that could make a stereo record sound as good as its master tape. So cartridge manufactures didn't have to deal with an absolute standard of measurement for their product. They sold their cartridges very much like loudspeakers , using subjective criteria. In the end, the customer had to choose between the "sound" of one cartridge or another. The fact is that a cartridge shouldn't have any sound of its own. Ideally it should just be a direct link between the record groove and the preamp input. That's precisely what the new QDC-1 is - an ultra precision component that neither adds  nor detracts from the music you hear. And because it does what it does so well, it will change the way all cartridges are judged. Now a cartridge's performance can be measured against a completely reliable abjective standard.

Stated simply; "Does a cartridge make a well recorded disc sound identical to its master tape? Or doesn't it?" our does. Here's why.

[1] The  QDC-1 Series 300 playback styli (QDC-1e, 1s, 1q) are shaped and polished with the same ultra precision as our world famous Micro-Point recording styli. These styli follow the complexities of the record groove with greater tracing accuracy than heretofore obtainable.

[2] The QDC-1 stylus bar is directly attached to its transducer, eliminating the losses inherent in standard flux field coupling. This unique method of lossless coupling provides a faster response time than any other known system.

[3] The QDC-1 stylus is balanced by two elastic bearings positioned to provide precise 45°-45° signal resolution. This symmetrical configuration precisely controls stylus excursion from minimum to maximum groove amplitude, without the floppy overshoot of conventional single bearing designs.

[4] The QDC-1 electret transducer puts out a perfectly linear signal from 5 Hz to 50 kHz, without the phase shift normally associated with inductive transducers. Its reproduction of complex wave forms is equal to the best direct coupled amplifiers.

Specifications

Stylus Configuration (User Replaceable):

QDC-1e :  .0002 x .0007 elliptical solid nude diamond

QDC-1s  :  .0005 spherical soild nude diamond

QDC-1q  :  Quadra-Point/CD-4 solid nude diamond

Frequency Response: 

QDC-1e  :  5 Hz to 20 kHz ±2 dB

QDC-1s  :  5 Hz to 20 kHz ±2 dB

QDC-1q  :  5 Hz - 50 kHz ±3 dB

Tracking Force Range:

QDC-1e :  0,75 to 1,5 grams

QDC-1s  :  0,9 to 1,5 grams

QDC-1q  :  0,9 to 2,0 grams

Channel Separation: 

QDC-1e :  Nominally 30 dB at 1 kHz (nominally 20 dB at 10 kHz)

QDC-1s  :  Nominally 30 dB at 1 kHz (nominally 20 dB at 10 kHz)

QDC-1q  :  Nominally 30 dB at 1 kHz (nominally 15 dB at 20 kHz)

Output Voltage:  3,5 mV each channel at 5 cm/sec peak recorded velocity

Load Impedance:  47 k Ω

Shure M95 HE cartridge

Phono pickup

This is the next-to-the top-of the line Shure pick-up, which incorporates the same stylus as is used in the top-of-the-line model. Overall the sound quality is very good, with slightly hot highs, with user-replaceable stylus (which may also be used by those who now own the M95 pickup) .

A magnetic pickup with a "Hyper-elliptical" stylus and built-in "hinged" stylus guard. Recommended vertical tracking force is 3/4 to 1-1/2 grams and best rsults were attained in the 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 gram range.

The Frequency Response measured ±3 dB from 20 to 15,000 Hz, rising to +4,5 dB at 20,000 Hz. Overall channel balance was within 2 dB. The worst-case stereo separation was 23 dB at 1000 Hz; 20 dB at 15,000 Hz.

This pickup sounds a lot better than it measures.

Specifications

Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz

Output (at 1,000 Hz):  4,7 mV (at 5 cm/sec peak recorded velocity

Channel Separation:  25 dB at 1 kHz (minimum)

Channell Balance:  within 2 dB

Tip Tracking Force:  0,75 - 1,5 grams

Total Tone Arm Tracking Force (Destaticizer on record):  1,25 to 2,0 grams

Force Exerted by Destaticizer:  0,5 grams

Typical Trackability (in cm/sec. Peak recorded velocity)

400 Hz :  24 cm/sec

1,000 Hz :  33 cm/sec

10,000 :  19 cm/sec

Inductance:  700 millihenries

DC Resistance:  1550 Ω

Optimum Load:  47 Ω 9resistance in parallel with 200 to 300 picofarads capacitance per channel)

Net Weight:  6,4 grams

Audio Technica AT30E cartridge

AT30E Stereo Phono Cartridge with Vector-Aligned Dual Moving MicroCoils and user-replaceable Stylus.

A top-quality moving coil cartridge exhibits remarkable sonic clarity and transparency. This performance can be attributed to the very low mass, and low inductance of the tiny coils used to sense the stylus motion. But until now, moving coil cartridge popularity has been limited by three major problems which seemed almost inherent to moving coil designs.

1)It seemed impossible to make a user-replaceable stylus assembly without compromising performance.

2)Most moving coil cartridges exhibited relatively low tracking ability due to rather stiff cantilever mounting system.

3)Outputof the cartridge was below the level needed for commonly available amplifier inputs.

Introducing the new Audio technica AT30E and the end to all three problems. Our design approach is simple and direct. Rather than localethe coils in the cartridge body, they are integral with the stylus assembly. If the stylus becomes worn or damaged, the entire moving system, coils and all, is simply unplugged and replaced, just like a moving magnet cartridge. Large, gold-plated connectors insure loss-free connections so vital at the low voltages generated by a good moving coil cartridge. The result is easy field replacement with no penalty in terms of performance.

Careful research indicated that good tracking and moving coil design were indeed compatible. By controlling, effective mass and utilizing a radial damping system similar to our famed Dual Magnet cartridge, we have achieved excellent tracking ability throught the audio range. Compliance is individually controlled during manufacture of each assembly to optimize performance. This extra step, impossible with most other designs, coupled with our unique radial damping ring, insures excellent tracking of the high-energy modulation found in many of the top-quality recording now available.

Each coil is located in the ideal geometric relationship to reproduce "its" side of the record groove. This Vector_Aligned design assures excellent stereo separation, minimum moving mass, and the highest possible efficiency. It's design concept which is exclusive to Audio-Technica, and is a major contributor to the outstanding performance of the AT30E.

The AT30E output is similar to many other fine moving coil cartridges. But an increasing number of amplifiers and receivers are featuring built-in "pre-preamplifiers" or "head amplifier" to accommodate moving coil cartridges directly. Thus the new systems buyer can make a cartridge choice based on sonic characteristics rather than on input compatibility. In addition, Audio-Technica offers the Model AT630 Transformer for matching to conventional amplifier inputs.

The new Audio-Technica AT30E Dual Moving Micro-Coil Stereo Phono Cartridge.

Specifications

Generating Element:  Dual Moving MicroCoil

Frequency Response:  15 - 25,000 Hz

Output:  0,28 mV ( at 5 cm/sec)

Channel Separation:  25/15 dB (1 kHz/10 kHz)

Channel Balance:  0,75 dB

Stylus Shape:  3 x 7 ellipticall

Stylus Construction:  Nude

Tracking Force:  1,4 - 2,0 grams

Vertical Tracking Angle:  20° (IEC/DIN standard)

Recommended Load Impedance:  20 Ω

Terminals:  ,050" diameter

Mouting:  1/2" centers

Dimensions:  5/8" x 1-9/64" x 11/16"

Weight:  5,0 grams

Replacement Stylus:  ATN30E

Denon DL-103D cartridge

Moving Coil type phono cartridge DL-103 D,  -103 S and -103

The high-grade DL-103 cartridge has been acquiring very favorable reputation for its finest quality since it was developed for the use inn the broadcasting stations in 1965. the third model of the series, DL-103D cartridge, which follows the DL-103 S moving coil catridge designed in accordance with DL-103 cartridge, has a lighter moving system and larger compliance, thus allowing a good reproducing characteristics under a lighter stylus pressure, a flat frequency response extending over 65 kHz wide and superb tone quality with the lowest distortion.

Specifications DL-103D:

Type:  Moving coil

Output Voltage:  0,25 mV (1 kHz 50 mm/sec)

Frequency Response:  20 - 65,000 Hz

Output Impedance:  35 Ω  (20 - 20,000 Hz)

Load Impedance:  more than 100 Ω

Channels Separation:  over 28 dB (1 kHz)

Channel Sensitivity Difference:  less than 1 dB (1 kHz)

Stylus Tip:  0,1 mm special elliptical solid diamond

Tracking Force:  1,5 g + 0,2 g

Compliance:  12 x 10¯⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)

Weight:  7,5 g

Specifications DL-103 and DL-103 S:

Type:  Moving coil

Output Voltage:  0,3 mV (1 kHz 50 mm/sec)

Frequency Response: 

DL-103 :  20 - 45,000 Hz

DL-103S :  20 - 60,000 Hz

Output Impedance:  40 Ω  (1 kHz)

Load Impedance:  more than 100 Ω

Channels Separation:  over 28 dB (1 kHz)

Channel Sensitivity Difference:  1 dB or less (1 kHz)

Stylus Tip:

DL-103 :  0,65 mil round stylus 

DL-103S :  special elliptical solid diamond

Tracking Force: 

DL-103 :  2,5 ±0,3 g

DL-103S :  1,8 g ±0,3 g

Compliance: 

DL-103 :  5 x 10¯⁶ cm/dyne

DL-103S :  8 x 10¯⁶ cm/dyne 

Weight: 

DL-103 : 8,5 g

DL-103S :  7,8 g

Yamaha MC-1X / -1C

 The Yamaha MC-1X / MC-1S : The Genius of Advanced Microelectrics for True Sound Quality.

Yamaha is founded on a dedication to music in all its forms. Our long experience as a leading manufacturer of musical instruments has made sensitivity to musical sound a habit hard to break. Our uniqueness gives rise to the originality clearly reflected in the reliable Natural Sound performance of every Yamaha high fidelity product. 

 And not, with the introduction of the MC-1X/MC-1S cartridges, our Natural Sound Fidelity extends across the entire audio reproduction range, from input to output. Like all our high fidelity products, our new carteidges are the result of an enduring relation ship between musicans and audio engineers. Our designers and engineers are encouraged to create the kind of high fidelity products they want for themselves. With the result, at all times, being a total Dedication to Musical Excellence.

Light, Solid Integrated Moving Structure 

 the stylus is a solid chip of diamond, 0,1 mm square, polished to a special elliptical contour so that the harder crystalline axis may always be in contact with the record surface. It is then fitted into the hole in the tubular beryllium cantilever and bonded firmly. Vibrations from musical signals travel only through solid bodies – from the diamond stylus through the beryllium cantilever to the silicone coil. Sound is always rich and pure.

Precision One-Point Suspension.

To more sharply define the fulcrum of vibration, we've suspended the cantilever by a special piano wire in the one-point suspension system. The piano wire itself is firmly connected to the solid brass holder for precise tension; the butyl rubber damper hugs the cantilever, retaining its resiliency in any ambient mode for many years. 

Specifications:

Cartridge type : Moving Coil 

Output : 0.20 mV

Frequenct Response : 10-20,000Hz

Tracking Force: 1.6 to 2.0 grams (1.8g optimal) 

Cartridge weight: 18 grams

Impedance : 30 ohms

Recommended load : >30 ohms

Compliance value : 30 X 10^6 cm/dyne

Stylus  : Special elliptical

Cantilever : Beryllium Pipe

Linn Asak MC

The Linn Asak Moving Coil Cartridge

Extending the philosophy of the turntable and arm to the design of the cartridge, it is obvious that the stylus, cantilever, and coils ahould be allowed to move freely in response to the information in the groove of the record. The rest of the cartridge should remain in a fixed position centered over the groove. This seemingly simple task is complicated by the fact that very high levels of energy are generated at the stylus tip. That energy travels up the cantilever and into the cartridge. The only way to prevent that energy from moving the cartridge body and the magnet assembly is to make the mass of the body and magnet very, very large. The most practical way to accomplish this is to use the mass of the arm and even the mass of the turntable. This is done by coupling the cartridge body very firmly to the arm.

The most significant differences between the Linn Asak and other moving-coil cartridges concern Linn's  efforts in designing a body that is rigid enough and strong enough to accomplish the task of coupling the cartridge to the arm. In order to provide  the strength necessary, the body is considerably wider than most. The unique recessed cartridge mounting holes allow the mounting screws slipping away from the body and / or the screwdriver accidentally slipping off the screws and damaging the stylus. In addition, to prevent any movement of the magnet assembly, great care has been taken to couple it very firmly to the body.

Arm Selection

If an arm other than the LV-II is to be used with the Asak, care should be taken to insure that it has a very rigid bearing assembly (knife edge or unipivots are generally not suitable), and that the headshell is wide enough to accept the 20 mm wide body of the cartridge.

Specifications

Frequency Response:  10 Hz - 50 kHz ±3 dB

Output Voltage:  0,2 mV

Balance:  ±0,5 dB

Separation:  27 dB

Impedance;  3,5 Ω

Compliance:  12 x 10¯⁶ dyne/cm

Tracking Angle:  20

Tracking Force:  1,8 to 2,2 grams

Stylus Type:  o,2 x 0,8 mil elliptical diamond

Weight:  6 grams

ADC 10E Mk II

 With so many cartridges on the market, it'w easy to get confused. Unless you choose one with an outstanding track record.  Like the ADC 10/E Mark II.  Widely acclaimed as the "Critic's Choice", it is crafted by hand using our exclusive induced magnet design.

 The 10/E Mark II recreates sound faithfully. And tracks perfectly at the lowest possible pressures for optimum fidelity and long record life. It is as durable as any cartridge made regardless of price, and can be used with virtually and model changer or tonearm.

So end "cartridge confusion" forever by insisting on the ADC 10/E Mark II. For $59.50, you won't find a souder value.

Specifications

Type:  Induced Magnet

Output:  4 mV at 5,5 cms/sec. recorded velocity

Tracking Force:  ½ to 1½ grams

Frequency Response:  10 Hz to 20 ,000 Hz  ±2 dB

Channel Separation:  30 dB from 50 Hz to 12,000 Hz

Compliance:  35 x 10⁻⁶ cms/dyne.

Vertical Tracking Angle:  15"

Recomm. Load Impedance:  47,000 Ω nominal

Elliptical Stylus Tip: 

Contact Radius :  .0003"

Lateral Radius :   .0007"

Mass:  6,50 g

Denon DL-A100

 New model of Stereo Cartridge. Denon DL-A100.

Special edition of stereo cartridge celebrating our 100th anniversary

A Parallel Evolution.

The production of Denon cartridges began in 1941 when Denon began to develop cartridges for use at broadcast stations. Since then, cartridges of superior quality have been produced alongside the evolution of the record, and in 1961 Denon jointly  produced the DL-103 with NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, for use at FM stations. The DL-103 was able to play stereo LP records with high fidelity and reliability (providing easy handling and stability). Though the DL-103 was sold as a product for professional use, Hi-Fi audio enthusiasts felt such superior performance should not be limited to the realm of professionals, and in1970

Denon made the DL-103 available to the general market.

The basic design of this model continues to achieve first-rate performance and play an active part in today’s world. The DL-A100 is an anniversary model that has been recreated to celebrate 100 years of an engineering sample that was a unique and closely held secret at the time the DL-103 was developed. The DL-A100 represents the standard model that has been in production for  a little less than a half century—now reborn with the latest tuning for your enjoyment

The Signatures of Quality.

The DL-A100 features the 100th anniversary special case, and comes with a 5-year warranty and a signed certificate of authenticity from the chief production engineer who hand crafted the  product. Also included is a beautiful Denon “brand book” that  explores the history of one of the leading names in the audio-visual field. 

 High quality audio

• Independent 2-ch Moving Coils

The DP-A100 employs independent 2-channel moving coil cartridges to facilitate playback over a wide frequency range from low- to high-level signals. Superior playback performance is also possible due to the flat frequency response and minimal left-right sensitivity (level) differences.

• Fulcrum point of vibrating system that achieves stable tracking

The fulcrum point of the DP-A100’s vibrating system is made of extremely fine piano wire, and the tip of the stylus tracks smoothly in the groove of the record.

• Dual-structure cantilever

The DP-A100 uses a lightweight yet rigid dual-structure cantilever. Superior frequency response over the entire audible frequency range is achieved by minimizing the mechanical impedance of the vibrating system.

• Long-lasting solid diamond stylus

Since the tip of the DP-A100’s stylus uses a solid diamond, stable characteristics with negligible friction are maintained for a long time. In fact, each diamond is individually fitted into the stylus so that the hardest section – where the diamond has crystallized – touches the wall of the groove.

• Cross-shaped iron core and coils, to minimize sensitivity differences between channels. Wrapping separate coils on the cross-shaped iron core has successfully minimized sensitivity differences between the left and right channels while reducing mass.

• Characteristics chart packed with each product as a guarantee of superior performance Each individual DP-A100 has been carefully manufactured and packed with its own characteristics chart to guarantee superior performance.

Specifications DL-A100

Principle:  Moving coil (MC) type

Output Voltage:  0.3 mV  (1 kHz, 50 mm/s horizontal direction)

Channel Balance:  1 dB max. (1 kHz)

Channel Separation :  25 dB min. (1 kHz)

Electrical Impedance:  40 ohms ±20 %

Compliance:  5 x 10⁶ m/N (Using a 100 Hz record)

Stylus:  0.2 mm square solid diamond

Tracking Force:  25 mN ±3 mN (2.5 g ±0.3 g)

Frequency Response:  20 Hz to 45 kHz

Weigh:  8.8 g

Load Impedance:  100 ohms min. (40 ohms when using a transformer)

Ortofon MC 10

There are as many expert opinions on HiFi as there are experts. With all the variables, an incredible range of systems can be produced and all have their different advantages but almost all experts agree that moving coil is superior to magnetic construction for cartridges.

Moving coil's  detailed reproduction of spaciousness, three dimensional imagery and startling transient response surpasses that of even the best magnetic cartridge.

There is really only one choice if you wish to take full advantage of the capabilities of your HiFi system. Until now the high cost of the hand built moving coil cartridge has kept peak performance beyond the reach of all but the most wealthy.

Now Ortofon who have continuously developed moving coil technology since 1948, are able to produce a moving coil cartridge at a price which compaares to the cost of medium quality magnetic cartridges.

Ortofon's long experience of cartridge design and manufacture make the finest reproduction available to all discriminating listeners with the MC 10 moving coil cartridge.

The MC 10's caantilever has been designed on new principles, making it easier and faster to produce. It is as light and as rapid as possible, utilizing a new aluminium alloy. The new cantilever design, together with a tiny, specially polished diamond, gives a very low stylus tip mass,excellent tracking ability, easy handling of transients and minimal record wear.

Owing to their small output voltage and low inner resistance, moving coil cartridges cannot be connected directly to a conventional phono input and it is therefore necessary to boost the signal.

MC 10 Cartridges are available separately or in a cost saving pack complete with the specially developet STM 72 step-on transformar for perfect matching to your amplifier.

Specifications

Weight:  7 g

Output Voltage (per channel at 1000 Hz, 5 cm/s):  0,1 mV

Output Voltage (per channel at 1000 Hz, 5 cm/s with STM 72 or MCA 76):  5,0 mV

Internal Impedance DC Resistance per Channel:  3 Ω

Vertical Tracking Angle: 20

Frequency Range:  10 - 50,000 Hz

Frequency Response:  10 - 20,000 Hz, +3 dB -2 dB

Channel Separation at 1000 Hz:  >22 dB

Channel Balance:  <2 db="" p="">

Compliance:

Horizontal : 15 µm/mN

Vertical : 15 µm/mN

Tracking ability at 3000 Hz at recommended tracking force:  >50 µm

FIM Distortion at recommended Tracking force:  ≤1%

Type of Stylus: Elliptical

Stylus Tip Radius:  18/8 µm

Equivalent Stylus Tip Mass:  0,5 g

Tracking Force Range:  17 - 23 mN (1,7 - 2,3 gm)

Recommended Tracking Force:  20 mN (2,0 gm)