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OrtofonCadenza Red

Ortofon MC CadenzaRed Moving CoilCartridge

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Delivered byMonday, 14 September
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Ortofon MC Cadenza Red Moving Coil Cartridge delivers an open, dynamic sound with a touch of warmth, designed for audiophiles seeking premium analogue performance.

The Cadenza Series

Ortofon continually innovates to push the boundaries of cartridge technology, ensuring the highest level of performance and quality. Building on the success of the Kontrapunkt models and MC Jubilee, Ortofon developed the ambitious Cadenza series to reveal new possibilities in analogue sound reproduction.

By incorporating cobalt-iron pole pieces, an improved winding process on the armature, and extruded aluminium housing, the Cadenza series offers enhanced performance. The range also includes a moving coil Cadenza Mono model, catering to enthusiasts of microgroove mono records.

Each of the five Cadenza cartridges has a unique sonic character, representing classic variations:

  • MC Cadenza Mono: True mono cartridge for microgroove mono vinyl records
  • MC Cadenza Red: Open, dynamic sound with a touch of warmth
  • MC Cadenza Blue: Increased dynamics and resolution with more detail
  • MC Cadenza Bronze: Enhanced detail and resolution with balanced sound
  • MC Cadenza Black: Ultimate resolution and accuracy, true to the groove

The Story Behind Cadenza

The term "Cadenza" (Italian for cadence) refers to a solo passage in a concert where the orchestra pauses, allowing the soloist to perform freely and expressively. Historically, cadenzas evolved from improvised solos to fully composed sections, showcasing virtuosity and musicality.

Key Features

  • Moving coil cartridge with advanced cobalt-iron pole pieces
  • Extruded aluminium housing for durability and resonance control
  • Nude Fine Line stylus on aluminium cantilever for precise tracking
  • Open, dynamic sound signature with warm tonal balance
  • Ideal for audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts seeking high fidelity

Specifications

Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec: 0.45 mV
Channel balance: < 1.5 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz: > 23 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz: > 15 dB
Frequency range (-3 dB): 20 Hz – 50 kHz
Frequency response (20 Hz - 20 kHz): +3/-1 dB
Tracking ability at 315 Hz (recommended force): 80 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 12 µm/mN
Stylus type: Nude Fine Line on aluminium cantilever
Stylus tip radius: r/R 8/40

*) Typical value

Tracking force range: 2.2 – 2.7 g (22 – 27 mN)
Recommended tracking force: 2.5 g (25 mN)
Tracking angle: 20º
Internal impedance (DC resistance): 5 Ohm
Recommended load impedance: 50 – 500 Ohm
Cartridge body material: Stainless steel and aluminium
Cartridge colour: Red/Black
Cartridge weight: 10.7 g

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