L'Ortofon MC A Mono is a true mono head Exclusive Series: The generator produces a single signal, which is then sent to both channels of the system. Why isn't the mono button on the amplifier enough? When playing a mono disc with a stereo cartridge, the two channels are never identical: crosstalk, noise, and errors. fase and tracking, antiskating and distortion make the image unstable and a bit blurry, and the mono switch only partially corrects the problem.
A true mono cartridge also doesn't respond to vertical movements. It's therefore immune to the so-called pinch effect, which pushes the stylus upward in the narrowest grooves, and greatly reduces the effect of dust, dirt, and wear, which are particularly noticeable in the vertical component. The result is a more solid and full central image, with a quieter background.
The technique is that of the flagship Exclusives: naked Replicant 100 stylus with special polishing on boron cantilever , Aucurum OFC 6NX gold-plated copper coils, neodymium magnet with low magnetization armature derived from the MC A95 and Field Stabilizing Element . The SLM titanium body , a technique born with the MC A90 and SPU A90, offers high rigidity and internal damping.
Thanks to the Wide Range Damping , introduced in 1979 with the MC 20 Mk II, the MC A Mono tracks 90 µm with a tracking force of 2,3 g. The weight of 6 g is very light: before assembly, it is advisable to check that the tonearm's counterweight allows it to be balanced. With 0,2 mV output and 7 Ω internal impedance, a high-gain MC phono preamp or a step-up with a load greater than 10 Ω is required.
| Typology | MC (moving coil) |
|---|---|
| Output voltage | 0.2mV |
| Stylus | Ortofon Replicant 100 bare diamond, special polishing |
| Recommended reading strength | 2.3 g |
| Phono load impedance | > 10 Ω |
| Weight | 6 g |
| cantilever | boron |
| Coils / windings | Aucurum (OFC 6NX gold-plated copper) |
| Internal impedance | 7 Ω |
| Channel separation | pure mono dB |
| Compliance | 13 |
| Read force range | 2.0-2.5 g |
| Vertical reading angle (VTA) | 23 ° |
| Attack / assembly | standard 1/2 inch (two screws) |
| Trim | silver |
| country of origin | Denmark |
Ortofon represents Danish excellence in the world of high fidelity, with over a century of experience in designing and manufacturing phonograph cartridges. Founded in 1918 in Copenhagen by Axel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen, and now headquartered in Nakskov, Denmark, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of turntable cartridges, appreciated by audiophiles, professionals, and analog music enthusiasts worldwide.
Ortofon began as the Electrical Fono Film Company to develop synchronized sound for cinema, and later shifted its focus to disc recording and playback: in 1945, it introduced its first cutting head, in 1948 its first moving-coil cartridge, and in 1959 the first SPU (Stereo Pick-Up), originally intended for professionals. The company's philosophy is based on continuous research, Danish craftsmanship, and respect for analog tradition.
Among Ortofon's signature technologies, the SLM (Selective Laser Melting) process is used to craft the titanium bodies of some high-end cartridges, such as the MC Anna and MC Windfeld Ti, ensuring high rigidity and reducing unwanted resonances. The patented Wide Range Damping (WRD) system controls the cantilever movement with a small platinum disc sandwiched between two rubber dampers with different characteristics, while the Replicant 100 stylus, with its slim profile and large vertical contact surface, has a shape very close to that of the recording stylus.
The Ortofon range extends from entry-level solutions to reference-level cartridges, covering every need of the analogue music enthusiast. Among the moving magnet (MM) cartridges, the 2M Series comprises the 2M Red, 2M Blue, 2M Bronze, and 2M Black models, with progressively more refined styles and increasing performance; the catalog also includes the OM Series and Concorde cartridges for DJs.
In the moving coil (MC) segment, Ortofon offers the MC X series, the Cadenza series, and the Exclusive series, which represents the brand's technological pinnacle and includes models such as the MC Windfeld Ti. Throughout its history, the company has also celebrated anniversaries with special editions, such as the SPU 95th Anniversary in 2015.
The Ortofon philosophy is summed up in the constant pursuit of musical fidelity through technological innovation while respecting analog tradition. A century of experience in the industry and a constant commitment to research make Ortofon a point of reference for those who wish to rediscover the magic of vinyl through high-quality hi-fi reproduction.
They are two moving magnet cartridges in the same price range, both with a thin-profile stylus, both designed for those who want the most from an MM without switching to MCs. But the Sumiko Amethyst and Ortofon 2M Black ask your system…
Before any discussion about sound, a number: the 2M Black outputs 5 mV, the Amethyst 2,5 mV. Exactly half.
If the product is available for immediate delivery at the store (as indicated in the "Availability" section), it will be handed over to the courier the same day or the day after payment is received, with tracking sent via email. If the product is available at an external warehouse (also in Italy), it will typically be shipped within 2-3 business days of ordering and delivered directly to your home, again with tracking via email. Standard courier processing times must be added to these times (24-48 hours for mainland Italy, a few more days for islands). For international shipments, delivery times vary depending on the destination country.
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All products are covered by a manufacturer's warranty (minimum 24 months for new items). Our warranty applies to used and vintage products. AudiocostruzioniAll conditions on the dedicated page: Guarantees.
