Ortofon
Ortofon MC Cadenza Red
Best moving coil cartridge for audiophiles seeking expansive, immersive soundscapes.
The Ortofon MC Cadenza Red delivers a relaxed, homogeneous, and moderately dynamic sound signature, excelling at creating expansive space and depth within the stereo image. This high-performance Moving Coil cartridge features a Nude Fine Line stylus mounted on a durable cylindrical aluminum cantilever. Its internal coils are meticulously crafted using 6NX pure silver wire, and an optimized armature winding process ensures superior channel balance. Designed for discerning audiophiles, this cartridge offers precision playback for an immersive listening experience.
$1599.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1640
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+27%
Above average
Cartridge Weight
10.7
/ g
Who it's for
- Audiophiles demanding precise detail and minimal groove distortion
- Listeners seeking fatigue-free, long-form musical enjoyment
- System builders needing flexible phono stage compatibility
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners on a strict budget
- Beginners intimidated by complex tonearm calibration
- Owners wary of high long-term maintenance costs
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Depth
Creates an expansive, immersive stereo image with remarkable spatial layering.
Stylus Precision
Nude Fine Line geometry ensures accurate tracking of complex record grooves.
Tonal Balance
Delivers a relaxed, homogeneous sound profile that avoids listener fatigue.
Build Integrity
Robust stainless steel and aluminum construction provides excellent resonance control.
Signal Clarity
Pure silver wire coils offer exceptional transparency and high-frequency detail.
Channel Consistency
Optimized armature winding ensures near-perfect balance between left and right channels.
Key Specs
Cartridge Weight
10.7 g
Stylus Tip Radius
r/R 8/40 µm
Output Voltage
0.45 mV at 1 kHz 5 cm/sec
Frequency Range
20 Hz – 50 kHz (-3 dB)
Tracking Force Recommended
2.5 g (25 mN)
Internal Impedance
5 Ohm
Recommended Load Impedance
50-500 Ohm
Material
Stainless steel, Aluminium
Features
- Nude Fine Line stylus design for accuracy
- Pure silver wire coils for clarity
- Improved armature winding for balance
- Relaxed and homogeneous sound profile
- Creates great stereo image depth
- Durable stainless steel and aluminum body
- Moving Coil (MC) cartridge type
What customers say
The Ortofon MC Cadenza Red is widely celebrated for its exceptional musicality, offering a sound signature that is both warm and highly detailed. Users consistently praise its superb tracking ability, which creates a wide and deep soundstage by retrieving nuanced information from vinyl grooves. Many listeners find it a transformative upgrade over previous cartridges, noting significant improvements in dynamics and tonal richness. While positioned in the premium category, the consensus is that it delivers outstanding value for its high performance. It is highly recommended for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking a refined and engaging listening experience, provided it is paired with a quality phono preamplifier to fully realize its potential.
Know before you buy
The Cadenza Red is known for a relaxed, homogeneous sound profile. It excels at creating a deep, expansive stereo image, making it a great choice if you prioritize a natural and immersive listening experience.
The recommended tracking force for the MC Cadenza Red is 2.5 grams (25 mN). It is important to set your tonearm precisely to this weight to ensure optimal performance and stylus longevity.
As a Moving Coil (MC) cartridge with an output voltage of 0.45 mV, you will need a phono stage that supports MC cartridges. It has a recommended load impedance of 50–500 Ohm, so ensure your equipment can be adjusted within this range for the best results.
The Nude Fine Line stylus features a specific tip radius designed to track the grooves of your records with high precision. This design helps retrieve more detail from the vinyl, contributing to the cartridge's ability to create a clear and spacious soundstage.
Yes, the MC Cadenza Red weighs 10.7 grams. You should verify that your tonearm can balance a cartridge of this weight and that your counterweight range is compatible before installation.
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