Lewis CaliburnDanish pick-up cartridge specialist Ortofon A/S has relaunched a version of its MC A90 cartridge. Now featuring improved rubber dampers and a blue finish, the new MC 90X is a limited edition Ortofon MC cartridge, which continues the legacy of its predecessor with precision, clarity and innovation.
The MC 90X is a striking high-end cartridge, based on the classic MC A90 design, but modernised with new technologies and a blue finish.
Designed to bring out the depth and detail in every record, this limited-edition cartridge builds on Ortofon’s expertise in analogue sound reproduction while introducing improved rubber dampers and a striking new blue finish. Its stainless-steel structure, crafted using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology, provides rigidity and resonance control.
The Wide Range Damping system, Field Stabilising Element and Ortofon Replicant 100 diamond stylus are optimised to work together to capture the full depth and nuance of even the finest vinyl pressings.
Each cartridge is meticulously hand-assembled and undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure an authentic and immersive vinyl experience. With a richly detailed midrange and extended frequency response, the MC 90X is designed to stay true to the original recording.
One of the MC 90X’s standout features is the Wide Range Damping (WRD) system, which ensures outstanding linear frequency response and an extended upper frequency range.
This advanced system employs a platinum disc placed between two specially designed rubber absorbers, reportedly providing superior tracking and effective resonance control across the entire frequency spectrum.
Ortofon’s in-house developed rubber compounds further enhance performance, optimising damping characteristics to minimise distortion and improve sound clarity.
Achieving linear reproduction with a wide frequency range and optimal tracking requires a diamond that closely mimics the original cutting stylus. The Ortofon MC 90X features the Replicant 100 diamond, renowned for its thin, light profile and large contact surface, allowing it to trace grooves with unmatched precision.
Combined with a special polishing process and a Boron cantilever, this design ensures transparency, speed and responsiveness.
At the heart of the MC 90X is a revolutionary Selective Laser Melting (SLM) manufacturing process. This high-precision technique uses laser-welding of micro particles to create a one-piece body. This enhances rigidity, reduces unwanted resonances and ensures optimal cartridge mass.
For signal transmission, the coil wires are made of the special alloy Aucurum, a gold-plated 6NX oxygen-free copper.
MC90X is shipping in the UK during March 2025 via Henley Audio and is priced at £3,999.00 (UK SRP).