Ortofon
Achieve Ultimate Fidelity
MC X40 is the pinnacle of the MC X Series, designed for the most discerning audiophile. Featuring a nude Shibata diamond stylus mounted on a rigid and lightweight boron cantilever, this cartridge provides unparalleled transparency, speed, and responsiveness.
In the world of vinyl playback, the cartridge is where the journey begins. A pivotal point where music rises from the groove and transforms into immersive soundscapes. With the MC X Series, Ortofon sets a new benchmark in MC cartridge design, pushing premium Moving Coil technology to unprecedented levels of performance.
Exceptional Signal Clarity
All MC X cartridges feature coils wound with high-purity silver wire. The use of premium materials is to ensure exceptional signal clarity, delivering sound with unmatched precision and preserving every detail without interference.
Maximum Magnetic Efficiency
The MC X Series introduces a newly developed magnet system with a one-piece pole cylinder integrated into a rear magnet yoke. Engineered for maximum magnetic efficiency and paired with pure silver coils, this configuration ensures a clean, powerful signal path that elevates overall performance.
Precision Engineering for Unmatched Stability
In-house produced and developed rubber compounds form the core of the MC X Series’ mechanical damping system. Rubber dampers are essential for controlling the physical movement of the coils, maintaining stability, minimizing unwanted vibrations, and enabling precise coil motion. The result is superior tracking, reduced distortion, and musical accuracy.
MIM-Molded Honeycomb-Structured Core
At the core of the MC X Series is an advanced honeycomb-structured stainless-steel frame, created using Metal Injection Molding (MIM) technology. This refined construction ensures superior mechanical stability, providing an ideal foundation for precise and accurate sound reproduction.
After molding and sintering, a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) surface treatment is applied to enhance surface appearance and maintain material integrity over time.
Modern Elegance with Distinctive Design
The MC X Series embodies modern elegance with a distinctive design that seamlessly complements the tonearm. From afar, its silhouette speaks of minimalist refinement; up close, its intricate detailing reveals craftsmanship at every level. True to Ortofon’s signature aesthetic, it’s a sophisticated fusion of form and function.
"With the new MC X series, Ortofon has landed at least two, possibly even four big hits. The two Generation X cartridges tested are certainly at the top of the charts in their price ranges."
Audio+Stereoplay, September 2025
"...the X40 out of the box produced the sonic gut punch and more.
...it was surprisingly easy to "let go" of the 90X and just settle into the X40. That is how good it is, particularly in terms of timbral balance, macrodynamics, image solidity, soundstage depth and three-dimensionality.
This cartridge's sonic performance is world's beyond the old Quintet Black
1/4"
Tracking Angle, July 2025
"The X40 dug out a great deal of what that recording offers in every sonic category but most importantly the presentation was dynamic and exuberant-nothing held back
Its tonal balance was particularly impressive: no mid bass lumps, no upper mid mountains, no edgy bright icy tops. The timbral picture was neither warm nor cool. Just well-balanced and generously presented.
2/4"
Tracking Angle, July 2025
"Image stability was strong, bass was deep, robust and well-controlled. High frequency transients were clean and "present", micro- dynamics were subtly expressed too, which added to the sense of "live". But what impressed most was the overall well-balanced, uncolored timbral presentation. I'm repeating myself but the cartridge's lack of tonal character while at the same time never sounding austere antiseptic or clinical, seriously impressed.
3/4"
Tracking Angle, July 2025
"...this was a cartridge and phono preamp that completely satisfied in every way: black backgrounds, rhythmic dexterity, spatial mono integrity, timbral and especially textural correctness: musicians in a room magically brought to life. Light on its feet, but not 'lightweight" and always in control, the X40 laid the music out with exceptional flow, harmonic generosity, effortless top to bottom balance and an overall sense of "rightness" that record after record, regardless of musical genre left me satisfied every time.
4/4"
Tracking Angle, July 2025
