Ortofon MC A90 Moving Coil Phono Cartridge
The world's first cartridge made with SLM technology

Ortofon takes a leap forward in cartridge technology with the introduction of the new MC A90 cartridge. Expanding upon the success of the well-received MC Windfeld, the MC A90 not only stands as a contender for the best cartridge of all-time, but it also rewrites the criteria by which moving coils are judged. The result of a culmination of research spanning the history of Ortofon’s moving coil cartridges, combined with the emergence of new manufacturing paradigms has resulted in levels of performance previously thought to be unattainable in the world of vinyl playback.

Rather than taking an incremental strategy with regards to engineering improvements, the MC A90 takes an outstanding and revolutionary approach which prompts a measurable increase in the areas of microtransient reproduction, dynamic capability, and even with tonearm compatibility. This approach of course, is the SLM manufacturing technique, a new method for which Ortofon has a patent pending. Also known as Selective Laser Melting, this process starts with constructing the cartridge body material by welding stainless steel particles (about 50 microns in size), layer by layer, while maintaining exacting requirements for material density. The resulting structure is virtually impervious to sources of external resonance, a feat for the unbridled reproduction of even the most minuscule details combined with exceptional dynamics.

In the November 2009 issue of Stereophile, Michael Fremer recalled the first time he had seen a demonstration of SLM manufacturing’s damping characteristics. “After letting me marvel at and handle the gleaming aluminum shape of the MC A90, Leif Johannsen [Ortofon’s Chief of Analog Technology] took me to a secluded area of the hall where the flooring was of hard linoleum. He held the body out in front of him and let it drop. With a ping, it bounced about two feet in the air. Then, with modest dramatic flare, he removed a second cartridge body from his pocket. This one was layered like a cross section of stratified rock, but more neatly and uniformly. From chest height, he dropped the second body. Instead of bouncing with a distinct ping, it hit the floor with a nonresonant tick and stopped dead, without bouncing back so much an inch. Now that was major.”

Of course, careful attention has been paid to maintaining an exceedingly flat frequency response and utter neutrality across the frequency range from bottom to top. Listeners will enjoy precision sound throughout, with quick, impactful bass extension alongside of clean and fast high frequency reproduction. As another side-effect of SLM, cartridge/tonearm matching concerns become far less stringent, as the typical influences of resonance as they are fed back into the tonearm assembly are eliminated. However, traditional wisdom as it relates to cartridge matching, taking into consideration cartridge weight and compliance (in this case 8 gm and 16 µm/mN), suggests a range of compatibility that not only finds itself at home with modern contemporary medium mass arms, but also with a wide range of both low-mass and high-mass designs.

With SLM being the centerpiece of the MC A90 design, each component has been built directly onto the A90’s one-piece body, including an optimized generator system and split pole pins. The cartridge has been fitted with a Boron cantilever, possessing an extra-polished version of the acclaimed Ortofon Replicant 100 diamond. As with previous designs (like the MC Windfeld), the Replicant has an exceedingly high contact area with a bare minimum of rounding, allowing for superior reproduction of even the finest of groove modulations. Michael Fremer noted, “The MC A90’s transient performance was ultrafast, clean, and precise, and its resolution of microdynamics was absolutely astonishing".

Of course, the A90 includes Per Windfeld’s Wide Range Damping (WRD) system, in which a small platinum disc is sandwiched between two rubber dampers of different resonant properties, another method which provides perfect damping throughout the entire frequency range. Additionally, the superb generator system, known already for its remarkably neutral and honest character, includes the Field Stabilizing Element (FSE), consisting of a small cylinder of silver plated copper inside of the magnetic system. FSE prompts significant sonic improvements – a reduction in dynamic distortion and intermodulation. This plays a tremendous part in the A90’s remarkable dynamics, ensuring that every detail will be delivered with striking accuracy and separation. Fremer added, “the MC A90 maintained the Windfeld’s tonal neutrality while adding unsurpassed rhythmic swagger, dynamic exuberance, transparency, and three-dimensionality unmatched by any other cartridge I’ve heard. Low level dynamic gradations were revelatory, while the big ones were unrestrained and positively energetic. The MC A90’s attack was faster, cleaner, more precisely defined than that of any cartridge I’ve heard, and with no hint of brightness or unnatural edge. Its decay was equally clean and effervescent, fading quickly to inky-black backdrops.”

Finally, the MC A90 is the first cartridge to benefit from a specially designed armature, which aids in achieving extreme precision during the coil winding process. This yields a higher degree of channel separation, and offering lower distortion and better channel balance. In fact, the resulting channel balance specification has been reduced to a value less than 0.2dB. The MC A90, a cartridge of many firsts, establishes a new standard, not just for analog performance, but for the reproduction of recorded music in general. Lovers of music will take note of a truly organic, encapsulating experience which transcends the limits of recording and undeniably blurs the distinction between what is live and what is recorded. Even Michael Fremer agrees, “This cartridge is a genuine game changer”.

2M Series – Bronze and Black

Ortofon’s premier Moving Magnet cartridge line, the 2M Series, has been given ample praise by both the HiFi press and by vinyl listeners all of the world. The 2M Red and 2M Blue have been frequently heralded as a “best buy,” delivering a level of performance that puts high quality vinyl playback into the hands of even the most budget-conscious audiophiles. For those that thirst for more resolution and detail above that of the respectable Red and Blue, Ortofon has created two exceedingly high performance models, the 2M Bronze and 2M Black.

True vinyl connoisseurs will appreciate the 2M Bronze and 2M Black’s attention to detail. Firstly, both models share an upgraded engine, including silver-plated copper coil wire, resulting in superior channel separation and channel balance figures, along with increased high frequency transient capability. Both cartridges have a modified suspension which provides them a slightly higher compliance, reducing VTF to the 1.5g range. This also makes way for the premium stylus profiles employed by these models.

The 2M Bronze dons a Nude Fine Line diamond, known for its ability to track even the highest frequency information, making it a must for discerning listeners, while its longer footprint ensures reduced distortion and record wear. For those that care to add a more analytical and forward perspective to their system, the 2M Bronze will easily rise to the task. As HiFi World’s Noel Keywood comments, “The 2M Bronze is distinctive, that’s for sure – and sounds unlike rivals… It is fast, detailed, and insightful”. Although not constrained to a valve-based system, the Bronze is a fantastic way to turn up the detail on an otherwise warm system.

The top model in the series, the 2M Black, makes use of the superior Nude Shibata diamond, which is the same profile used on the now-famous MC Jubilee and the brand new MC Cadenza Black cartridge. The Shibata diamond, known for its ability to resolve the most minuscule detail, also keeps record wear to a bare minimum. The result is a detailed-yet-balanced presentation that ultimately compares favorably to even some Moving Coil cartridges. A departure from its brethren, the 2M Black is known not only for its finely detailed presentation and dynamics, but is also known for having a smoother character despite its outstanding high frequency resolution. HiFi World even remarked “A masterful design for anyone keen to get the best from LP, without moving up to the complexities, cost, and delicacy of moving coils.” In fact they liked it so much, they made it their Cartridge of the Year in 2008, proclaiming “…the Ortofon 2M [Black] is one of the most cohesive sounding moving magnets we’ve yet heard. It sounds natural and unforced in a way that makes listening a pleasure, bristling fine detail and totally engaging on a musical level.” 

Whether you opt for the scantily-priced 2M Red (which Neil Gader of Absolute Sound claims is “one sophisticated and musical cartridge – for the price of a nice dinner for two”), the remarkable 2M Black (whose best attribute, according to NG, is “how it provided a more transparent window into the world of micro-energies, plumbing the complexities of orchestral depth and dimension), or any of the models in between, you too will experience the deep satisfaction of owning one of the finest cartridges at any price.

Interview with Per Windfeld   

The legendary Per Windfeld, the former chief engineer, who has for more than 30 years been a feature of the high-end culture as Head of the company's R&D and who has been responsible for many of the cartridges which made Ortofon famous.  How many years did you work for Ortofon? I was employed by Ortofon from August 1976 until the end of 2006 as chief engineer at the cartridge development laboratory in Copenhagen. How many cartridges have you developed?

Per Windfeld

Oh, that’s really a good question. Because, basically a new cartridge design involves new housing design, a new inside motor system and name, etc. But besides such new developments there is always an ongoing upgrading of well known cartridges of both MC and MM models developed over the years, that for either marketing or technical reasons has to be re-presented with the same name in the same housing in a MkII-version. A typical reason for such upgrading can technically be caused by demands for new production methods, upgrading of diamond, cantilever material, magnet, damping components or exceptional pure winding materials in copper or silver, where each component can be decisive for cartridge performance. These re-developments are as important as the Real News because Ortofon is the company having the widest cartridge program in the world. My estimation of cartridge numbers I have developed and influenced since I started at Ortofon could be about 50 models.

How does one develop a cartridge?
Developing a cartridge is based on knowledge of a big number of physical laws and maths concerning the behavior of oscillating systems, their resonance, magnetic circuits and data for various materials involved. But new ideas and theories have to be followed by experiments to prove validity and to be sure that new concept goals can be achieved. Besides golden-ear listening, tests as well are a decisive and very important part of cartridge development at Ortofon. Many hours are also spent with all people involved round the table about expected and suggested need for new production methods, tools and equipment to be implemented by our own people. The process of developing a new cartridge will take from few month up to 2 years depending on the whole idea for a concept.

Where do the ideas for new cartridges come from?
Over the years this has typically been either a demand from our marketing people or proposals from me, based on possible new technologies or materials observed through our network of sub-suppliers, technical institutes and universities we often use for special material investigations. Following the material market and new technologies in processing is a very important part of research in development works and has often resulted in thorough new in- and outside designs for the cartridge models. When the time has come to look for a quite new cartridge housing design we rely on our very experienced industrial designer for providing a fresh view and new ideas. Having designer layout ideas, red-hot discussions will arise between colleagues involved from marketing, lab and production, how to realize and last but not least how to agree upon names, colors, materials and so on. That’s where all the creative ideas will be put on the table for several days or weeks and will hopefully end up with a final decision about how to see the new product.

Which cartridge do you personally like the best and why?
The Ortofon cartridge program, whether you choose MC or MM models, has a big variety in sound performances and prices to fulfill the very broad requirements among customers. One part wants to pay the price for a linear, more than 30 kHz frequency range MC cartridge to play their precious recordings on the high class equipment. But lower priced MC as well as MM cartridges will also perform 20Hz to 20 kHz frequency range for all customers having strong feelings for hi-fi music reproduction within a wide variety of music. The replaceable stylus-unit on MM-cartridges is also much appreciated among our customer. Most customers have also realized that different cartridges will respond differently depending on quality of LP-recordings and type of music and because we all have an individual attitude of mind when listening. So, this is why you will not get an answer from me about which Ortofon cartridge I like the best. A magazine cartridge review can give you some basic characteristics about a cartridge performance – but it will never be the complete story for you – caused by your own ears, speakers, players, amplifiers, etc.

How would you describe the special Ortofon company culture?
Right from the beginning I found the Ortofon company culture completely different from what I had experienced with earlier employments. Here I found an almost flat hierarchy and leadership, where you could apply questions, ideas and ask for assistance directly to all your enthusiastic, obliging colleagues including the managing director. I imagined that this deep-rooted team-spirit might have been inherited through the year’s right from the creative founders of the company. For me and many other colleagues in the organization having been employed for more than 20 and 30 years, this daily inspiration by working among enthusiastic people inspires everyone to find the best way out of problems. The many HiFi-magazine cartridge prices received over the years, hanging around in the factory also remind about the flattering rewards Ortofon products have received for their superb analogue performance.

What is some of your favorite music?
It is very easy to answer, because I was brought up with music around me, with my parents playing piano and violin. So listening to live music at concerts as well as analogue recordings collected over the years with all kind of music from 16th century composers to traditional Jazz to modern composers is, what I enjoy from the Ortofon cartridges selected by my ears on my old lab equipment.

Why is Denmark so strong in acoustics?
I think Ortofon came to be one of the pioneers among Danish acoustic companies, when the two founders of The Electrical Phono Film Company Axsel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen in 1923 could present their invention of the world's first Synchronized Sound Film system in the Copenhagen Palace Cinema Theatre and further, when the world's first Mono moving-coil system was presented in 1948. Nor should we forget the Danish physicist and discoverer of the Electro Magnetism H.C. Oersted, who in 1820 opened the possibility for inventing acoustic transducers etc. all over the world. So, maybe a DNA gene was spread from those gifted people to all the later Danish companies, established for producing microphones, speakers, hearing-aids, acoustic measuring instruments, tape-recorders, radios and famous acoustics opera houses concert-halls.

Which music and cartridges would you take with to a deserted island?
Before entering the beach with all my gear I think I would like to be sure there would be a mains socket to use on the single palm tree I had observed from the ship. But if so, I think I would not miss The English Suites nr.1, 4 and 5 by Bach played by Glenn Gould - and to be played with the MC-PW cartridge.

What does your family think about your passion for cartridges?
My passion is still there, but as a retired person I can now concentrate on listening to the music – instead of testing the sound from a new cartridge. My wife and family are still there wondering how I would manage to change thoughts from cartridges and Ortofon. But no problem – besides music I have always had a lot of other passions, the family is well aware of, so I think I am safe

What do you think about the revival of Vinyl?
After the frustrating years for Ortofon in the early eighties when the CD conquered the market from the Vinyl within a few years and Ortofon had to develop a number of substitute products against the declining sales of cartridges – it was really astonishing, at the end of the nineties to witness a sort of revival for the analogue sound. Old as well as young customers began to find sound weaknesses in the digital format when listening to CD recordings made from the master tapes used for the Vinyl’s, they remembered having played years ago. We all hope this situation will last for a new long period. At least new analogue master tapes for record cutting are made again, precious record-players, amplifiers and loudspeakers are on the market again in big numbers – and Ortofon is still on the track with new cartridges for the enthusiastic customers.

How would you like to see Ortofon 25 years from now?
I can just hope there will still be a lifetime for the Ortofon cartridges to be developed and produced – and I still believe that the experience from developing and producing miniature transducers and parts over the last 90 years will be the foundation stone for all the skilled and enthusiastic colleagues to go on with in the company. If there is a secret for the Ortofon company, I think that achieving the 90 years anniversary on the 9th of October this year in itself tells about a company secret of surviving.

What is your favorite pastime?
As mentioned I am lucky to have a lot of other pastimes but music. As an engineer I have always wanted to put ideas to practice, whether it was renovating the house, garden, cars, enjoying using my hands also as a sort of relaxation from all the paper-work. So, now I can revive these useful pastimes, reading my unread books, visiting theatre and concerts and do some traveling, if the time will be enough for this – so don’t worry.