In the world of high-end vinyl reproduction, few names command as much respect as Ortofon. With the introduction of the limited-edition MC 90X, the Danish specialists have once again demonstrated why they remain at the forefront of cartridge design after more than 70 years in the business.
Heritage Reimagined
The MC 90X pays homage to the legendary MC A90 while carving out its own distinctive identity. This isn't merely an exercise in nostalgia but rather a thoughtful evolution that incorporates contemporary engineering advancements within a historically significant framework.
What distinguishes this cartridge most notably from its stablemates in Ortofon's prestigious Exclusive Series is its construction. While maintaining the precision manufacturing advantages of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology, the MC 90X uniquely employs stainless steel for its main body structure rather than the titanium found in siblings like the MC Anna Diamond. This material choice contributes significantly to the cartridge's resonance characteristics and, consequently, its sonic signature.
Technical Sophistication
Beneath its striking blue finish lies an array of refined technologies that collectively elevate performance. The industry-leading Replicant 100 diamond stylus—a highly sophisticated profile that more faithfully traces groove modulations—delivers extraordinary retrieval of musical information. Ortofon's Wide Range Damping system optimises tracking while controlling unwanted resonances, and the newly improved rubber dampers enhance dynamic response and textural definition.
These elements combine to create a cartridge that balances analytical precision with musical engagement—a challenging feat that only the most accomplished designs achieve.
Listening Experience
When properly installed in a sympathetic tonearm and connected to a capable phono stage, the MC 90X reveals previously unnoticed aspects of familiar recordings. Its presentation exhibits exceptional transparency without veering into clinical territory, allowing the emotional essence of performances to emerge naturally.
Particularly noteworthy is the cartridge's ability to maintain composure during complex musical passages, separating instrumental lines with remarkable clarity while preserving their harmonic relationships. Bass reproduction demonstrates both authority and nuance, while high frequencies extend effortlessly without artificial emphasis.
The spatial presentation is equally accomplished, with a convincing three-dimensional soundstage that extends beyond speaker boundaries when the recording permits. Instrument placement is precise yet natural, contributing to an immersive listening experience that approaches the illusion of live performance.
At £3,999, the MC 90X represents a significant investment, yet one that serious vinyl enthusiasts may find entirely justified. Aside from its limited-edition status, this cartridge offers performance that competes with models at considerably higher price points, making it a value proposition within its rarefied market segment.
For those who have assembled quality turntables, tonearms and phono stages, the MC 90X may well be the component that reveals the full potential of an analogue system—and by extension, a carefully curated record collection.
We invite you to experience this exceptional cartridge at Martins Hi-Fi, where it can be demonstrated in an optimised system that showcases its remarkable capabilities. Available from March 2025, the MC 90X represents a rare opportunity to own a modern classic in moving coil design—one that honours its lineage while embracing the future of analogue excellence.
