Ortofon
Cadenza Red
Cadenza Red
Available to Order
Ortofon Cadenza Red
The Cadenza Red is a moving coil cartridge in Ortofon's Cadenza range. Where the models above it in the range reach for greater analytical precision, the Cadenza Red takes a different approach — one that prioritises space, depth, and a relaxed presentation that rewards long listening sessions as much as critical ones.
Nude Fine Line Stylus and Aluminium Cantilever
The Cadenza Red uses a nude fine line stylus mounted on a cylindrical aluminium cantilever, with a stylus tip radius of r/R 8/40 μm. The coils are wound from 6NX pure silver wire — 99.9999% purity. An improved winding process on the armature, introduced across the Cadenza series, allows for better channel balance.
The cartridge body combines aluminium and stainless steel, finished in the range's characteristic red and black. Cartridge weight is 10.7 g.
Where It Sits in the Cadenza Range
The Cadenza Red shares its internal build with the Cadenza Mono, and its relaxed, homogeneous character distinguishes it clearly from the Cadenza Blue, which uses a ruby cantilever and Nude FG 70 stylus for a more open and present presentation. Those wanting still greater resolution and dynamics should look at the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze or the Ortofon Cadenza Black. For listeners considering the step from a moving magnet cartridge, the Ortofon 2M Blue makes a useful reference point before committing to a moving coil.
Technical Specifications
| Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec | 450 μV |
| Channel balance at 1 kHz | < 1,5 dB |
| Channel separation at 1 kHz | > 23 dB |
| Channel separation at 15 kHz | > 15 dB |
| Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz | +3/–1 dB |
| Tracking ability at 315 Hz | 80 μm |
| Compliance, dynamic, lateral | 12 μm/mN |
| Stylus type | Nude fine line diamond |
| Stylus tip radius | r/R 8/40 |
| Cantilever material | Aluminium |
| Coil wire material | High-Purity Silver Coil Wire |
| Tracking force range | 2,2–2,7 g |
| Tracking force, recommended | 2,5 g |
| Tracking angle | 20° |
| Internal impedance, DC resistance | 5 Ohm |
| Recommended load impedance | 50–500 Ohm |
| Cartridge body material | Aluminium, Stainless steel |
| Cartridge colour | Red/Black |
| Cartridge weight | 10,7 g |
Who Is It For?
The Cadenza Red suits the analogue enthusiast who wants a genuine moving coil cartridge — with all the low-level retrieval and stereo depth that implies — without the more demanding system requirements of the models above it. It pairs naturally with a quality mid-range tonearm and turntable, and represents a logical step up from the Ortofon Quintet Red MC.
Buying from Martins Hi-Fi
Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.
You're welcome to hear the Cadenza Red demonstrated in our Norwich showroom — we can advise on matching it to your tonearm and phono stage so you leave with a combination that works properly together.
When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave and Chris — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system.
Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.
