Ortofon

The Ortofon MC Cadenza Bronze is a high-performance moving coil (MC) phono cartridge designed for audiophiles who seek an exceptional level of detail, clarity, and precision in their vinyl playback experience. Positioned within Ortofon’s esteemed Cadenza series, the Bronze model stands out for its sophisticated sound signature, characterized by a full-bodied, nuanced presentation. It is engineered to deliver an accurate and musical reproduction of records, making it a preferred choice for those who value both technical precision and emotional engagement in their music.

Key Features

• Advanced Nude Ortofon Replicant 100 Stylus: This stylus is known for its exceptional ability to trace the record groove with high precision, resulting in a detailed and dynamic sound reproduction.
• Optimized Cartridge Design: The MC Cadenza Bronze features a rigid aluminum body that reduces resonance and ensures stability during playback.
• High-Quality Internal Components: Silver-plated copper wire is used in the coil windings to provide excellent conductivity and enhance the overall sound quality.
• Wide Frequency Response: The cartridge is capable of reproducing a broad frequency range, ensuring that every nuance of the recording is captured.
• Custom-Tuned Suspension: The cartridge's suspension system is carefully calibrated to balance tracking force and stylus pressure, contributing to its superior tracking ability.

Detailed Description

Stylus and Cantilever

The MC Cadenza Bronze utilizes the advanced Nude Ortofon Replicant 100 stylus, which is recognized for its ultra-fine and narrow profile. This stylus design allows for precise groove tracing, capturing even the most subtle details in the vinyl. The stylus is mounted on a boron cantilever, which provides a high degree of rigidity and low mass. This combination enhances the cartridge’s ability to reproduce high frequencies with clarity and minimizes distortion, offering a more accurate and engaging listening experience.

Cartridge Body and Resonance Control

The cartridge body of the Cadenza Bronze is crafted from a solid piece of aluminum, which not only gives it a robust and durable structure but also plays a crucial role in resonance control. The aluminum body helps to dampen unwanted vibrations that can interfere with the stylus' ability to track the record groove accurately. This reduction in resonance leads to a cleaner sound with less coloration, ensuring that the audio signal remains true to the original recording.

Coil System and Internal Wiring

Inside the cartridge, the MC Cadenza Bronze employs silver-plated copper wire for the coil system. This choice of material is pivotal in achieving superior conductivity and lower resistance, which in turn contributes to a purer signal transmission. The coil design is optimized to provide a balanced and natural sound across the frequency spectrum, with particular attention given to preserving the integrity of high-frequency signals. This results in a sound that is both detailed and warm, with a smooth and extended high end.

Suspension and Tracking Ability

The suspension system of the Cadenza Bronze is meticulously tuned to achieve an ideal balance between stylus pressure and tracking force. This balance is crucial for maintaining optimal contact with the record groove, particularly on challenging passages with complex dynamics. The cartridge's tracking ability is rated highly, ensuring that it can handle a wide range of music with precision. The well-designed suspension also minimizes record wear, extending the life of both the cartridge and the records themselves.

Frequency Response and Sound Signature

The MC Cadenza Bronze is engineered to cover an extensive frequency range, from deep bass to shimmering highs. This wide frequency response allows the cartridge to reproduce all aspects of the music with fidelity, from the subtle textures of acoustic instruments to the power of full orchestral performances. The sound signature of the Cadenza Bronze is often described as warm yet detailed, with a natural midrange and a refined high end. This makes it particularly well-suited for genres that demand both emotional expression and technical precision, such as classical music, jazz, and acoustic recordings.

Mounting and Compatibility

Mounting the MC Cadenza Bronze is straightforward, thanks to its standard half-inch mounting system. The cartridge is compatible with a wide range of tonearms, making it a versatile choice for many high-end turntables. The weight of the cartridge, combined with its compliance characteristics, should be matched carefully with the tonearm to optimize performance. When properly matched, the Cadenza Bronze delivers an exceptionally stable playback experience, with minimal distortion and maximum fidelity.

Technical Specifications

Please read the recommendations for stylus and record care: Ortofon's HiFi FAQ