Ortofon

The Ortofon LW-7N is a high-quality headshell lead wire designed for audiophiles and professionals seeking optimal audio performance. Utilizing ultra-high purity copper (7N and 6N) and rhodium-plated terminals, the LW-7N aims to deliver the purest possible audio signal transmission, minimizing noise and distortion. This product is especially suited for those who demand the highest fidelity in their audio setups.

Key Features

• Ultra-High Purity Copper: Composed of 7N (99.99999% purity) and 6N copper wires, ensuring minimal signal loss.
• Rhodium-Plated Terminals: Provides enhanced conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
• Hybrid Design: Combines different copper purity levels for optimized signal transmission.
• Compatibility: Can be used with a variety of Ortofon headshells and cartridges.

Detailed Description

Ultra-High Purity Copper Construction

The LW-7N lead wire is crafted from a hybrid of ultra-high purity copper wires. Specifically, it uses 7N copper, which boasts a purity level of 99.99999%, along with 6N copper. This construction ensures that the lead wires transmit audio signals with exceptional clarity and minimal distortion. The absence of foreign particles within the wire further enhances the signal integrity, allowing for a noise-free transmission that is crucial in high-fidelity audio systems.

Rhodium-Plated Terminals

Each end of the LW-7N lead wire is terminated with a rhodium-plated connector. Rhodium is chosen for its excellent conductivity and resistance to oxidation, which ensures that the connection remains stable and efficient over time. This plating not only improves the electrical connection but also extends the lifespan of the terminals, making them more resistant to wear and corrosion, which is a common issue with other metals.

Hybrid Wire Design

The hybrid design of the LW-7N combines different grades of high-purity copper. The primary conductor consists of three strands of 7N copper, each with a diameter of 0.26 mm, while the secondary conductor is made from sixteen strands of 6N copper, each with a diameter of 0.10 mm. This combination allows the lead wire to balance between conductivity and flexibility, ensuring that the wire can carry signals efficiently while being easy to handle during installation.

Color-Coded Terminals for Easy Installation

Ortofon has designed the LW-7N with color-coded terminals to simplify the installation process. The right channel is marked with red (hot) and green (ground) wires, while the left channel uses white (hot) and blue (ground) wires. This coding makes it easier to correctly connect the lead wires to the cartridge and headshell, ensuring proper channel separation and grounding, which is critical for maintaining audio fidelity.

Compatibility and Mounting Considerations

The LW-7N is compatible with a variety of Ortofon headshells and cartridges. However, users should be aware of the specific mounting requirements. For instance, when using the LW-7N with the Ortofon SH-4 headshell, it may be necessary to slightly widen the shell side clamp to fit the SH-4's pins, which have a diameter of 1.2 mm, as opposed to the more common 1.0 mm. Ensuring proper fitment is crucial to avoid over-tightening and potential damage to the cartridge's terminal pins.

Technical Specifications

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