Ortofon MC Cadenza Blue Phono Cartridge

"Detail, Space, Integrity and Vitality"

Ortofon's Cadenza Blue MC cartridge uses a Nude FG 70 stylus with a very thin ruby cantilever. The coils are made from 6NX (99.9999 %) pure silver wire.An improved winding process on the armature allows a better channel balance.

The soundstage of Cadenza Blue is wide open and grandiose straight out of the box. Micro dynamic and ambience will be evident when listening to complex compositions. It reaches a very high degree of definition in the perspective, which is very present. Compared to Cadenza Red, Cadenza Blue adds more dynamics and resolution, sounds more open. and reproduces more details.

"If you want a cartridge to give you detail, space, integrity and vitality and fresh insights into every old-favourite LP you put on, the Cadenza Blue will do just fine," notes Steve Harris in England's Hi-fi News magazine.

Ortofon’s Cadenza Series

Ortofon constantly looks for new technology to be used in its products and pushes the performance of existing technology. Thus it assures the highest level of performance and quality. The Kontrapunkt models and MC Jubilee became market standards and are among Ortofon’s most popular cartridges. Nevertheless Ortofon decided to develop a new cartridge series that is even more ambitious.

By carefully implementing cobalt-iron pole pieces, a new improved winding process on the armature, using extruded aluminum housing in the models as well as other changes, Ortofon has been able to reveal new possibilities in retrieving the analog information for superb audio playback.

Product Features

Overview

Moving coil phono cartridge
Nude FG 70 stylus with a very thin ruby cantilever
Coils are made from 6NX (99.9999 %) pure silver wire
Improved winding process on the armature allows a superior channel balance

In the Box

1 x Stylus brush, fiber
1 x Screwdriver
Leadwires, pair LW-6N
Screws, pair M2,5 x 3
Screws, pair M2,5 x 5
Screws, pair M2,5 x 6

Product Specs

Output voltage at 1 kHz 5 cm/sec - 0.5 mV
Channel balance - < 1.2 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz - > 23 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz - > 15 dB
Frequency range at -3 dB - 20 Hz - 50 kHz
Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz - +2/-1
Tracking ability at 315 Hz at recommended tracking force *) - 80 μm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral - 12 μm/mN
Stylus type - Nude FG on Ruby cantilever
Stylus tip radius - r/R 6/70
Tracking force range – 2.2-2.7 g (22-27 mN)
Tracking force recommended – 2.5 g (25 mN)
Tracking angle - 20º
Internal impedance, DC resistance - 5 Ohm
Recommended load impedance - 50-200 Ohm
Cartridge body material - Stainless steel Aluminium
Cartridge color - Blue/Black
Cartridge weight – 10.7 g

Product Warranty

1 Year

Parts & Labor

Ortofon Warranty Information

"Within this hobby of audio there are a myriad of ways to achieve excellent sound. However, there are those rare instances where you encounter a component that expresses the organic nature of music in a way that galvanizes your listening experience. The Ortofon Cadenza Blue does this for me, and I willingly admit to being enchanted with the abilities of this cartridge."

"Once you listen to this cartridge in a high quality analog system, it becomes clear what a remarkable offering it is. The Blue has become my personal favorite in the Cadenza line, and I will say that the longer I listen to it, the deeper my appreciation for it becomes. If you are looking for a quality moving coil cartridge within the $1500 to $2000 price range, I would suggest you give the Cadenza Blue an in-depth audition, as you may become as smitten with it as I have."

- John Hoffman, Positive Feedback, July 10, 2018

"If you want a cartridge to give you detail, space, integrity and vitality and fresh insights into every old-favourite LP you put on, the Cadenza Blue will do just fine."

- Steve Harris, Hi-fi News magazine