Ortofon MC Cadenza Blue

The Ortofon MC Cadenza Blue is a low-output moving-coil cartridge with an FG-70 stylus on a ruby cantilever and coils of pure 6NX silver wire.

It sits at the heart of the Cadenza series and delivers a surprisingly large share of what its pricier siblings can do – at a friendlier price. Straight out of the box, it plays open and big.

Why the Cadenza Blue?

The ruby cantilever is extremely rigid and light – that keeps moving mass low and playback fast. The FG-70 stylus tracks the groove precisely. The coils are wound from 6NX silver wire (99.9999%); an improved winding technique delivers cleaner channel balance. Sounds like a datasheet – in practice it means clear, well-ordered music.

What you hear

Enormous clarity and a wide-open, grand soundstage. On complex recordings, micro-dynamics and space stand out clearly, the perspective is present and clearly defined. The Blue plays maturely and with a clear overview, without ever sounding cold.

Who is the Cadenza Blue for?

For vinyl listeners looking for an entry into the upper Cadenza league who value clarity and soundstage. Plain talk: the very deepest depth and the last bit of weight remain reserved for the Black and Bronze – in return, the Blue gives you a great deal of cartridge for the money. An MC-capable phono stage is mandatory.

Our verdict

The Blue is the series' secret sensible pick: plenty of resolution, a large soundstage, a fair price. Anyone looking for a high-quality MC cartridge without reaching for the top shelf should have it on their list. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil help you match it correctly to your tonearm.

Technical data

• Type: MC cartridge (Moving Coil, Low Output)
• Stylus profile: Nude FG 70 on ruby cantilever
• Tip radius: r/R 6/70 µm
• Output voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 0.5 mV
• Channel balance: < 1.2 dB
• Channel separation (1 kHz): > 23 dB
• Channel separation (15 kHz): > 15 dB
• Frequency range (-3 dB): 20–50,000 Hz
• Frequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz): +2 / -1 dB
• Tracking ability (315 Hz): 80 µm
• Compliance (dynamic, lateral): 12 µm/mN
• Tracking force: 2.2–2.7 g (recommended 2.5 g)
• Tracking angle: 20°
• Internal impedance (DC): 5 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 50–200 ohms
• Coil wire: 6NX pure silver (99.9999%)
• Housing material: stainless steel / aluminium
• Colour: blue / black
• Weight: 10.7 g

Frequently asked questions

What phono stage does the Ortofon Cadenza Blue need?

An MC-capable phono preamp or a step-up transformer. With an output voltage of 0.5 mV, the Blue is among the slightly stronger low-output MCs; Ortofon recommends a load impedance of 50 to 200 ohms. We at HD Zürisee set that up for you correctly.

Is the Blue worth it compared to the Bronze?

Depends on your budget. The Blue offers plenty of clarity and a large soundstage at a friendlier price; the Bronze adds warmth, weight and a finer stylus profile. For many systems, the Blue is the sensible entry point into the upper Cadenza league.

Which tonearm suits the Cadenza Blue?

A medium-mass tonearm harmonises well. With a dynamic compliance of 12 µm/mN and a weight of 10.7 g, the Blue is undemanding in combination. We check the ideal resonance frequency together with you if needed.

Why buy the Ortofon Cadenza Blue at HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you honestly when the Blue is exactly right – and when the extra cost of the Bronze is worth it. As an authorised dealer in Wädenswil, we advise you on tonearm and phono stage, and Mauri aligns the system professionally on request. Call us or write.

Goes well with

Get more out of the Blue: find alignment tools and matching accessories under Turntable accessories, everything for a clean groove under Record cleaning. Everything else around the turntable is shown under Everything vinyl.