Ortofon MC Cadenza Mono

The Ortofon MC Cadenza Mono is a true mono moving-coil cartridge with a Fine Line stylus on an aluminum cantilever, designed specifically for playing mono records.

It's not a stereo cartridge with its channels wired together — it's optimized for mono grooves, and that's exactly what you hear on old and new mono pressings alike: calmer, more focused, more honest.

Why the Cadenza Mono?

A stereo stylus on a mono record picks up vertical rumble and groove noise that a true mono cartridge largely ignores. The Cadenza Mono uses a Fine Line stylus on a cylindrical aluminum cantilever and 6NX silver coils. The pins are wired so that both connection pairs carry the same signal, so wiring stays simple.

What you'll hear

A relaxed, homogeneous and coherent sound with the closeness typical of good mono recordings. Voices and instruments sit centered, focused and powerful in the room. Noise and distortion that a stereo stylus produces on mono records are noticeably reduced.

Who is the Cadenza Mono for?

For collectors of mono records — old treasures as well as modern mono microgroove pressings. Bottom line: for pure stereo collections it's the wrong choice — that's what the Red, Blue and others are for. But if you seriously listen to mono, you'll notice the difference to a stereo stylus immediately. A second tonearm or a quick headshell swap is ideal.

Our verdict

If you have a growing mono collection, a true mono cartridge is hard to avoid — and the Cadenza Mono does it at a high level. Relaxed, clean and full of substance — Stereophile lists it in its Recommended Components 2025. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we'll advise you on the most elegant way to add mono to your setup.

Technical specifications

• Type: mono MC cartridge (moving coil, low output)
• Stylus profile: nude Fine Line on aluminum cantilever
• Tip radius: r/R 8/40 µm
• Output voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 0.45 mV
• Frequency range (-3 dB): 20–50,000 Hz
• Frequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz): +3 / -1 dB
• Tracking ability (315 Hz): 70 µm
• Stylus 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: 50–500 ohms
• Coil wire: 6NX pure silver (99.9999%)
• Housing material: stainless steel / aluminum
• Color: natural / black
• Weight: 10.7 g

Frequently asked questions

What do I need a mono cartridge like the Cadenza Mono for?

For playing mono records. A true mono cartridge ignores vertical groove movement and with it most of the noise and distortion a stereo stylus produces on mono records. The result is calmer, more focused and more powerful.

Does the Cadenza Mono also work with a normal stereo phono stage?

Yes. The pins are wired so both connection pairs carry the same signal, so the mono runs without issue on any MC-capable stereo phono stage. At 0.45 mV it's a low-output MC; Ortofon recommends a load impedance of 50 to 500 ohms.

Do I need a second tonearm for the mono?

Not strictly necessary, but practical. If you often switch between stereo and mono, a second tonearm or a quickly swappable headshell is the most comfortable solution. We at HD Zürisee will show you the best option for your turntable.

Why buy the Ortofon Cadenza Mono at HD Zürisee?

Because mono playback is a specialist topic where good advice makes the difference. As an authorized dealer in Wädenswil, we'll show you how to elegantly fit mono into your setup, and Mauri mounts and aligns the cartridge properly. Just get in touch.

Goes well with

For everything mono: find alignment tools and matching accessories under Turntable accessories, and everything for a clean groove under Record cleaning. For mono and stereo pressings and more, check out All things vinyl.