Ortofon MC Cadenza Red

The Ortofon MC Cadenza Red is a low-output moving-coil cartridge with a Fine Line stylus on an aluminum cantilever and coils of pure 6NX silver wire.

It's the entry point into the Cadenza series — and a confident one: plenty of space, plenty of depth, and a relaxed, homogeneous sound that never feels like a budget option.

Why the Cadenza Red?

The Fine Line stylus reads the groove more finely than a simple elliptical profile and extracts more information. The coils are wound from 6NX silver wire (99.9999%), and an improved winding process improves channel balance. The Red shares the same internal construction as the Cadenza Mono — solid engineering, honestly executed, without showing off.

What you'll hear

A relaxed, homogeneous and pleasantly dynamic sound with plenty of space and depth in the stereo image. The Red plays effortlessly and musically, without swallowing detail. A cartridge you can listen to records with for hours instead of analyzing your system.

Who is the Cadenza Red for?

For vinyl listeners looking for high-quality MC sound at the reasonable entry price of the Cadenza series. Bottom line: more resolution, punch and soundstage come with the Blue, Bronze and Black — the Red is the relaxed, enjoyment type, not the analyst. An MC-capable phono stage is required.

Our verdict

The Red is a rewarding entry into the Cadenza world: musical, spacious and honest for the money. If you're stepping up from a Quintet, you'll hear the jump immediately. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will tell you whether the Red is enough or whether stepping up to the Blue is worth it for you.

Technical specifications

• Type: 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
• Channel balance: < 1.5 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): +3 / -1 dB
• Tracking ability (315 Hz): 80 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: red / black
• Weight: 10.7 g

Frequently asked questions

Which phono stage does the Ortofon Cadenza Red need?

An MC-capable phono preamp or a step-up transformer. At 0.45 mV the Red is a low-output MC; Ortofon recommends a load impedance of 50 to 500 ohms. We at HD Zürisee will help you find the right setup.

What's the difference between the Cadenza Red and Blue?

The Red is the relaxed entry point, the Blue resolves more finely and draws a bigger stage. Both are MC systems with silver coils; the Blue uses a finer FG-70 stylus on ruby instead of Fine Line on aluminum. For many, the Red is the ideal starting point.

Is it worth upgrading from a Quintet to the Cadenza Red?

Yes, the jump is clearly audible. The Cadenza series plays a class above the Quintets — more resolution, more space, more calm. The Red is the most affordable way into this league. We're happy to help you figure out whether it's the right step for you.

Why buy the Ortofon Cadenza Red at HD Zürisee?

Because we'll give you honest advice on where the Red shines and when more is worth it. As an authorized dealer in Wädenswil, we take care of tonearm matching and phono stage, and Mauri aligns the system properly on request. Just call or send us a message.

Goes well with

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