Ortofon MC Diamond

The Ortofon MC Diamond is the brand's reference moving-coil cartridge, with a nude Replicant 100 diamond on a solid diamond cantilever and an SLM titanium body.

Why the MC Diamond?

The diamond cantilever is the hardest and stiffest link that can be built between the stylus tip and the generator — it transmits the finest groove information with virtually no delay. A new rubber suspension with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and the 3D-printed titanium body deliver a calm and stability that even complex bass passages can't disturb.

What you'll hear

Maximum transparency, three-dimensionality and speed of response: the MC Diamond lays bare instrument colors and the finest nuances with striking clarity and draws the soundstage out in every direction. On top of that, a precise, melodic bass and a homogeneous overall picture with gripping rhythm.

Who is the MC Diamond for — and who isn't it for?

For analog connoisseurs with a reference-level system who want to push what's technically possible. Bottom line: at 17.5 g the Diamond is a heavyweight and needs a high-mass, stable tonearm as well as an extremely low-noise phono stage for its 0.2 mV output. If you cut corners here, you'll never unlock its potential — a smaller MC is the wiser choice in that case.

Our verdict

The MC Diamond is Ortofon's statement on the question of “how much information is really in the groove”. On an uncompromising system, it delivers the most authentic vinyl experience in the lineup — and is correspondingly demanding of its supporting cast.

What the specialist press says: “…a transducer that is nothing short of exceptional in every respect… in sonic terms, this Diamond is definitely my new best friend.“ – Hi-Fi News (Ken Kessler, 2023), “Outstanding Product” award.

Technical specifications

• Type: moving-coil cartridge (MC), reference model
• Stylus profile: Ortofon Replicant 100 (nude), r/R 5/100 µm
• Cantilever: diamond
• Output voltage: 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Channel balance: 0.5 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel separation: 25 dB (1 kHz)
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (±2 dB)
• Tracking ability: 80 µm (315 Hz)
• Stylus compliance: 11 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 2.6 g
• Internal impedance: 6 Ω
• Recommended load: > 10 Ω
• Housing material: SLM titanium
• Weight: 17.5 g
• What's included: cartridge, stylus guard, special mounting screws, stylus brush, high-quality lead wires, individual test report, storage box

Frequently asked questions

Which tonearm suits the 17.5 g MC Diamond?

The MC Diamond needs a high-mass, mechanically calm tonearm that can handle the weight and be precisely balanced. On a light entry-level arm the cartridge can't perform cleanly. We'll check with you whether your arm is a good match.

What phono stage does the MC Diamond need?

With 0.2 mV output voltage and 6 Ω internal impedance, the Diamond needs an extremely low-noise MC phono stage or a suitable transformer. Only then do dynamics and resolution come through without loss. In Wädenswil we have suitable combinations we can compare for you.

Why buy the Ortofon MC Diamond at HD Zürisee?

Because a reference cartridge lives or dies by installation, tonearm matching and phono stage. Our specialist team gives you an honest assessment of whether your system does the Diamond justice, mounts it precisely and supports you with alignment, service and future upgrades.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a high-quality phono preamp, a high-mass turntable and other cartridges to compare.