Ortofon MC X20

The Ortofon MC X20 is a low-output moving-coil cartridge with a nude elliptical diamond stylus on an aluminum cantilever and coils of ultra-pure silver.

It's the second step in the MC-X series and the first bigger jump: the nude stylus brings more depth, calm and definition than the elliptical entry-level X10.

Why the MC X20?

A nude diamond stylus has less moving mass than a bonded, glued-on diamond and therefore reacts faster and more finely to the groove. The ultra-pure silver coils, the metal-injection-molded stainless-steel frame with honeycomb structure, and Ortofon's own rubber dampers ensure clean tracking with low distortion.

What you'll hear

More depth and definition than the X10: the X20 reveals more of a recording's character, images more precisely and plays with a touch more calm in the background. Clear, clean and pleasantly grown-up.

Who is the MC X20 for?

For vinyl listeners who want to move beyond the entry level and value resolution and a clean soundstage. Bottom line: the finer Fine Line profile — and with it even more detail — only comes with the X30 and up. An MC-capable phono stage is mandatory here too.

Our verdict

The X20 is the series' sensible middle ground: noticeably more than the X10, without reaching straight for the top shelf. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will help you match it correctly to your tonearm and phono stage.

Technical specifications

• Type: MC cartridge (moving coil, low output)
• Stylus profile: elliptical (nude)
• Cantilever: aluminum
• Tip radius: r/R 8/18 µm
• Output voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 0.4 mV
• Channel balance (1 kHz): 0.5 dB
• Channel separation (1 kHz): 25 dB
• Frequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz): ±1 dB
• Stylus compliance (dynamic, lateral): 15 µm/mN
• Tracking force (recommended): 2.0 g
• Internal impedance (DC): 6 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: > 50 ohms
• Coil system: four-coil
• Coil wire: ultra-pure silver
• Housing material: stainless steel (MIM, honeycomb structure)
• Weight: 8.6 g

Frequently asked questions

Which phono stage does the Ortofon MC X20 need?

An MC-capable phono preamp or a step-up transformer. At 0.4 mV the X20 is a low-output MC; Ortofon recommends a load impedance of more than 50 ohms. We at HD Zürisee will set this up for you correctly.

Is the X20 worth it over the X10?

If you want a bit more resolution, yes. The X20 uses a nude elliptical stylus instead of the X10's refined one and therefore plays deeper, calmer and more defined. The rest of the construction is identical. For many, the X20 is the first “real” step up in the series.

Will the MC X20 fit my tonearm?

Generally, yes. At 8.6 g and 15 µm/mN dynamic compliance, the X20 fits most light to medium-mass tonearms. We'll check the ideal resonance frequency with you if needed.

Why buy the Ortofon MC X20 at HD Zürisee?

Because we give you honest advice on which MC-X suits your system and which phono stage belongs with it. As an authorized dealer in Wädenswil, we take care of the matching, and our technician Mauri mounts and aligns the system properly on request. Call or write to us.

Goes well with

Get more out of the X20: 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.