Ortofon MC X30

The Ortofon MC X30 is a low-output moving-coil cartridge with a nude Fine Line diamond stylus on an aluminum cantilever and coils of ultra-pure silver.

It's the precision step of the MC-X series: the fine Fine Line profile reads the groove more precisely than the ellipses of its smaller siblings — more detail, more dynamics.

Why the MC X30?

The Fine Line profile has a narrower contact area with the groove wall than an elliptical one and therefore reads high frequencies more accurately and with less wear. Together with the ultra-pure silver coils and the metal-injection-molded stainless-steel frame with honeycomb structure, this results in a noticeably finer resolution.

What you'll hear

Exceptional accuracy and resolution: the X30 reproduces every track with more detail and dynamics, traces fine structures cleanly and stays stable and calm throughout. A clear step towards high-end.

Who is the MC X30 for?

For demanding vinyl listeners who want detail and precision and bring a decent system to the table. Bottom line: the final step to a Shibata profile and boron cantilever only comes with the X40 — which makes the X30 the precision bargain of the series. An MC-capable phono stage is a prerequisite.

Our verdict

For many, the X30 is the sweet spot of the MC-X series: Fine Line precision at a still reasonable price. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will tell you whether it's enough or whether stepping up to the X40 is worth it for your system.

Technical specifications

• Type: MC cartridge (moving coil, low output)
• Stylus profile: nude Fine Line
• Cantilever: aluminum
• Tip radius: r/R 8/40 µm
• Output voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 0.4 mV
• Channel balance (1 kHz): 0.5 dB
• Channel separation (1 kHz): 26 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 X30 need?

An MC-capable phono preamp or a step-up transformer. At 0.4 mV the X30 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.

What does the Fine Line profile bring over the X20's ellipse?

The Fine Line diamond has a narrower contact area and reads high frequencies more accurately — that means more detail, cleaner highs and less wear. The X30 resolves audibly more finely than the elliptical X20 as a result. You'll hear the difference especially on good recordings.

Will the MC X30 fit my tonearm?

Generally, yes. At 8.6 g and 15 µm/mN dynamic compliance, the X30 fits most light to medium-mass tonearms. We'll check the ideal resonance frequency with you if needed.

Why buy the Ortofon MC X30 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 X30: 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.