{"product_id":"ortofon-mc-x20","title":"Ortofon MC X20","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy the MC X20?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat you'll hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMore 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho is the MC X20 for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: MC cartridge (moving coil, low output)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus profile: elliptical (nude)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCantilever: aluminum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTip radius: r\/R 8\/18 µm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm\/s): 0.4 mV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannel balance (1 kHz): 0.5 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannel separation (1 kHz): 25 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz): ±1 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus compliance (dynamic, lateral): 15 µm\/mN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracking force (recommended): 2.0 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal impedance (DC): 6 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended load impedance: \u0026gt; 50 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoil system: four-coil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoil wire: ultra-pure silver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHousing material: stainless steel (MIM, honeycomb structure)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 8.6 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich phono stage does the Ortofon MC X20 need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs the X20 worth it over the X10?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill the MC X20 fit my tonearm?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenerally, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Ortofon MC X20 at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGet more out of the X20: find alignment tools and matching accessories under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/plattenspieler-zubehor\"\u003eTurntable accessories\u003c\/a\u003e, and everything for a clean groove under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/platten-reinigung\"\u003eRecord cleaning\u003c\/a\u003e. Everything else around your turntable is in \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/alles-vinyl\"\u003eAll things vinyl\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ortofon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52989549085008,"sku":"304339","price":499.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/ortofon-mc-x20-tonabnehmer-perspektive-links.png?v=1786624374","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/ortofon-mc-x20","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}