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Ortofon MC Diamond Moving Coil Cartridge

Ortofon MC Diamond Moving Coil Cartridge

The Pinnacle of Analogue Precision

In the pursuit of musical perfection, few components carry as much responsibility as the cartridge. It is the first and most delicate link in the analogue signal chain—a tiny, intricate transducer that translates groove into glory. Among the world’s finest, the Ortofon MC Diamond stands apart as a masterpiece of micro-engineering, crafted for those who seek nothing less than absolute fidelity.

This is not simply a cartridge. It is a culmination of over a century of analogue innovation, hand-assembled with uncompromising attention to detail. For vinyl lovers and analogue purists, the MC Diamond represents the apex of moving coil performance—where every groove becomes a performance and every listening session a revelation.

A Jewel of Sound, Literally

As its name suggests, the MC Diamond features a nude diamond cantilever—a rare and exceptional feature that elevates it to a class of its own. Diamond is not only incredibly hard and resonant-free, but it also exhibits exceptional signal transmission properties. The result is unparalleled clarity, transient response, and tonal neutrality.

This cantilever is paired with Ortofon’s proprietary Replicant 100 stylus, known for its razor-thin profile and wide contact area. Its ability to trace the most subtle modulations deep within the groove allows it to reveal textures and harmonic layers often lost on lesser cartridges.

The Science of Sonic Purity

The MC Diamond is engineered with a titanium body, meticulously machined using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology. This method fuses metal powder layer by layer, producing an extremely rigid and resonant-free structure with internal damping. The result? A cartridge that minimises mechanical resonance and preserves the purity of the recorded signal.

Inside, the MC Diamond uses Ortofon’s Field Stabilising Element (FSE) to control the magnetic field within the generator system. This technology reduces intermodulation distortion and enhances tracking accuracy, ensuring that the cartridge remains composed even during complex, high-dynamic passages.

A Masterpiece of Balance and Dynamics

The sonic signature of the MC Diamond is effortlessly natural, with a tonal balance that is neither overly analytical nor coloured. Its frequency range extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, offering tight, extended bass and open, unforced highs. Midrange textures—especially vocals and acoustic instruments—are rendered with a lifelike presence that pulls the listener closer to the performance.

From the delicacy of solo piano to the layered complexity of orchestral works, the MC Diamond handles every nuance with refinement and grace. It's a cartridge that doesn't just play records—it resolves recordings, unlocking layers of expression that often go unnoticed.

For Systems That Deserve the Best

The Ortofon MC Diamond is not an everyday component. It’s designed for reference-class turntables and tonearms, and for listeners who have cultivated a system capable of reproducing true-to-source detail. The cartridge’s low internal impedance and low output make it an ideal match for high-quality step-up transformers or dedicated MC phono stages.

It’s a choice made not just for technical reasons, but for emotional ones. For those who collect records not just as artefacts but as sonic experiences, the MC Diamond is a vital key to unlocking their full emotional and musical value.

Key Features at a Glance:

  • Nude diamond cantilever for unparalleled clarity and rigidity
  • Replicant 100 stylus for high-precision groove tracing
  • Titanium body built with SLM technology for superior resonance control
  • Field Stabilising Element to maintain consistent performance
  • Wide frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Exceptionally low internal impedance (6 ohms) and low output
  • Hand-crafted in Denmark by Ortofon’s most skilled technicians

Final Thoughts: The Art of Analogue, Refined

The Ortofon MC Diamond is more than a transducer—it is a testament to what’s possible when artistry meets engineering at the highest level. It invites you to listen deeper, to discover new dimensions in familiar records, and to fall in love with vinyl all over again.

For those seeking the ultimate expression of analogue playback, the MC Diamond is a crown jewel—a reference cartridge that honours every detail, every nuance, every note.

Please see our product information page here

23rd Jun 2025 Paul

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