Ortofon MC A Mono

The MC A Mono is a TRUE MONO cartridge for play-back of MONO recordings. If you play a MONO record with a stereo cartridge you will not achieve the same signal in the two channels due to imperfections such as crosstalk, noise, phase errors, tracking error, antiskating and distortion.

This difference between the channels will result in an unstable and partially fuzzy image. A mono switch, to some extent, can improve this.

Accuracy level
Playing MONO record with a TRUE MONO cartridge will have none of the aforementioned problems, as this cartridge only produces one signal, which afterward is directed to both channels in the system. This will provide a much more forceful and stable image with a fuller sound.

Another significant advantage of using a TRUE MONO cartridge to play MONO records is the absence of response to vertical movement. This means that a TRUE MONO cartridge is essentially impervious to the pinching effect which comes into action when the stylus is pushed vertically upward in very narrow grooves. In addition, the response to dust, dirt, and wear will be reduced substantially as the vertical component will not be heard. The final result will be a much more clean and noiseless reproduction of the MONO record. These effects simply cannot be achieved merely by the use of a mono switch.

Ortofon Replicant 100 Stylus
One of the preconditions for linear reproduction with a wide frequency range and optimal tracking performance is a diamond - the shape of which is as close as possible to the original cutting stylus. As in the entire Exclusives series cartridges, the MC A MONO makes use of Ortofon’s Replicant 100 diamond, known for its thin and light profile and extraordinarily large contact surface.

Since the Replicant 100 is closest to the shape of the cutting stylus, it can trace with accuracy unparalleled by any other needle in existence. Special polishing of the diamond, along with the use of a Boron cantilever, offer remarkable transparency, speed, and responsiveness beyond that of any other combination.

Boron cantilever
Using Ortofon’s Aucurum coils of gold-plated, 6NX oxygen-free copper allows for zero-loss transmission of the diamond’s movements via its Boron cantilever. This combination, which has also been employed for use in the MC Windfeld, MC A90, and MC A95 cartridges, combines low moving mass with an extremely high degree of rigidity.

Neodium magnet Magnet system
The magnet system is based on an extremely strong, compact neodymium magnet, which makes the generator system both compact and lighter through its minimal dimensions. Inspired by the elements of MC A95 design, the MC A MONO makes use of a specially designed armature comprised of a metal alloy which is much less magnetic than normal iron. This provides noteworthy benefit to the dynamic capabilities of the cartridge since the armature has almost no influence on the magnetic field during movement. When combined with the Aucurum coils, it delivers perfect reproduction of the cantilever movements without compromise.

Any trace of remaining magnetic influences that would create distortion is prevented by the use of a Field Stabilizing Element (FSE). Ortofon’s FSE, a small cylinder of conductive material strategically placed inside the magnet system, guarantees that the force field remains stable regardless of the movement of the armature. FSE improves the channel separation, while at the same time minimizing dynamic distortion and intermodulation.

Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec 0.2 mV
Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz +2 dB/- 1 dB
Tracking ability at 315 Hz 90 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral 13 µm/mN
Cantilever material Boron
Stylus type Special polished Nude Ortofon Replicant 100
Stylus tip radius r/R 5/100 µm
Tracking force range 2.0-2.5 g (20-25 mN)
Tracking force, recommended 2.3 g (23 mN)
Tracking angle 23°
Internal impedance, DC resistance 7 Ohm
Recommended load impedance > 10 Ohm
Coil wire material Aucurum, gold-plated, 6NX oxygen free copper
Cartridge body material SLM Titanium
Cartridge colour Silver
Cartridge weight 6 gram