Ortofon MC Xpression Cartridge

Ortofon MC Xpression

The Ortofon Xpression is a modern High-End cartridge with a standard headshell connector. The state of the art product, the Ortofon Expression represents a combination of three following elements very characteristic for Ortofon:

• The cutting edge SLM materials technology pioneered by the MC A90 and SPU 90th Anniversary products
• Modification of the generator system introduced with the MC A90 and the MC Windfeld
• Ortofon design tradition

The Xpression cartridge bridges the gap between SPU-type cartridges and High-End cartridges like the MC A90 and the MC Windfeld designed for headshell mounting. The result is a high-performance moving coil cartridge with the convenience of a standard headshell connector, which provides a simple and elegant method of directly connecting the generator and tonearm via the Xpression’s one-piece body.

Since the cartridge length is identical to that of an SPU, the Xpression can easily be fitted onto a large selection of tonearms without additional concern for proper alignment. The cartridge height is also identical to that of an SPU, making further VTA adjustments unnecessary. Additionally, the mass and compliance properties of the Xpression ensure that a proper match will be achieved with most SPU-compatible arms, including the new Ortofon AS-212R and AS-309R tonearms.

Finally, the Ortofon Xpression features a Boron Cantilever and a special polished Replicant 100 diamond, found also in the MC A90 and the MC Windfeld cartridges, providing more responsive and transparent sound reproduction.

High-end materials benefit new coil technology
Using expensive Aucurum coils of gold-plated, 6NX oxygen free copper allows for zero-loss transmission of the diamonds movements via its boron cantilever. This combination combines low moving mass with an extremely high degree of rigidity.

The specially designed armature achieves an extreme precision in each
coil turn in all layers. This enables the Xpression to obtain a higher degree of
channel separation, while simultaneously offering lower distortion and better
channel balance. A low output impedance of 4 Ohm and a medium output voltage of 0.3 mV make the Ortofon Xpression a perfect partner for most phono preamps and step-up transformers, including the Ortofon ST-80 SE.

Design
The presentation of the Ortofon Xpression is a continuation of the new paradigm in engineering and manufacturing introduced by the MC A90. Because total freedom from resonance in the audible frequency range is a precondition for optimal sound quality, the design of the Xpression has been dictated by the complete elimination of unwanted resonance. Arguably the most exciting development in the Xpression is the introduction of Ortofon's custom SLM manufacturing process.

The bottom cover has been constructed from a special proprietary TPE (Thermo-Plastic Elastomer) material, which provides extremely high damping. Also included is an easy-to-grab finger lift as well as a simple-to-use stylus guard. When combined with Ortofon’s world-class knowledge in analogue sound reproduction, the Xpression will undoubtedly provide sound which is literally unsurpassed and simply has to be experienced.

Ortofon Xpression specification:
• Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec: 0.3 mV
• Channel balance at 1 kHz: < 0.2 dB
• Channel separation at 1 kHz: > 28 dB
• Channel separation at 15 kHz: > 22 dB
• Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz +0.5 /- 1.5 dB
• Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force: 90 µm
• Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 11 µm/mN
• Stylus type: Special polished Nude Ortofon Replicant 100 on Boron Cantilever
• Stylus tip radius: r/R 5/100 µm
• Tracking force range: 2.3 -2.8 g (23-28 mN)
• Tracking force, recommended: 2.6 g (26 mN)
• Tracking angle: 23°
• Internal impedance, DC resistance: 4 Ohm
• Recommended load impedance: > 10 Ohm
• Cartridge body material: SLM Stainless Steel & Special proprietary TPE-compound
• Cartridge colour: Black
• Cartridge weight: 28 gram