Ortofon MC Diamond

Ortofon MC Diamond – Exclusive Moving Coil Masterpiece

The Ortofon MC Diamond represents the pinnacle of analog cartridge engineering. As part of Ortofon’s “Exclusives” series, this lavish flagship model sets a new standard through groundbreaking materials, refined suspension, and unmatched precision in sound reproduction.

 Cutting-Edge Engineering & Materials

Selective Laser Melted (SLM) Titanium Body – Manufactured with Ortofon’s proprietary SLM process, the solid titanium chassis offers optimized density and extraordinary internal damping, virtually eliminating resonance and enhancing overall sonic purity.

Enhanced WRD Suspension with MWCNT Rubber – The Wide Range Damping system, updated with Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube–infused rubber, sandwiches a dense platinum disc between two buffers to suppress distortion and ensure ultra-linear frequency response and stable tracking across the spectrum.

Advanced Magnet System & Non-Magnetic Armature – Ortofon's engineered magnetic configuration combines precision geometry and superior materials with a non-magnetic armature, delivering vivid dynamics, boundless dimensionality, and consistency in channel reproduction.

 Stylus & Cantilever Perfection

Replicant 100 Nude Line-Contact Stylus – Modeled on the original cutting stylus, this refined contact profile provides exceptional groove engagement, minimal distortion, and extended high-frequency detail for credible musical reproduction.

Solid Diamond Cantilever – A true rarity: a cantilever forged entirely of diamond, offering maximum rigidity and minimal resonance. The result is extraordinary transient clarity, inner detail, and soundstage accuracy.

 Key Specifications & Listening Impact

Output Voltage: 0.2 mV at 5 cm/s – low-output MC design ideal for high-quality phono preamps or step-up transformers, preserving nuance while offering clean signal transfer.

Channel Balance: ≤ 0.5 dB at 1 kHz – accurate channel matching ensures a symmetrical, stable stereo image.

Channel Separation: ≈ 25 dB at 1 kHz, 20 dB at 15 kHz – yields expansive soundstaging and exceptional crosstalk rejection.

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz (±2 dB) – full-spectrum accuracy with musical warmth and balanced tonality.

Tracking Ability: 80 µm at 315 Hz – ensures precise retrieval even near the inner grooves, reducing distortion.

Compliance: 11 µm/mN (lateral) – suitable for medium- to high-mass tonearms, aiding resonance control and stability.

Tracking Force: 2.6 g (range: 2.5–2.8 g) – balances groove contact and wear minimization for detailed and safe playback.

Stylus Geometry: r/R 5/100 µm with 23° tracking angle – excellent groove fidelity and minimized distortion.

Internal Impedance: 6 Ω; recommended loading >10 Ω – matches well with high-performance phono preamps and step-up transformers.

Weight: 17.5 g – optimized for high-mass tonearms, common in precision turntable setups.

 Listening Feel & Suitability

The MC Diamond embodies the perfect union of surgical precision and emotional engagement. Its diamond cantilever creates lightning-fast attacks and ultra-clear transients, while the damped titanium chassis and WRD system provide authoritative low-end control and smooth tonal balance. This cartridge thrives on detailed orchestral jazz, vocal recordings, and rock with subtle overtones or reverb—unveiling previously hidden layers in well-worn LPs.

Because of its high mass and low output, the MC Diamond requires careful pairing with tonearms and phono stages—optimum results typically involve step-up transformers or phono preamps designed for low-impedance cartridges.

 Who Should Consider the MC Diamond?

This cartridge is ideal for discerning listeners and analog connoisseurs who:

Use high-mass, high-precision tonearms (e.g. SME, Kuzma)

Prefer step-up transformers or low-impedance MC phono stages

Demand maximum detail retrieval, transparency, and musical engagement

Are ready to invest in the top tier of analog playback performance

 Why It Matters

Ortofon’s MC Diamond is not just a cartridge—it’s a technical marvel and emotional revelation, combining full titanium damping, advanced nano-composite suspension, pure diamond stylus geometry, and crystal-clear signal paths. For serious audiophiles, it's a transformative listening upgrade that brings vinyl recordings closer to the artist’s original intent.

Let me know if you’d like a match-up comparison with MC Windfeld Ti or MC Verismo—or need help finding phono stages that will unlock the cartridge’s full potential.