Ortofon

Ortofon

Danish cartridge maker founded in 1918 and the oldest brand we stock. Ortofon built the first commercially available moving coil cartridge in 1948 and still manufacture in Nakskov, Denmark.

About Ortofon

Est. 1918
Nakskov, Denmark
107 Years
Continuous Production
Since 2019
Stocked by FutureShop
50+
Products
First MC Cartridge
1948
Cartridges . Styli . Headshells . Accessories
Product Types

A century of Ortofon, from film sound to cartridges

Ortofon started in 1918 as Fonofilm Industri, working on sound for cinema. The move into record playback came later, and in 1948 the company produced the first commercially available moving coil cartridge. The MC principle is now used by most high-end cartridge makers, and it originated here.

That continuity is the point. Very few audio companies have been making the same category of product, in the same country, for more than a hundred years. It shows in how the range is laid out: methodically, with each step doing one identifiable thing, and with replacement styli and parts supported far longer than the industry norm.

Manufacturing is still in Nakskov. Cartridge assembly is close work, done by hand under magnification, and Ortofon train their own assemblers rather than buying finished generators in. The cantilever and stylus profiles across the range are their own, and the higher models use materials like boron and diamond cantilevers that very few makers work with directly.

Ortofon also make headshells, headshell leads, alignment tools and cleaning products, alongside the Concorde DJ line that has been in continuous production since the late 1970s.

4.95/5 from 20,578+ reviews Award Winning Dealer Since 2013 UK Specialist since 2005

12 of 59 products

  • Ortofon

    Ortofon OM Screws

    SKU: ORTASCREWSOM1

    £3.33
    Ex. VAT
    Securely mount your OM cartridge with precision-fit screws designed for stable alignment and improved sound quality. Built from durable, corrosion-resistant materials, they offer compatibility with most headshells and ensure reliable performance for long-lasting vinyl enjoyment.
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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon Cartridge Alignment Tool

    SKU: ORTAPROTRACTOR1A

    (1 reviews)
    £4.17
    Ex. VAT

    The Ortofon Cartridge Tool ensured tangential alignment which means that the cantilever, and thus the stylus, will be properly aligned with the record grooves throughout the entire length of the record. By aligning the cantilever instead of the cartridge body, you can achieve the desired result of minimum tracking error for improved sound quality.

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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon Tracking Force Gauge

    SKU: ORTATFG1A

    (1 reviews)
    £5.42
    Ex. VAT

    The Ortofon tracking force gauge is a simple budget tool for turntables that is used to determine the stylus tracking force.

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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon Libelle Spirit Level

    SKU: ORTALIBELLE1A

    £6.67
    Ex. VAT

    This portable spirit levelling device is specifically designed for setting turntables and measuring mount levels with unparalleled precision.

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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon Headshell Wires - Pack of 4

    SKU: ORTACARTRIDGETAGS1A

    £8.33
    Ex. VAT

    Replacement cartridge tags for at-home repairs.

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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon Hi-Fi Maintenance Set

    SKU: ORTAMAINTENANCESET1A

    £14.58
    Ex. VAT

    One of the key benefits of the Ortofon Maintenance Set is that it extends the life of your phono cartridge. By regularly cleaning and correctly installing your cartridge, you can ensure optimal performance and longevity.

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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon Record Brush

    SKU: ORTABRUSHRED1R

    £20.83
    Ex. VAT

    The Ortofon Record Brush is a must-have accessory for any music enthusiast! The Ortofon Record brush safely and effectively removes dust and dirt from the record surface without scratching.

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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon Test Record

    SKU: ORTALPTESTRECORD1A

    (2 reviews)
    £33.33
    Ex. VAT

    The Ortofon Test Record is equipped with special test signals that have been specifically developed for analysing cartridge performance and its interaction with your tonearm and turntable. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of your system's capabilities. But before testing your cartridge, it is essential to ensure the functionality of your HiFi system, and the Test Record provides instructions for this as well.

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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon LW-6N Headshell Wires - Pack of 4

    SKU: ORTAHEADSHELLCABLELW6N1

    £37.50
    Ex. VAT

    In collaboration with a renowned audio cable maker, Ortofon has developed these lead wires to meet the demands of the most discerning professionals. After rigorous testing and countless listening sessions, the LW-6N cables were selected as the best performer among various configurations of test cables made with the best materials available. This speaks volumes about the level of quality and performance that these lead wires offer.

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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon SH-4 Black Headshell

    SKU: ORTASH4BLACK

    £37.50
    Ex. VAT
    The SH-4 headshell offers lightweight anodized aluminum construction, gold-plated terminal pins for clear sound, and an extended finger lift for easy handling. Compatible with S-shaped tonearms using a universal mount, it comes complete with screws, nuts, washers, and lead wires for quick installation. Ideal for DJs and vinyl lovers seeking reliable performance and smooth operation.
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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon LW-7N Headshell Wires - Pack of 4

    SKU: ORTAHEADSHELLCABLELW7N1

    (1 reviews)
    £45.83
    Ex. VAT

    LW-7N is the hybrid lead wire made of ultra high-purity copper wire of 7N and 6 N. As there is no foreign particle other than copper 7N (99.99999 % purity) in the wire, the musical signal can be transmitted without any noise. The end of the wire is fastened by a rhodium-plated terminal.

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  • Ortofon

    Ortofon Record Stabilizer

    SKU: ORTARESTA

    From
    £45.83
    Ex. VAT
    The Ortofon Record Stabilizer enhances vinyl playback by reducing vibration and improving sound clarity. Available in Standard (aluminum, felt underside) and Heavy versions, it suits a wide range of turntables. With a satin matte anodized finish in Silver or Black and Ortofon’s signature textured wave-grip, it offers both performance and style. Simply place it on your record for a more refined listening experience.
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Ortofon’s legacy spans over 100 years, and the brand is recognised for combining heritage with continuous innovation. Unlike many cartridge manufacturers, Ortofon designs and manufactures its products entirely in-house, ensuring precise tolerances and consistent quality. From entry-level to reference models, Ortofon cartridges are known for their musicality, reliability, and the ability to extract fine detail from vinyl records.

The Ortofon 2M Red is the ideal starting point for vinyl enthusiasts. Affordable yet highly capable, it delivers a lively, detailed sound that sets the benchmark at its price point. Its replaceable stylus makes upgrading or maintenance simple, making it a popular choice for first-time turntable owners.

In many cases, yes. The 2M series allows you to upgrade by simply changing the stylus. For example, a 2M Red owner can upgrade to a 2M Blue stylus on the same cartridge body, unlocking higher performance without replacing the full cartridge.

Proper alignment is key to getting the best from your Ortofon cartridge. Using a protractor or alignment tool ensures the stylus tracks the groove accurately, reducing distortion and record wear. Ortofon supplies alignment guides, and Future Shop also offers specialist tools to help achieve precise setup.

Most Ortofon cartridges follow the standard ½-inch mount, making them compatible with the majority of tonearms and turntables. However, some DJ-focused Ortofon Concorde cartridges use an integrated SME connector for direct plug-in compatibility with specific tonearms. Always check your tonearm type before choosing.

Yes. Like many high-fidelity components, Ortofon cartridges typically benefit from 20–50 hours of playback before they reach their optimal performance. During this period, the suspension loosens, improving tonal balance, dynamics, and detail retrieval.

Ortofon produces both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. MM designs, like the 2M Series, are affordable, durable, and offer stylus replacement. MC cartridges, such as the Cadenza or Quintet ranges, deliver even higher fidelity but require specialist phono stages and cannot be user-retipped.

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