Ortofon MC Vertex Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge
Usage Guide
Turntable
Connection Guide
ToneArm
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Item code: Ortofon MC Vertex Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge
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If you've seen a better offer for this product, we will endeavour to match it. The competing offer must be on brand-new boxed items, and in stock from another UK Online Authorised Retailer (excluding marketplaces). Price match quotations are valid for 7 days.
SPEAKER CABLES:
A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.
OTHER CABLES:
A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.
NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:
A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Ortofon MC Vertex Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge
The Ortofon MC Vertex is a flagship moving coil cartridge that reflects a holistic approach to cartridge design, in which every element is defined in relation to the others and optimised as part of a complete system rather than assembled from individually specified parts. The Vertex diamond, the materials, and the mechanical and magnetic design are all specified in direct relation to one another, and every interface between them is controlled to ensure consistency and predictable performance. The aim is to transfer energy from the groove to the output with precision and stability, enabling accurate tracking, low distortion and a controlled response across the frequency range.
The stylus assembly is where the Vertex name comes from. It uses a newly developed Vertex diamond with an advanced line contact geometry and a finely optimised scanning radius of r/R 4/110 micrometres, mounted on a solid diamond cantilever that is laser-cut to extremely tight tolerances and then laser polished to a uniform surface finish. This diamond-on-diamond construction gives an exceptionally rigid, low-mass path from the record groove into the generator, so fine detail is retrieved rather than lost to flex or resonance in the cantilever itself.
Behind the stylus, the generator uses high-purity silver coils wound on a non-magnetic armature within a highly optimised magnet configuration, producing an output of 0.3mV at 1kHz with an internal impedance of 19 ohms and a recommended load of above 100 ohms. Channel separation measures 30dB at 1kHz and channel balance is held to within 0.1dB, with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz within plus or minus 1dB. Ortofon's patented Wide Range Damping system, which places a platinum disc between two rubber compounds developed in-house, controls resonance across the range, and the cartridge body itself is produced by Selective Laser Melting in titanium with a Diamond-Like Carbon coating and a specially designed internal cavity for further damping.
In use, the MC Vertex is a half-inch mount cartridge with a recommended tracking force of 2.5 grams, a dynamic lateral compliance of 9 micrometres per millinewton and a 23 degree tracking angle, making it best suited to a medium-mass tonearm and a phono stage able to load a low-output moving coil correctly. The result is a cartridge that reveals fine structure, preserves dynamic contrast and presents music with clarity, holding spatial information stable and well defined even through complex passages. Finished in black DLC-coated titanium with laser-engraved logos, it sits at the very top of Ortofon's moving coil range.
What Ortofon say about the MC Vertex
Developed and manufactured by Ortofon, MC Vertex reflects a holistic approach to cartridge design, where each element is defined in relation to the others and optimized as part of a complete system.
MC Vertex is conceived as a unified structure, where the Vertex diamond, materials, and mechanical and magnetic design are specified in direct relation to one another. Every interface is controlled to ensure consistency and predictable performance.
Energy is transferred from groove to output with precision and stability, enabling accurate tracking, low distortion, and a controlled response across the frequency range.
The Vertex Diamond
The stylus profile has been developed with a specific focus on how it engages the groove walls at a microscopic level, where both contact accuracy and mechanical stability are critical.
The Vertex diamond features a finely optimized scanning radius of 4 μm, combined with an extended contact radius of 110 μm. While the scanning radius is within the upper tier of advanced stylus designs, the contact radius represents an exceptionally large profile, enabling a significantly increased contact area along the groove walls.
This combination allows the diamond to trace fine groove structures with high precision, while distributing contact forces more effectively across the groove surface.
Solid Diamond Cantilever
The Vertex diamond is mounted in a solid diamond cantilever, forming an extremely rigid and lightweight structure that supports efficient energy transfer from the stylus to the generator system.
The diamond-to-cantilever interface is manufactured using laser-cut processes with extremely tight tolerances. A precisely defined micro-bore is formed in the cantilever, allowing the diamond to be mounted with a highly controlled mechanical fit. This ensures accurate alignment and repeatability, while creating a rigid and stable interface for efficient energy transfer.
The cantilever is laser-polished to achieve a uniform surface finish, minimizing irregularities
that could introduce mechanical artifacts.
Updated Wide Range Damping Technology
The Wide Range Damping system, developed and patented by Ortofon, is designed to control mechanical resonance across the entire audible frequency range.
At its core is a platinum disc positioned between two rubber compounds with distinctly different mechanical properties. The platinum disc acts as a rigid mechanical interface, allowing the two rubber compounds to operate both independently and in interaction, depending on frequency.
This dual-behavior damping structure enables precise control of resonance characteristics across the frequency spectrum, while maintaining dynamic responsiveness.
In-house Rubber Development
Ortofon’s in-house development and production of rubber compounds ensure consistent material quality, and allow fine-tuning of damping performance. Even minor adjustments in formulation or processing can significantly influence how energy is absorbed and controlled within the system.
The result is a more accurate and natural sound reproduction across the entire frequency range.
Specifications
General
- Brand: Ortofon
- Model: MC Vertex
- Product Type: Moving Coil (MC) phono cartridge
- Body Material: SLM (Selective Laser Melted) Titanium with DLC coating
- Body Design: Special internal cavity for damping
- Finish: Black, with laser-engraved logos
- Mounting: Half inch mount
Stylus and Cantilever
- Stylus Type: Vertex Diamond (newly developed)
- Stylus Profile: Advanced line contact geometry with optimised scanning radius
- Stylus Tip Radius: r/R 4/110 μm
- Cantilever: Laser polished solid diamond
- Construction: Diamond-on-diamond, laser-cut to extremely tight tolerances
Generator and Damping
- Armature: Non-magnetic
- Coils: High-purity silver
- Magnet System: Highly optimised magnet configuration
- Damping: Wide Range Damping system (patented), platinum disc between two rubber compounds
- Rubber Compounds: Developed in-house
Performance
- Output Voltage: 0.3 mV (1 kHz, 5cm/sec)
- Channel Balance: 0.1 dB (1 kHz)
- Channel Separation: 30 dB (1 kHz)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
- Compliance: 9 μm/mN (dynamic, lateral)
- Recommended Tracking Force: 2.5 g
- Tracking Angle: 23°
- Internal Impedance: 19 Ω (DC resistance)
- Recommended Load Impedance: >100 Ω
About Ortofon
Ortofon is one of the world leader's in the development and manufacturing of turntable cartridges. The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Ortofon has been accumulating since 1918 with their first moving coil cartridge manufactured in 1948.
Today, Ortofon offers a wide range of cartridges for both DJ's and Hi-Fi audiophiles. Their offering includes moving magnets, moving coils, plug-and-play headshells, mono cartridges and 78RPM cartridges.
Throughout their range of cartridges, Ortofon maintains a set profile with each cartridge profile containing an individual sonic expression. All of Ortofon's range of cartridges includes a Red, Blue, Bronze and Black model.
First, in the range, are the Red cartridges which deliver open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth. Next, the Blue Cartridges offer greater dynamic soundstages with improved detail and resolution. Following on, the Bronze cartridges improve the details in a way that pays respects to all elements of the track. Lastly, the Black cartridges are the best at everything. They are true to the groove with resolution and accurate insight into each recording.
Ortofon have made their cartridges suitable for the majority of turntables on the market at the moment. With a wide range of available models, there is an Ortofon cartridge to suit everyone.
About Ortofon
Danish cartridge maker with models for hi-fi and DJ use, from moving magnet to moving coil and mono.
Ortofon is a Danish company that develops, manufactures and markets phono cartridges. The catalogue covers moving magnet and moving coil designs, plug-and-play headshells, mono cartridges and 78rpm cartridges, for both hi-fi and DJ use. Series names include OM, 2M, Concorde, Exclusive, MC Cadenza, MC X, MC Quintet, VNL and SPU.
Read more about Ortofon Show less
Colour names in the core ranges, numbers and names elsewhere
Ortofon's core ranges, 2M, MC Cadenza and MC Quintet, use colours to mark the steps, such as Red, Blue, Bronze and Black. Ortofon describes Red as open and dynamic with a touch of warmth, and Blue as adding detail and resolution. Other ranges use numbers, like MC X, or names, like Vertex and Verismo in the Exclusive series.
Moving magnet, moving coil and mono
Ortofon builds both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, so it covers the two main ways of generating a signal from a groove. It also makes mono and 78rpm cartridges for older records, and plug-and-play headshells, which arrive with the cartridge already mounted.
A series to suit most turntables
The catalogue is organised in series rather than a single line, and Ortofon says its cartridges suit the majority of turntables now on the market. You still need to check compatibility with your tonearm before buying, because a cartridge's weight and compliance have to suit it.
Why we stock Ortofon
Ortofon are the cartridge name most vinyl listeners already trust, and they cover the full span from a first serious upgrade to the high end. That range is why we carry them. Whether you are replacing a worn stylus or rebuilding a front end properly, you can be sent to one brand and be right.
Specifications
General
- Brand: Ortofon
- Model: MC Vertex
- Product Type: Moving Coil (MC) phono cartridge
- Body Material: SLM (Selective Laser Melted) Titanium with DLC coating
- Body Design: Special internal cavity for damping
- Finish: Black, with laser-engraved logos
- Mounting: Half inch mount
Stylus and Cantilever
- Stylus Type: Vertex Diamond (newly developed)
- Stylus Profile: Advanced line contact geometry with optimised scanning radius
- Stylus Tip Radius: r/R 4/110 μm
- Cantilever: Laser polished solid diamond
- Construction: Diamond-on-diamond, laser-cut to extremely tight tolerances
Generator and Damping
- Armature: Non-magnetic
- Coils: High-purity silver
- Magnet System: Highly optimised magnet configuration
- Damping: Wide Range Damping system (patented), platinum disc between two rubber compounds
- Rubber Compounds: Developed in-house
Performance
- Output Voltage: 0.3 mV (1 kHz, 5cm/sec)
- Channel Balance: 0.1 dB (1 kHz)
- Channel Separation: 30 dB (1 kHz)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
- Compliance: 9 μm/mN (dynamic, lateral)
- Recommended Tracking Force: 2.5 g
- Tracking Angle: 23°
- Internal Impedance: 19 Ω (DC resistance)
- Recommended Load Impedance: >100 Ω
We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.
Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
| 0g - 1000g | £3.95 |
| 1000g - 1400g | £4.95 |
| 1400g - 1800g | £5.95 |
| 1800g - 2000g | £6.95 |
| 2000g - 3000g | £8.95 |
* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.
Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability
- Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ortofon MC Vertex Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge
The Ortofon MC Vertex is a flagship moving coil cartridge that reflects a holistic approach to cartridge design, in which every element is defined in relation to the others and optimised as part of a complete system rather than assembled from individually specified parts. The Vertex diamond, the materials, and the mechanical and magnetic design are all specified in direct relation to one another, and every interface between them is controlled to ensure consistency and predictable performance. The aim is to transfer energy from the groove to the output with precision and stability, enabling accurate tracking, low distortion and a controlled response across the frequency range.
The stylus assembly is where the Vertex name comes from. It uses a newly developed Vertex diamond with an advanced line contact geometry and a finely optimised scanning radius of r/R 4/110 micrometres, mounted on a solid diamond cantilever that is laser-cut to extremely tight tolerances and then laser polished to a uniform surface finish. This diamond-on-diamond construction gives an exceptionally rigid, low-mass path from the record groove into the generator, so fine detail is retrieved rather than lost to flex or resonance in the cantilever itself.
Behind the stylus, the generator uses high-purity silver coils wound on a non-magnetic armature within a highly optimised magnet configuration, producing an output of 0.3mV at 1kHz with an internal impedance of 19 ohms and a recommended load of above 100 ohms. Channel separation measures 30dB at 1kHz and channel balance is held to within 0.1dB, with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz within plus or minus 1dB. Ortofon's patented Wide Range Damping system, which places a platinum disc between two rubber compounds developed in-house, controls resonance across the range, and the cartridge body itself is produced by Selective Laser Melting in titanium with a Diamond-Like Carbon coating and a specially designed internal cavity for further damping.
In use, the MC Vertex is a half-inch mount cartridge with a recommended tracking force of 2.5 grams, a dynamic lateral compliance of 9 micrometres per millinewton and a 23 degree tracking angle, making it best suited to a medium-mass tonearm and a phono stage able to load a low-output moving coil correctly. The result is a cartridge that reveals fine structure, preserves dynamic contrast and presents music with clarity, holding spatial information stable and well defined even through complex passages. Finished in black DLC-coated titanium with laser-engraved logos, it sits at the very top of Ortofon's moving coil range.
What Ortofon say about the MC Vertex
Developed and manufactured by Ortofon, MC Vertex reflects a holistic approach to cartridge design, where each element is defined in relation to the others and optimized as part of a complete system.
MC Vertex is conceived as a unified structure, where the Vertex diamond, materials, and mechanical and magnetic design are specified in direct relation to one another. Every interface is controlled to ensure consistency and predictable performance.
Energy is transferred from groove to output with precision and stability, enabling accurate tracking, low distortion, and a controlled response across the frequency range.
The Vertex Diamond
The stylus profile has been developed with a specific focus on how it engages the groove walls at a microscopic level, where both contact accuracy and mechanical stability are critical.
The Vertex diamond features a finely optimized scanning radius of 4 μm, combined with an extended contact radius of 110 μm. While the scanning radius is within the upper tier of advanced stylus designs, the contact radius represents an exceptionally large profile, enabling a significantly increased contact area along the groove walls.
This combination allows the diamond to trace fine groove structures with high precision, while distributing contact forces more effectively across the groove surface.
Solid Diamond Cantilever
The Vertex diamond is mounted in a solid diamond cantilever, forming an extremely rigid and lightweight structure that supports efficient energy transfer from the stylus to the generator system.
The diamond-to-cantilever interface is manufactured using laser-cut processes with extremely tight tolerances. A precisely defined micro-bore is formed in the cantilever, allowing the diamond to be mounted with a highly controlled mechanical fit. This ensures accurate alignment and repeatability, while creating a rigid and stable interface for efficient energy transfer.
The cantilever is laser-polished to achieve a uniform surface finish, minimizing irregularities
that could introduce mechanical artifacts.
Updated Wide Range Damping Technology
The Wide Range Damping system, developed and patented by Ortofon, is designed to control mechanical resonance across the entire audible frequency range.
At its core is a platinum disc positioned between two rubber compounds with distinctly different mechanical properties. The platinum disc acts as a rigid mechanical interface, allowing the two rubber compounds to operate both independently and in interaction, depending on frequency.
This dual-behavior damping structure enables precise control of resonance characteristics across the frequency spectrum, while maintaining dynamic responsiveness.
In-house Rubber Development
Ortofon’s in-house development and production of rubber compounds ensure consistent material quality, and allow fine-tuning of damping performance. Even minor adjustments in formulation or processing can significantly influence how energy is absorbed and controlled within the system.
The result is a more accurate and natural sound reproduction across the entire frequency range.
Specifications
General
- Brand: Ortofon
- Model: MC Vertex
- Product Type: Moving Coil (MC) phono cartridge
- Body Material: SLM (Selective Laser Melted) Titanium with DLC coating
- Body Design: Special internal cavity for damping
- Finish: Black, with laser-engraved logos
- Mounting: Half inch mount
Stylus and Cantilever
- Stylus Type: Vertex Diamond (newly developed)
- Stylus Profile: Advanced line contact geometry with optimised scanning radius
- Stylus Tip Radius: r/R 4/110 μm
- Cantilever: Laser polished solid diamond
- Construction: Diamond-on-diamond, laser-cut to extremely tight tolerances
Generator and Damping
- Armature: Non-magnetic
- Coils: High-purity silver
- Magnet System: Highly optimised magnet configuration
- Damping: Wide Range Damping system (patented), platinum disc between two rubber compounds
- Rubber Compounds: Developed in-house
Performance
- Output Voltage: 0.3 mV (1 kHz, 5cm/sec)
- Channel Balance: 0.1 dB (1 kHz)
- Channel Separation: 30 dB (1 kHz)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
- Compliance: 9 μm/mN (dynamic, lateral)
- Recommended Tracking Force: 2.5 g
- Tracking Angle: 23°
- Internal Impedance: 19 Ω (DC resistance)
- Recommended Load Impedance: >100 Ω
About Ortofon
Ortofon is one of the world leader's in the development and manufacturing of turntable cartridges. The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Ortofon has been accumulating since 1918 with their first moving coil cartridge manufactured in 1948.
Today, Ortofon offers a wide range of cartridges for both DJ's and Hi-Fi audiophiles. Their offering includes moving magnets, moving coils, plug-and-play headshells, mono cartridges and 78RPM cartridges.
Throughout their range of cartridges, Ortofon maintains a set profile with each cartridge profile containing an individual sonic expression. All of Ortofon's range of cartridges includes a Red, Blue, Bronze and Black model.
First, in the range, are the Red cartridges which deliver open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth. Next, the Blue Cartridges offer greater dynamic soundstages with improved detail and resolution. Following on, the Bronze cartridges improve the details in a way that pays respects to all elements of the track. Lastly, the Black cartridges are the best at everything. They are true to the groove with resolution and accurate insight into each recording.
Ortofon have made their cartridges suitable for the majority of turntables on the market at the moment. With a wide range of available models, there is an Ortofon cartridge to suit everyone.
About Ortofon
Danish cartridge maker with models for hi-fi and DJ use, from moving magnet to moving coil and mono.
Ortofon is a Danish company that develops, manufactures and markets phono cartridges. The catalogue covers moving magnet and moving coil designs, plug-and-play headshells, mono cartridges and 78rpm cartridges, for both hi-fi and DJ use. Series names include OM, 2M, Concorde, Exclusive, MC Cadenza, MC X, MC Quintet, VNL and SPU.
Read more about Ortofon Show less
Colour names in the core ranges, numbers and names elsewhere
Ortofon's core ranges, 2M, MC Cadenza and MC Quintet, use colours to mark the steps, such as Red, Blue, Bronze and Black. Ortofon describes Red as open and dynamic with a touch of warmth, and Blue as adding detail and resolution. Other ranges use numbers, like MC X, or names, like Vertex and Verismo in the Exclusive series.
Moving magnet, moving coil and mono
Ortofon builds both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, so it covers the two main ways of generating a signal from a groove. It also makes mono and 78rpm cartridges for older records, and plug-and-play headshells, which arrive with the cartridge already mounted.
A series to suit most turntables
The catalogue is organised in series rather than a single line, and Ortofon says its cartridges suit the majority of turntables now on the market. You still need to check compatibility with your tonearm before buying, because a cartridge's weight and compliance have to suit it.
Why we stock Ortofon
Ortofon are the cartridge name most vinyl listeners already trust, and they cover the full span from a first serious upgrade to the high end. That range is why we carry them. Whether you are replacing a worn stylus or rebuilding a front end properly, you can be sent to one brand and be right.
Specifications
General
- Brand: Ortofon
- Model: MC Vertex
- Product Type: Moving Coil (MC) phono cartridge
- Body Material: SLM (Selective Laser Melted) Titanium with DLC coating
- Body Design: Special internal cavity for damping
- Finish: Black, with laser-engraved logos
- Mounting: Half inch mount
Stylus and Cantilever
- Stylus Type: Vertex Diamond (newly developed)
- Stylus Profile: Advanced line contact geometry with optimised scanning radius
- Stylus Tip Radius: r/R 4/110 μm
- Cantilever: Laser polished solid diamond
- Construction: Diamond-on-diamond, laser-cut to extremely tight tolerances
Generator and Damping
- Armature: Non-magnetic
- Coils: High-purity silver
- Magnet System: Highly optimised magnet configuration
- Damping: Wide Range Damping system (patented), platinum disc between two rubber compounds
- Rubber Compounds: Developed in-house
Performance
- Output Voltage: 0.3 mV (1 kHz, 5cm/sec)
- Channel Balance: 0.1 dB (1 kHz)
- Channel Separation: 30 dB (1 kHz)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
- Compliance: 9 μm/mN (dynamic, lateral)
- Recommended Tracking Force: 2.5 g
- Tracking Angle: 23°
- Internal Impedance: 19 Ω (DC resistance)
- Recommended Load Impedance: >100 Ω
We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.
Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
| 0g - 1000g | £3.95 |
| 1000g - 1400g | £4.95 |
| 1400g - 1800g | £5.95 |
| 1800g - 2000g | £6.95 |
| 2000g - 3000g | £8.95 |
* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.
Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability
- Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
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Ortofon MC Vertex Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge
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Ortofon MC Vertex Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge
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