Ortofon MC X40 Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge

Item code: ORTOMCX40

Experience audio purity with the MC X40, the flagship of the MC X Series. Featuring a nude Shibata diamond stylus and boron cantilever, it delivers superb clarity, fast response, and remarkable detail. Perfect for discerning vinyl enthusiasts.
£875.00
£729.17
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Qty:

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.

£729.17 ex. VAT
Available — built to order, dispatches in 48 Hours
Delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 24 FREE  ·  DPD Next Day from £8.95  ·  DPD Saturday from £12.95
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Our promise: 30-day returns · Free burn-in · Built in our UK workshop · 12 Months warranty · Expert support on every order

Ortofon MC X40 Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge

 

The MC X40 is the flagship of the MC X Series, created for audiophiles who demand absolute precision in their listening experience. At its heart is a nude Shibata diamond stylus, engineered to track every groove with extreme accuracy. This stylus is paired with a rigid, lightweight boron cantilever, ensuring rapid response and exceptional clarity across the entire frequency range. The result is an audio reproduction that reveals fine details and subtle nuances often missed by standard cartridges. Whether you’re enjoying the warmth of vintage vinyl or the crispness of modern pressings, the MC X40 delivers an open, airy soundstage with outstanding tonal balance. Its design minimises distortion and maximises channel separation, offering an immersive and lifelike musical performance. Ideal for high-end turntable setups, the MC X40 is a premium choice for those who want to experience their records exactly as the artist intended. Upgrade your vinyl playback with this precision-engineered cartridge and rediscover the magic of your music collection.

 

A New Benchmark in Analog Perfection

In the world of vinyl playback, the cartridge is where the journey begins. A pivotal point where music rises from the groove and transforms into immersive soundscapes. With the MC X Series, Ortofon sets a new benchmark in MC cartridge design, pushing premium Moving Coil technology to unprecedented levels of performance.

 

Pure Silver Coil System

All MC X cartridges feature coils wound with high-purity silver wire. The use of premium materials is to ensure exceptional signal clarity, delivering sound with unmatched precision and preserving every detail without interference.

 

Magnet system

The MC X Series introduces a newly developed magnet system with a one-piece pole cylinder integrated into a rear magnet yoke. Engineered for maximum magnetic efficiency and paired with pure silver coils, this configuration ensures a clean, powerful signal path that elevates overall performance.

 

Specifications

  • Channel balance at 1 kHz: 0.5 dB
  • Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec: 0.4 mV
  • Channel separation at 1 kHz: 26 dB
  • Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz: +/-1 dB
  • Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 15 μm/mN
  • Cantilever material: Boron
  • Stylus type: Nude Shibata
  • Stylus tip radius: r/R 6/50 μm
  • Stylus suspensions: Ortofon exclusive
  • Coil system: Quad coils
  • Tracking force, recommended: 2.0 grams
  • Internal impedance, DC resistance: 6 Ω
  • Coil wire material: High-purity silver
  • Cartridge weight: 8.6 grams
  • Recommended load resistance: > 50 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.

Shop all Ortofon →

Specifications

  • Channel balance at 1 kHz: 0.5 dB
  • Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec: 0.4 mV
  • Channel separation at 1 kHz: 26 dB
  • Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz: +/-1 dB
  • Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 15 μm/mN
  • Cantilever material: Boron
  • Stylus type: Nude Shibata
  • Stylus tip radius: r/R 6/50 μm
  • Stylus suspensions: Ortofon exclusive
  • Coil system: Quad coils
  • Tracking force, recommended: 2.0 grams
  • Internal impedance, DC resistance: 6 Ω
  • Coil wire material: High-purity silver
  • Cartridge weight: 8.6 grams
  • Recommended load resistance: > 50 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 X40 Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge

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Frequently Asked Questions

Start with power (cables & distribution), then upgrade signal cabling, support (Hi-Fi Racks) and isolation accessories. These incremental changes can unlock more from your existing gear. Once you have the basic essentials, then you can look at further upgrades, such as fuses, cartridges, better isolation and more!
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It is usually best to address obvious issues first, such as unstable equipment placement or poor isolation, before adding more specialised accessories. Call (0208 905 1555) or Email (sales@futureshop.co.uk) one of our consultants to identify an ideal upgrade path for your system.
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A high-quality hi-fi system is built around a few core elements working together. At its heart is a source, such as a streamer, turntable, CD player, or digital audio player, which provides the music. This signal is then shaped and boosted by amplification, which may include an integrated amplifier, headphone amplifier, or phono stage depending on the system. The sound is delivered through speakers or headphones, which have a major influence on the overall character of what you hear. Supporting components also play an important role. DACs improve digital playback quality, cartridges and phono stages are vital for vinyl, and hi-fi racks, speaker stands, and isolation products help equipment perform consistently. A balanced system does not rely on one standout component, but on how well everything works together.
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Isolation and support products can make a clearly audible difference, especially in resolving systems. Vibrations from floors, speakers, and even airborne sound can interfere with sensitive components like turntables, DACs, and amplifiers. Proper speaker stands help speakers perform as intended by improving stability, positioning, and bass control. Hi-fi racks and isolation platforms reduce unwanted resonance, helping systems sound cleaner, more focused, and more consistent. While these products may not change the sound as dramatically as speakers or cartridges, they often unlock performance that is already there but being masked by vibration or poor placement.
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That depends on the starting point of the system. If the fundamentals are weak, such as entry-level speakers, poor setup, or missing core components, starting with the basics usually brings the biggest gains. A well-matched foundation allows later upgrades to shine. If the system is already balanced, upgrading individual components can be very effective. Improvements such as a better cartridge, DAC, phono stage, or isolation can refine detail, clarity, and realism. The most rewarding upgrades tend to be those that address the system’s weakest link rather than focusing on one category alone.
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In many systems, the biggest improvement comes from upgrading speakers or headphones, as these shape the sound more than any other component. For vinyl systems, the cartridge and phono stage are often the most influential upgrades. In digital systems, a higher-quality DAC or streamer can significantly improve clarity and timing. Beyond electronics, addressing setup, isolation, and support is often overlooked but highly effective. Improving speaker positioning, adding proper stands, or isolating sensitive equipment can deliver noticeable gains without changing core components. The best first upgrade is usually the one that removes the most obvious limitation in the current system.
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There are lots of components and tweaks that can offer a lift in performance, however, our current favourite is the UK 13A mains fuse from your wall socket to your distribution block or amplifier. This is an often overlooked component in most systems but the improvements far outweigh it's size and cost.
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Ortofon MC X40 Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge

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