The sound picture of Cadenza Red is relaxed, homogeneous and moderately dynamic and have great space and depth in the stereo image. The Cadenza Red model is using a Nude Fine Line stylus with a cylindrical aluminium cantilever. The stylus tip radius is r/R 8/40 µm.

The coils are made from 6NX (99.9999 %) pure silver wire. An improved winding process on the armature allows a better channel balance.

More on the Cadenza Series

Ortofon are on the loook out for new technology to be used in their products and push the performance of existing technology. As a result it’s they strive for the highest level of performance and quality. The Kontrapunkt models and MC Jubilee became market standards and are among our most popular cartridges. Nevertheless Ortofon decided to develope a new cartridge series that is even more ambitious.

By carefully implementing cobalt-iron pole pieces, new improved winding process on the armature, using extruded aluminium housing in the models as well as other changes, they have been able to reveal new possibilities in performing the analogue information. It was also decided to make a more complete range of cartridges, which meant an introduction of a moving coil Cadenza Mono model to support our customers, who have an extended interest in micro groove mono records.
Each of the five Cadenza Series cartridges has its own individual sonic expression, and all five models together represent the ensemble of five classic variations:

Audiophilia – Reviewed by Anthony Kershaw

“… I was quite surprised at the detail and sophistication of the first in line Ortofon Cadenza (Red) moving coil. …it does extract a ton of detail and shades the detail with expression and accurate dynamics.

…As audiophiles we’re always looking for the proverbial veil lifting in front of the stage. The Red did just that. More importantly, the cartridge has a very sweet disposition. All carts add their own voices, and some, too many. The sweetness here is tactile. Massed violins had weight and sheen, and a presence that only well designed analogue allows…

…Bass was emphatic. Deep and with the resonances that make it such a satisfying musical component…

…The midrange is always the most elusive to capture, especially voices… The balance is right on so many of their carts. The Red is wonderfully in balance, nothing jars,nothing compresses. You’ll get the air and the musical presence…

…I really like this cartridge. For the price, a favourite moving coil…”

Specifications
Output voltage at 1 kHz 5 cm/sec – 0,45 mV
Channel balance – < 1,5 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz – > 23 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz – > 15 dB
Frequency range at -3 dB – 20 Hz – 50 kHz
Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz – +3/-1
Tracking ability at 315 Hz at recommended tracking force *) – 80 μm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral – 12 μm/mN
Stylus type – Nude Fine Line on Alu cantilever
Stylus tip radius – r/R 8/40
Tracking force range – 2,2-2,7 g (22-27 mN)
Tracking force recommended – 2,5 g (25 mN)
*) Typical value
Tracking angle – 20º
Internal impedance, DC resistance – 5 Ohm
Recommended load impedance – 50-500 Ohm
Cartridge body materia – Stainless steel Aluminium
Cartridge colour – Red/Black
Cartridge weight – 10,7 g