Ortofon MC X30 review

The introduction of a completely new cartridge range is a pretty rare event. Given the maturity of the technology, it often takes years, and sometimes decades, for manufacturers to develop new products that suitably advance the cause.

So, when an industry major such as Ortofon replaces its Quintet series of affordable moving coils with the all-new MC X range, we’re keen to have a listen.

This is a four-strong lineup, with the MC X30 sitting one down from the range-topping MC X40 (£895 / $999). The main difference between the four cartridges comes down to stylus profile, which gets increasingly more ambitious as the price increases.

The MC X30 uses a Nude Fine-Line stylus while the range topper features a rather exotic Nude Shibata. The first two rungs of the range feature elliptical profiles in standard and Nude forms.

Given that the entry-level model, the MC X10, retails for just £269 / $299, it is clear that Ortofon is attacking the affordable moving coil market with considerable aggression.

Having heard the complete range at the company’s rather nice demo room in Denmark, it is fair to say that it has plenty of reasons for such confidence.

For us, the Ortofon MC X30 is the real sweet spot of the quartet, though all the models make sense from a price/performance perspective.

Build & compatibility

The heart of the new MC X design is a MIM (Metal Injection Moulded) hexagonal-structured core onto which the moving coil generator assembly and connection pins are fixed.

This rigid structure promises greater precision in the way these components are mounted, as well as providing a structure of immense rigidity. The outcome of these positives should be improved sound quality.

The MC X30’s output is rated at a decent 0.4 mV, and so shouldn’t present any issues when working into a typical moving coil phono stage. Similarly, the 6-ohm internal impedance means that the conventional 100-ohm loading most phono stages present will be just fine. The recommended tracking weight of 2.0g is around par for the course and works well.

This is hardly a budget cartridge, so it only really makes sense with a relatively ambitious record player. Rega’s Planar 3 RS Edition (£999 / $1795) is a good starting point, with the MC X30 making sense up to the likes of the Technics SL-1300G (£2799 / $3299).

We, however, use it in our reference system to put a magnifying glass on its performance.

Our record player is the Technics SL-1000R, coincidentally the very same turntable that Ortofon used to demonstrate the MC X range on launch, feeding Cyrus’s Phono Signature phono stage, in turn fed by the optional PSX-R2 power supply.

To provide some context, we have the previous generation Ortofon Quintet Blue moving coil, a Nagaoka MP200 moving magnet, Vertere’s Sabre MM and our high-end Kiseki Purpleheart cartridges on hand for comparison.

The rest of our system is made up of the Burmester 088/911 MkIII amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers. We also have a PMC Cor amplifier partnered with a pair of Epos ES-14N as an alternative.

Sound

It doesn’t take much listening time to realise that the MC X30 is a winner. It is a superbly balanced cartridge that ticks all the boxes, especially considering its price point.

As we listen to Orff’s Carmina Burana, the Ortofon delivers a cleaner and more precise sound than the talented Nagaoka MP200 (£449 / $449) or last-gen Quintet Blue. Detail resolution is excellent, and we can’t help but admire the crisp yet unforced manner with which the moving coil cartridge renders the leading edge of notes.

It is a pleasing performer tonally, too, with just the right balance of top-end bite and overall refinement. Instruments and voices come through with naturalness and fluidity, while there is enough subtlety on hand to draw sonic textures convincingly.

This Orff piece is hugely demanding when it comes to dynamics, and the MC X30 doesn’t wither when faced with wide-ranging swings, nor does it smother subtle shifts in intensity.

Stereo imaging is pleasingly expansive and stable. Instruments and voices are laid out with care and focus, and that focus remains unerring even when the music becomes busy. We enjoy the stability of the image and the controlled way the cartridge layers the musicians and sounds..

Switching to Mary J Blige’s No More Drama set shows that the Ortofon knows how to have fun. Both the Nagoka MP200 and pricier Vertere Sabre (£845 / $1199) show more enthusiasm when playing the track Family Affair, delivering rhythms with more zest, but the MC X30’s calmer, more controlled manner has plenty of appeal too.

We can hear deep into the mix and track low-level instrumental strands with ease. The lows are taut and punchy.

We have nothing but praise for the MC X30’s generally high level of composure and articulate nature. This is a cartridge that prefers to put the spotlight on the music rather than itself. We are just fine with that.

Verdict

The Ortofon MC X30 is a hugely talented performer. It is superbly balanced and delivers a high standard of clarity and precision.

Partner this moving coil cartridge with a suitably capable turntable and phono stage, and we’re sure you will be pleased. Highly recommended.

Review published: 16th July 2025

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Build 5
• Compatibility 5

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"A boron cantilever in a moving-coil cartridge priced below £1000... I think that’s pretty magic." Meet the driving force behind Ortofon's new MC X range

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