Cadenza Black Moving Coil Phono Cartridge By Ortofon

The Ortofon Cadenza Black represents the pinnacle of the Cadenza series, delivering extraordinary detail, consistency, and soundstage depth. This flagship moving-coil cartridge features a Nude Shibata stylus mounted on a boron cantilever. The ultra-thin boron rod keeps the effective mass extremely low while offering exceptional stiffness—lighter and stronger than aluminum—allowing for faster, more precise tracking.

High-purity 6NX gold-plated Ortofon Aucurum wire reduces distortion and enhances signal clarity. The cartridge also incorporates Ortofon’s WRD (Wide Range Damping) system, used in models like the MC Windfeld, MC A90, MC Anna, Xpression, and MC A95, which independently controls high- and low-frequency damping for improved balance and resolution.

Part of Ortofon’s Cadenza Series, which succeeds the award-winning Kontrapunkt line, the Cadenza Black benefits from advanced technologies including refined armature winding, extruded aluminum bodies, and high-performance magnets. These innovations combine to deliver superior detail retrieval, greater dynamics, and an unmatched musical experience. The choice of cantilever/stylus design and high-quality internal wiring is key to achieving the extraordinary performance this cartridge offers.

Hi-Fi World April 2010
Reviewed by Noel Keywood

“…the Black uses many moving parts of the A90…sound is weighty and satisfyingly rhythmic…The Black offered a beautifully smooth, svelte and expansive sound stage. It has generous stage depth and always sounds relaxed and in control of proceedings…

…If you are looking for an ultimately smooth and sophisticated sonic delivery from LP, Ortofon’s new Cadenza Black is as good as it gets at what is a ‘reasonable’ price…the Black is a lovely cartridge…”

Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec. – 0,33 mV
Channel balance at 1 kHz – < 0,8 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz – > 27 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz – > 20 dB
Frequency range at – 3dB – 20 – 60.000 Hz
Frequency response 20 kHz – 20 kHz – +1,5/0
Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force – 90 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral – 16 µm/mN
Stylus type – Nude Shibata on Boron cantilever
Stylus tip radius – r/R 6/50 µm
Tracking force range – 2,0-2,5 g (20-25 mN)
Tracking force, recommended – 2,3 g (23 mN)
Tracking angle – 20°
Internal impedance, DC resistance – 5 Ohm
Recommended load impedance – > 10 Ohm
Cartridge body material – Stainless steel Aluminium
Cartridge colour – Black/Black
Cartridge weight – 10,7 gram

Download the MC Cadenza userguide

Download the MC Cadenza brochure