Ortofon is a Danish company with a long and prestigious history in the design and production of phono cartridges. It was founded in 1918 by engineers Axel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen as the Electrical Phono Film Company, originally focusing on sound technology for motion pictures. The company shifted its focus to phonograph equipment in the late 1940s and became a leader in phono cartridge innovation.

Key Milestones in Ortofon's History:

Early Years (1918–1940s)

• Founded in Denmark, Ortofon initially worked on sound recording for films.
• Developed one of the first synchronized sound film systems.
• By the 1940s, the company expanded into the production of phonograph technology.

The Birth of Phono Cartridges (1948–1960s)

• In 1948, Ortofon introduced the world’s first moving coil (MC) phono cartridge, a significant milestone in the audio industry.
• Through the 1950s and 1960s, the company continued refining MC technology, setting new standards in high-fidelity sound.

The Concorde Series and DJ Influence (1970s–1980s)

• In 1979, Ortofon introduced the Concorde cartridge, designed by the Danish industrial designer Jan Trägårdh. This revolutionary cartridge featured an integrated headshell, making installation easier and more stable.
• The Concorde series became immensely popular among DJs, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, thanks to its robust design and excellent tracking ability.

High-End Audiophile and DJ Innovations (1990s–2000s)

• Ortofon continued to develop high-end cartridges for audiophiles, such as the MC Jubilee, Kontrapunkt, and Cadenza series.
• The company also expanded its DJ lineup with models tailored to different styles of scratching, mixing, and club use.

Modern Era and Innovation (2010s–Present)

• Introduced the 2M Series (2007), a line of moving magnet (MM) cartridges praised for their sound quality and ease of use.
• Released the MC Anna and MC A95, top-tier moving coil cartridges that push the limits of analog playback fidelity.
• Updated and redesigned the Concorde series in 2018 for professional DJs.
• Continues to lead the market with both high-end audiophile cartridges and DJ-oriented designs.

Ortofon’s Legacy

Ortofon remains one of the most respected names in analog sound, known for innovation in both audiophile and DJ markets. Their products are widely regarded for precision engineering, durability, and exceptional sound quality.

Ortofon has produced several benchmark phono cartridges over the years, setting industry standards for both audiophiles and DJs. Here are some of their most notable cartridges across different categories:

Audiophile Benchmark Cartridges

These cartridges are designed for high-fidelity music reproduction, offering exceptional detail, clarity, and accuracy.

Moving Coil (MC) Cartridges

1. Ortofon MC Anna Diamond
   • Ortofon’s flagship model with a diamond cantilever and Replicant 100 stylus.
   • Exceptionally detailed, with deep bass, smooth mids, and airy highs.
   • Inspired by opera singer Anna Netrebko.
2. Ortofon MC Verismo
   • A high-end MC cartridge designed for extreme resolution and transparency.
   • Boron cantilever and Replicant 100 stylus for superior tracking and low distortion.
3. Ortofon MC A95
   • A limited-edition anniversary model with a boron cantilever.
   • Known for its dynamic range and precision.
4. Ortofon Cadenza Series (Bronze, Black, Blue, Red, Mono)
   • The Cadenza Black is a standout, featuring a boron cantilever and Shibata stylus for refined, balanced sound.
   • The Cadenza Bronze has a wide soundstage and rich tonality.
5. Ortofon SPU Series
   • A nod to Ortofon’s heritage, the SPU Royal N and SPU Classic remain favorites among vintage and modern analog enthusiasts.
   • Used in classic tonearms like SME 3012.

Moving Magnet (MM) Cartridges

1. Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250
   • A tribute to Beethoven’s 250th birthday, featuring a boron cantilever and Nude Shibata stylus.
   • The best MM cartridge in the 2M series, with incredible detail and low distortion.
2. Ortofon 2M Black
   • Features a Nude Shibata stylus for high-resolution sound.
   • Often considered the best MM cartridge for serious vinyl enthusiasts.
3. Ortofon 2M Bronze
   • Excellent tracking and clarity, with a Nude Fine Line stylus.

DJ and Professional Cartridges

Ortofon is a dominant name in the DJ world, known for its durable, high-tracking cartridges.

1. Ortofon Concorde MKII Series (Mix, DJ, Club, Scratch, Digital)
   • Redesigned in 2018, these cartridges offer specialized performance for club DJs, turntablists, and timecode users.
   • The Concorde Club MKII provides the best sound quality for DJs.
   • The Concorde Scratch MKII is designed for high tracking and back-cueing.
2. Ortofon VNL
   • Developed for modern turntablists, with replaceable stylus options for different tracking needs.

Vintage & Legendary Models

• Ortofon MC Jubilee – The precursor to the Cadenza series, highly respected for its smooth presentation.
• Ortofon Kontrapunkt Series – A landmark series before the Cadenza line, offering audiophile-grade MC performance.
• Ortofon OM Series – Popular MM cartridges that laid the groundwork for the 2M series.

Conclusion

Ortofon's MC Anna Diamond, 2M Black LVB 250, and Concorde MKII series stand out as their ultimate benchmarks in their respective categories. Whether you're an audiophile looking for the purest analog sound or a DJ demanding precision and durability, Ortofon has set the gold standard.