Ortofon today: technology
It is our philosophy that even a traditional product like the
cartridge can benefit greatly from new technology and industrial
competences. Therefore we continually seek new technologies to apply
either in the product itself or in the manufacturing of the product.
New technology can take various forms. We now use computer
simulation systematically when developing new cartridges, and we
consider computer simulation to be a fantastic tool for selection of
components and devising the magnetic fields. Secondly, we also look at
new technologies that are specifically product related, such as the
Selective Laser Melting manufacturing technique. The SLM technique
applies to our new MC A 90
cartridge, the body of which has an individual texture completely
impervious to resonance. Thirdly we use knowledge learned from other
products (for instance our BtB products) in our cartridge development
and manufacturing. Recently, Ortofon has made a license agreement for
manufacturing of conventional bone conductors for the hearing aid
industries according to the BEST principle. Bone conductor is a product
that requires a very high level of fine mechanical precision to obtain
uniform quality.
We firmly believe in manufacturing in Denmark for several reasons.
In Denmark there is a strong acoustic branch infrastructure with many
other companies involved in acoustics, such as loudspeakers, hearing
aids, acoustic measuring equipment, all supported by research and
higher education. There is a lot of knowledge spin-off from the
manufacturing process itself; several of the recent improvements in theCadenza are based on learnings from the manufacturing of the former Kontrapunkt series.
The industrial capacity of Ortofon is based on specially designed
machines, which produce small precision components for our cartridges,
that in turn has several advantages: we have volume capacity and can
produce large numbers of cartridges with relatively short lead times.
By applying reproducable measuring techniques we achieve the uniform
quality necessary for the industrial production. Finally we have a
portfolio of suppliers, with whom we exchange information, troubleshoot
and solve problems together, so that our skills are constantly honed
and able to address new challenges.
MC A90 - the worlds first cartridge made with SLM technology
Ortofon takes a leap forward in cartridge technology with the introduction of the new MC A90 cartridge. Expanding upon the success of the well-received MC Windfeld,
the MC A90 not only stands as a contender for the best cartridge of
all-time, but it also rewrites the criteria by which moving coils are
judged. The result of a culmination of research spanning the history of
Ortofon’s moving coil cartridges, combined with the emergence of new
manufacturing paradigms has resulted in levels of performance
previously thought to be unattainable in the world of vinyl playback.
Rather than taking an incremental strategy with regards to
engineering improvements, the MC A90 takes an outstanding and
revolutionary approach which prompts a measurable increase in the areas
of microtransient reproduction, dynamic capability, and even with
tonearm compatibility. This approach of course, is the SLM
manufacturing technique, a new method for which Ortofon has a patent
pending. Also known as Selective Laser Melting, this process starts
with constructing the cartridge body material by welding stainless
steel particles (about 50 microns in size), layer by layer, while
maintaining exacting requirements for material density. The resulting
structure is virtually impervious to sources of external resonance, a
feat for the unbridled reproduction of even the most minuscule details
combined with exceptional dynamics.
In the November 2009 issue of Stereophile, Michael Fremer recalled
the first time he had seen a demonstration of SLM manufacturing’s
damping characteristics. “After letting me marvel at and handle the
gleaming aluminum shape of the MC A90, Leif Johannsen [Ortofon’s Chief
of Analog Technology] took me to a secluded area of the hall where the
flooring was of hard linoleum. He held the body out in front of him and
let it drop. With a ping, it bounced about two feet in the air. Then,
with modest dramatic flare, he removed a second cartridge body from his
pocket. This one was layered like a cross section of stratified rock,
but more neatly and uniformly. From chest height, he dropped the second
body. Instead of bouncing with a distinct ping, it hit the floor with a
nonresonant tick and stopped dead, without bouncing back so much an
inch. Now that was major.”
Of course, careful attention has been paid to maintaining an
exceedingly flat frequency response and utter neutrality across the
frequency range from bottom to top. Listeners will enjoy precision
sound throughout, with quick, impactful bass extension alongside of
clean and fast high frequency reproduction. As another side-effect of
SLM, cartridge/tonearm matching concerns become far less stringent, as
the typical influences of resonance as they are fed back into the
tonearm assembly are eliminated. However, traditional wisdom as it
relates to cartridge matching, taking into consideration cartridge
weight and compliance (in this case 8 gm and 16 µm/mN), suggests a
range of compatibility that not only finds itself at home with modern
contemporary medium mass arms, but also with a wide range of both
low-mass and high-mass designs.
With SLM being the centerpiece of the MC A90 design, each component
has been built directly onto the A90’s one-piece body, including an
optimized generator system and split pole pins. The cartridge has been
fitted with a Boron cantilever, possessing an extra-polished version of
the acclaimed Ortofon Replicant 100 diamond. As with previous designs
(like the MC Windfeld), the Replicant has an exceedingly high contact
area with a bare minimum of rounding, allowing for superior
reproduction of even the finest of groove modulations. Michael Fremer
noted, “The MC A90’s transient performance was ultrafast, clean, and
precise, and its resolution of microdynamics was absolutely
astonishing".
Of course, the A90 includes Per Windfeld’s Wide Range Damping (WRD)
system, in which a small platinum disc is sandwiched between two rubber
dampers of different resonant properties, another method which provides
perfect damping throughout the entire frequency range. Additionally,
the superb generator system, known already for its remarkably neutral
and honest character, includes the Field Stabilizing Element (FSE),
consisting of a small cylinder of silver plated copper inside of the
magnetic system. FSE prompts significant sonic improvements – a
reduction in dynamic distortion and intermodulation. This plays a
tremendous part in the A90’s remarkable dynamics, ensuring that every
detail will be delivered with striking accuracy and separation. Fremer
added, “the MC A90 maintained the Windfeld’s tonal neutrality while
adding unsurpassed rhythmic swagger, dynamic exuberance, transparency,
and three-dimensionality unmatched by any other cartridge I’ve heard.
Low level dynamic gradations were revelatory, while the big ones were
unrestrained and positively energetic. The MC A90’s attack was faster,
cleaner, more precisely defined than that of any cartridge I’ve heard,
and with no hint of brightness or unnatural edge. Its decay was equally
clean and effervescent, fading quickly to inky-black backdrops.”
Finally, the MC A90 is the first cartridge to benefit from a
specially designed armature, which aids in achieving extreme precision
during the coil winding process. This yields a higher degree of channel
separation, and offering lower distortion and better channel balance.
In fact, the resulting channel balance specification has been reduced
to a value less than 0.2dB. The MC A90, a cartridge of many firsts,
establishes a new standard, not just for analog performance, but for
the reproduction of recorded music in general. Lovers of music will
take note of a truly organic, encapsulating experience which transcends
the limits of recording and undeniably blurs the distinction between
what is live and what is recorded. Even Michael Fremer agrees, “This
cartridge is a genuine game changer”.
2M Series – Bronze and Black
 
Ortofon’s premier Moving Magnet cartridge line, the 2M Series, has been given ample praise by both the HiFi press and by vinyl listeners all of the world. The 2M Red and 2M Blue
have been frequently heralded as a “best buy,” delivering a level of
performance that puts high quality vinyl playback into the hands of
even the most budget-conscious audiophiles. For those that thirst for
more resolution and detail above that of the respectable Red and Blue,
Ortofon has created two exceedingly high performance models, the 2M Bronze and 2M Black.
True vinyl connoisseurs will appreciate the 2M Bronze and 2M Black’s
attention to detail. Firstly, both models share an upgraded engine,
including silver-plated copper coil wire, resulting in superior channel
separation and channel balance figures, along with increased high
frequency transient capability. Both cartridges have a modified
suspension which provides them a slightly higher compliance, reducing
VTF to the 1.5g range. This also makes way for the premium stylus
profiles employed by these models.
The 2M Bronze dons a Nude Fine Line diamond, known for its ability
to track even the highest frequency information, making it a must for
discerning listeners, while its longer footprint ensures reduced
distortion and record wear. For those that care to add a more
analytical and forward perspective to their system, the 2M Bronze will
easily rise to the task. As HiFi World’s Noel Keywood comments, “The 2M
Bronze is distinctive, that’s for sure – and sounds unlike rivals… It
is fast, detailed, and insightful”. Although not constrained to a
valve-based system, the Bronze is a fantastic way to turn up the detail
on an otherwise warm system.
The top model in the series, the 2M Black, makes use of the superior
Nude Shibata diamond, which is the same profile used on the now-famous MC Jubilee and the brand new MC Cadenza Black
cartridge. The Shibata diamond, known for its ability to resolve the
most minuscule detail, also keeps record wear to a bare minimum. The
result is a detailed-yet-balanced presentation that ultimately compares
favorably to even some Moving Coil cartridges. A departure from its
brethren, the 2M Black is known not only for its finely detailed
presentation and dynamics, but is also known for having a smoother
character despite its outstanding high frequency resolution. HiFi World
even remarked “A masterful design for anyone keen to get the best from
LP, without moving up to the complexities, cost, and delicacy of moving
coils.” In fact they liked it so much, they made it their Cartridge of
the Year in 2008, proclaiming “…the Ortofon 2M [Black] is one of the
most cohesive sounding moving magnets we’ve yet heard. It sounds
natural and unforced in a way that makes listening a pleasure,
bristling fine detail and totally engaging on a musical level.”
Whether you opt for the scantily-priced 2M Red (which Neil Gader of
Absolute Sound claims is “one sophisticated and musical cartridge – for
the price of a nice dinner for two”), the remarkable 2M Black (whose
best attribute, according to NG, is “how it provided a more transparent
window into the world of micro-energies, plumbing the complexities of
orchestral depth and dimension), or any of the models in between, you
too will experience the deep satisfaction of owning one of the finest
cartridges at any price.
Interview with Per Windfeld
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This month we would bring up the interview with the
legendary Per Windfeld, the former chief engineer, who has for more
than 30 years been a feature of the high-end culture as Head of the
company's R&D and who has been responsible for many of the
cartridges which made Ortofon famous.
How many years did you work for Ortofon?
I was employed by Ortofon from August 1976 until the end of 2006 as
chief engineer at the cartridge development laboratory in Copenhagen.
How many cartridges have you developed? |
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Per Windfeld |
Oh, that’s really a good question. Because, basically a new
cartridge design involves new housing design, a new inside motor system
and name, etc. But besides such new developments there is always an
ongoing upgrading of well known cartridges of both MC and MM models
developed over the years, that for either marketing or technical
reasons has to be re-presented with the same name in the same housing
in a MkII-version. A typical reason for such upgrading can technically
be caused by demands for new production methods, upgrading of diamond,
cantilever material, magnet, damping components or exceptional pure
winding materials in copper or silver, where each component can be
decisive for cartridge performance. These re-developments are as
important as the Real News because Ortofon is the company having the
widest cartridge program in the world. My estimation of cartridge
numbers I have developed and influenced since I started at Ortofon
could be about 50 models.
How does one develop a cartridge?
Developing a cartridge is based on knowledge of a big number of
physical laws and maths concerning the behaviour of oscillating
systems, their resonance, magnetic circuits and data for various
materials involved. But new ideas and theories have to be followed by
experiments to prove validity and to be sure that new concept goals can
be achieved. Besides golden-ear listening, tests as well are a decisive
and very important part of cartridge development at Ortofon. Many hours
are also spent with all people involved round the table about expected
and suggested need for new production methods, tools and equipment to
be implemented by our own people. The process of developing a new
cartridge will take from few month up to 2 years depending on the whole
idea for a concept.
Where do the ideas for new cartridges come from?
Over the years this has typically been either a demand from our
marketing people or proposals from me, based on possible new
technologies or materials observed through our network of
sub-suppliers, technical institutes and universities we often use for
special material investigations. Following the material market and new
technologies in processing is a very important part of research in
development works and has often resulted in thorough new in- and
outside designs for the cartridge models. When the time has come to
look for a quite new cartridge housing design we rely on our very
experienced industrial designer for providing a fresh view and new
ideas. Having designer layout ideas, red-hot discussions will arise
between colleagues involved from marketing, lab and production, how to
realise and last but not least how to agree upon names, colours,
materials and so on. That’s where all the creative ideas will be put on
the table for several days or weeks and will hopefully end up with a
final decision about how to see the new product.
Which cartridge do you personally like the best and why?
The Ortofon cartridge program, whether you choose MC or MM models,
has a big variety in sound performances and prices to fulfil the very
broad requirements among customers. One part wants to pay the price for
a linear, more than 30 kHz frequency range MC cartridge to play their
precious recordings on the high class equipment. But lower priced MC as
well as MM cartridges will also perform 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range
for all customers having strong feelings for hi-fi music reproduction
within a wide variety of music. The replaceable stylus-unit on
MM-cartridges is also much appreciated among our customer. Most
customers have also realized that different cartridges will respond
differently depending on quality of LP-recordings and type of music and
because we all have an individual attitude of mind when listening. So,
this is why you will not get an answer from me about which Ortofon
cartridge I like the best. A magazine cartridge review can give you
some basic characteristics about a cartridge performance – but it will
never be the complete story for you – caused by your own ears,
speakers, players, amplifiers, etc.
How would you describe the special Ortofon company culture?
Right from the beginning I found the Ortofon company culture
completely different from what I had experienced with earlier
employments. Here I found an almost flat hierarchy and leadership,
where you could apply questions, ideas and ask for assistance directly
to all your enthusiastic, obliging colleagues including the managing
director. I imagined that this deep-rooted team-spirit might have been
inherited through the years right from the creative founders of the
company. For me and many other colleagues in the organisation having
been employed for more than 20 and 30 years, this daily inspiration by
working among enthusiastic people inspires everyone to find the best
way out of problems. The many HiFi-magazine cartridge prices received
over the years, hanging around in the factory also remind about the
flattering rewards Ortofon products have received for their superb
analogue performance.
What is some of your favourite music?
It is very easy to answer, because I was brought up with music
around me, with my parents playing piano and violin. So listening to
live music at concerts as well as analogue recordings collected over
the years with all kind of music from 16th century composers to
traditional Jazz to modern composers is, what I enjoy from the Ortofon
cartridges selected by my ears on my old lab equipment.
Why is Denmark so strong in acoustics?
I think Ortofon came to be one of the pioneers among Danish acoustic
companies, when the two founders of The Electrical Phono Film Company
Axsel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen in 1923 could present their invention
of the world's first Synchronized Sound Film system in the Copenhagen
Palace Cinema Theatre and further, when the world's first Mono
moving-coil system was presented in 1948. Nor should we forget the
Danish physicist and discoverer of the Electro Magnetism H.C. Oersted,
who in 1820 opened the possibility for inventing acoustic transducers
etc. all over the world. So, maybe a DNA gene was spread from those
gifted people to all the later Danish companies, established for
producing microphones, speakers, hearing-aids, acoustic measuring
instruments, tape-recorders, radios and famous acoustics opera houses
concert-halls.
Which music and cartridges would you take with to a deserted island?
Before entering the beach with all my gear I think I would like to
be sure there would be a mains socket to use on the single palm tree I
had observed from the ship. But if so, I think I would not miss The
English Suites nr.1, 4 and 5 by Bach played by Glenn Gould - and to be
played with the MC-PW cartridge.
What does your family think about your passion for cartridges?
My passion is still there, but as a retired person I can now
concentrate on listening to the music – instead of testing the sound
from a new cartridge. My wife and family are still there wondering how
I would manage to change thoughts from cartridges and Ortofon. But no
problem – besides music I have always had a lot of other passions, the
family is well aware of, so I think I am safe
What do you think about the revival of Vinyl?
After the frustrating years for Ortofon in the early eighties when
the CD conquered the market from the Vinyl within a few years and
Ortofon had to develop a number of substitute products against the
declining sales of cartridges – it was really astonishing, at the end
of the nineties to witness a sort of revival for the analogue sound.
Old as well as young customers began to find sound weaknesses in the
digital format when listening to CD recordings made from the master
tapes used for the Vinyl’s, they remembered having played years ago. We
all hope this situation will last for a new long period. At least new
analogue master tapes for record cutting are made again, precious
record-players, amplifiers and loudspeakers are on the market again in
big numbers – and Ortofon is still on the track with new cartridges for
the enthusiastic customers.
How would you like to see Ortofon 25 years from now?
I can just hope there will still be a lifetime for the Ortofon
cartridges to be developed and produced – and I still believe that the
experience from developing and producing miniature transducers and
parts over the last 90 years will be the foundation stone for all the
skilled and enthusiastic colleagues to go on with in the company. If
there is a secret for the Ortofon company, I think that achieving the
90 years anniversary on the 9th of October this year in itself tells
about a company secret of surviving.
What is your favourite pastime?
As mentioned I am lucky to have a lot of other pastimes but music.
As an engineer I have always wanted to put ideas to practise, whether
it was renovating the house, garden, cars, enjoying using my hands also
as a sort of relaxation from all the paper-work. So, now I can revive
these useful pastimes, reading my unread books, visiting theatre and
concerts and do some travelling, if the time will be enough for this –
so don’t worry.
Guangzhou hi-fi show
You can find the complete Ortofon product selection, cartridges, cables, tonearms and accessories
at the Guangzhou hi-fi show November 27-29th. The show takes palce at
The White Swan hotel in Guangzhou. The products are exhibited by the
Ortofon distributor for China and Hong Kong Avantgarde Hong Kong in International Banquet Hall South. A special feature of the Avantgarde display is Cadenza and A 90.
Upcoming Newsletter issues
In our following Newsletters a series of articles will be presented, including:
- Measuring techniques
- Mr. SPU Robert Gudmandsen
- New products
This HiFi Newsletter is published by Ortofon A/S and is distributed
worldwide to HiFi enthousiasts and professionals. Subscriptions can be
obtained for free and withoutany obligations at www.ortofon.com/newsletters.
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Ortofon A/S | Stavangervej 9 | DK-4900 Nakskov | Denmark | Tel. +45 54 91 19 15 | Fax +45 54 91 19 11 |