The Ortofon entry-level MC X series replaces the MC Quintet
with prices of 299/499/699/999 euros. Among them, the high-end MC X 40 (silver coil + boron cantilever + Shibata stylus) received high praise in the MF July review, suggesting that its C/P value is off the charts. As a consumable with a lifespan, it is particularly important for a cartridge to perform better within a reasonable price range. It is very encouraging to see that the manufacturer has significantly improved performance through enhanced production technology and design optimization without changing the price, rather than some other brands that make minor annual updates without real improvements while significantly raising prices.
Excerpt of some Chinese translations, for the full text please refer to the following link.
https://trackingangle.com/equipment/ortofons-top-gun-x40-mc-x-series-delivers-the-sonic-goods
Stunning Dynamics and Balanced Sound
After inserting the CH Precision’s transimpedance input, the X40 immediately dispelled my previous concerns about the Quintet’s relatively tame dynamic performance reappearing. Like the Quintet, the X40 is “fast, agile, and rich in detail”—if a naked Shibata is mounted on a boron cantilever, something must be wrong—especially on the Supatrac level single pivot arm!
I found the bass extension of the Quintet to be just “okay,” while the X40’s bass extension is very forgiving, with enough impact and control (the Supatrac may play a role again), the X40’s treble is clean, open, and extended, completely devoid of the “slightly rough” feeling of the Quintet Black, and the macro dynamic impact of the X40 compared to the Quintet Black isexceptionally good, I would describe it as “…not much better than the 2M Black.”
To be honest, while the Quintet Black excels in areas where excellent MCs outperform excellent MMs (low-level detail resolution, transient accuracy, sense of “speed,” etc.), it feels more like a lateral move, slightly elevating a few levels rather than making a strong impact on sound quality. The Quintet Black does not bring that shockingimpact like an MC does, nor does it have the transient accuracy or that immediate strong stimulation. It is fast but also polite. Some readers may have read between the lines of the Quintet review, although I did not intentionally hide anything.
Well, the X40 is ready to use out of the box, and the sound quality is stunning, even better. I replaced it with the $5499 MC 90X, which seems like a good comparison to hear the difference between $1200 and $5499, and indeed it is! The X40 does not match the imaging focus precision and macro dynamic subtlety of the 90X, but its sound was not as bad as I expected; in fact, I surprisingly found it easy to “let go” of the 90X and completely immerse myself in the X40. It is that good, especially in terms of tonal balance, macro dynamics, imaging solidity, soundstage depth, and three-dimensionality.
In fact, after a short acclimatization period, I could completely forget that the $5499 cartridge was replaced by a $1199 cartridge. Of course, it is mounted on the Supatrac tonearm and Acoustical Systems Astellar turntable ($130,000), but such a combination is ultimately just the weakest link in the chain, and this combination produced astonishing results—this is no exaggeration. The sound quality of this cartridge far exceeds that of the old Quintet Black—this is not surprising, as it is essentially a new model, and Ortofon has clearly invested a lot of money and engineering resources to create a reasonably priced MC series that should withstand the test of time and have the 2M moving magnet series.
Conclusion
The X40 does not merely improve slightly over the old Quintet Black cartridge as expected. Instead, its performance improvement is surprisingly significant and completely incomparable. The Quintet performs well—well-made and reasonably priced—”while it gets the job done, it is unremarkable and easily forgotten”—still worth recommending at this price point.
The X40, on the other hand, is the opposite. It is always engaging and exciting without trying to show off with sharp, bright, false glamour or the warmth of mid-bass. It is a transducer that can easily be forgotten, but as long as it is in rhythm, it effectively and reliably conveys the passion of music.
The X40 is light on its feet but not “lightweight,” and it is always in control, delivering music with extraordinary smoothness, rich harmonics, effortless top-to-bottom balance, and overall “correctness” across all music genres, making me satisfied every time I play another record.
Considering the price, the X40 is an incredible achievement. Setting aside the price, the X40 is a remarkable accomplishment in modern high-tech cartridge design. Can it compete with the two recently reviewed $20,000 cartridges (one from Gryphon and the other from Analog Relax)? On a fundamental level, yes! What are the differences in distinguishing the nuances between truly excellent and spectacular, outstanding and shocking? Certainly not in that regard. But considering the vast price difference, both cartridges can leave you in awe, which says a lot! The team that developed the MC X40 will deliver exceptional sound quality to many music lovers (or more accurately, into their arms) who may never have thought they could purchase a cartridge of this performance level at such a reasonable price.
The following video features Mr. Johnson explaining and demonstrating the X40 at the 2025 Munich High-End Show. (I will soon review the lower-priced X20 [$499], which is based on the same design but equipped with an aluminum cantilever and naked elliptical stylus).
Meanwhile, I am fully confident in strongly recommending the MC X40! Such experiences keep me feeling fresh even after nearly 40 years in this job. (Stay tuned for audio samples on YouTube, currently the only channel we can find).
There are two very in-depth interview videos about the new MC X series, one is an interview from the Munich show, and the other is an in-house interview. Additionally, the Taiwanese Candlelight Records has released a detailed review worth checking out.
