Many of the first generation of moving coil cartridges were low impedance and low output units which demanded a transformer or a comparable step-up device. Some of today's most exclusive moving coil designs still deliver the ultimate in analogue sound quality through a specially developed matching transformer.
However, technological progress has made it possible to develop moving coil cartridges which are directly compatible with a wide range of audio amplifiers - and still retain the characteristic moving coil sound.
New magnetic materials, new coil winding techniques, new housing materials, and highly efficient magnetic circuits are some of the reasons behind the dramatic increase in output voltage from several of the newer Ortofon moving coil cartridges.
Contrary to other types of phono catridges, the moving coil principle is not suited for mass production. Each of the four coils contains between 11 an 24 turns of wire, depending on model, and has to be wound by hand under a microscope. The wire itself is much thinner than a human hair. The high degree of craftmanship involved is one of the "secrets" behind Ortofon's reputation.
