Ortofon Kontrapunkt H Low Output Moving Coil Cartridge

A Briefing on Ortofon Moving Coil Cartridges
Nothing demonstrates more convincingly Ortofon´s commitment to be the world´s last cartridge manufacturer than the ongoing development of new state-of-the-art models, and Ortofon will continue to refine upon the level of sound quality attainable from analogue recordings. Since 1948 Ortofon has introduced about 100 different moving coil models, and more are to follow. 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 craftsmanship involved is one of the "secrets" behind Ortofon's reputation.

Kontrapunkt Details
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of a giant of western music and the new millennium Ortofon has taken up the theme of Bach's Kontrapunkt. We believe that our more than 80 years of experience in analogue sound reproduction reflects, in its own way, the theme of this great music, the truly inexhaustible nature of the analogue record. Over the years from cartridge to cartridge we have demonstrated how the same basic theme "Accuracy in Sound" can ring through for the sake of music in new and different ways. Not limited by bits or sampling frequency rates, those same record grooves can go on yielding over and over again new dimensions of musical enjoyment. We want to show, through these new models, which are related to each other like the Kontrapunkt themes but always different, how analogue the original source of recorded music, after more than 100 years has not exhausted itself. Thus like Bach's theme it still has something musically valid to say today. As a consequence of this, and as a sign of respect to the greatest of Bach's last works we have decided to use the letters from his name like he did himself, in the Kontrapunkt, as the names for our new Cartridge models.

Ortofon Kontrapunkt C and H- These two cartridges round out the Kontrapunkt line with the final two letters of Bach’s surname. Both incorporate Ortofon’s newly developed FSE (Field Stabilizing Element) to achieve optimal frequency response linearity by stabilizing the magnetic field – especially during complex crescendo passages – and to ensure consistently fine channel separation across the frequency band. An output of 470 µV ensures an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio with any MC input.

This model features the same Nude Fine Line elliptical diamond stylus mounted on an aluminium cantilever as Kontrapunkt a. This cartridge employs Ortofon’s innovative FSE (Field Stabilizing Element) for exceptionally open bass and midrange with smooth, natural overtones. Recommended to enthusiasts who value tonally neutral reproduction of high-quality recordings over the more expressive handling of dynamic high-frequency detail of the Kontrapunkt c. Recommended load: 100 Ohms or higher, depending on the desired degree of openness.

MC Kontrapunkt H Technical Data

Cartridge weight: 10


Ortofon Moving Coil Cartridge Brochure


Ortofon Kontrapunkt Brochure


Six Moons Review of the Ortofon Kontrapunkt H


Large View of the Ortofon Kontrapunkt H

Details on Ortofon Cartridge and Stylus Installation and Maintenance

A Brief History of Ortofon