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.

Details on the Ortofon Rondo Bronze
The sound from the Rondo Bronze cartridge is very detailed in its spectrum and differentiates the sound source in a refined and homogenous manner. Big orchestral music will be reproduced powerful yet well controlled and open up space around the instrument. The Nude FG80 diamond is mounted on a conical aluminum cantilever yielding very linear frequency response over the entire frequency range-at the same time ensuring very high tracking ability. Recommended load resistance between 500 and 100 Ohm depending on personal preference of openness. Higher load resistance will always tend to more liveliness and space in sound-image.

MC Rondo Bronze Technical Data

Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.: 500 µV

Channel balance at 1 kHz: 1 dB

Channel separation at 1 kHz: 25 dB

Channel separation at 15 kHz: 18 dB

Frequency range: 20-40.000 Hz

Frequency response: 20-20.000 Hz ±1,5 dB

FIM distortion at recommended tracking force, DIN 45.542: < 1%

Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force: 90 µm

Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 15 µm/mN

Stylus type: Nude FG80, tapered Al. cantilever

Stylus tip radius: r/R 5/80 µm

Equivalent stylus tip mass: 0,30 mg

Tracking force range: 2-2,5 g (20-25 mN)

Tracking force, recommended: 2,3 g (23 mN)

Tracking angle: 20°

Internal impedance, DC resistance: 6 Ohm

Recommended load impedance: 10-200 Ohm

Cartridge body material: Grinded wood/Resin comp.

Cartridge color: Bronze

Cartridge weight: 10,5 g


Ortofon Rondo Brochure


Ortofon Moving Coil Cartridge Brochure


Hi-Fi World Review of the Ortofon Rondo Bronze


Large View of the Ortofon Rondo Bronze

Positive Feedback Review of the Ortofon Rondo Bronze

Stereophile Review of the Ortofon Rondo Bronze

Details on Ortofon Cartridge and Stylus Installation and Maintenance

A Brief History of Ortofon