Ortofon Hifi CONCORDE MUSIC BLACK

A Cartridge Designed to Enhance Vinyl Playback Within a Hi-Fi Setup

This Ortofon phono cartridge focuses on a performance-oriented architecture, featuring a Shibata "line contact" stylus designed to finely engage the groove walls. This profile, renowned for its precision, helps reveal micro-information (transient attacks, vocal textures, reverberations) while maintaining excellent playback stability when the turntable setup is properly adjusted.

The presence of a rubber suspension designed and manufactured by Ortofon, combined with an aluminum cantilever, aims for a balance between control, musicality, and tolerance. This results in a cartridge suited for demanding listening without veering into an overly "clinical" approach.

For Which Users and Turntables?

This cartridge is intended for vinyl enthusiasts looking to step up their playback quality, whether you are a seasoned audiophile or a passionate listener seeking a real improvement in definition. The 6 mV output level facilitates pairing with a wide range of phono preamps, including hi-fi integrated amplifiers equipped with MM phono inputs.

It is particularly suitable for hi-fi oriented turntables (living room listening, dedicated rooms, fixed installations) and setups where adjustments are carefully made: alignment, azimuth, anti-skating, and tracking force. If you are looking for a cartridge capable of handling dense passages (rock, orchestral music, transient-rich electro) while remaining nuanced on jazz and vocals, this Shibata profile is a relevant choice.

Features and Innovations

The naked Line Contact Shibata stylus is at the heart of the performance: its geometry increases the contact surface with the groove, promoting more precise high-frequency playback and better stereo information separation. The channel separation rated at 26 dB at 1 kHz and channel balance at 1 dB at 1 kHz contribute to a stable stereo image, with clearer placement and a better-structured soundstage.

The internal design relies on 4 coils mounted on divided pole piece supports (2+ and 2-), as well as oxygen-free silver-plated copper, to optimize signal transmission and channel coherence. Regarding loading, the recommended resistance of 47 kOhm and recommended capacitance of 150 to 300 pF correspond to MM phono input standards, simplifying preamp selection and limiting mismatches.

The tracking force adjustment at 1.8 g is a key point: properly calibrated, it promotes groove retention and reduces distortion risks at the end of the record side, a frequently critical issue with advanced-profile cartridges. The internal inductance of 815 mH and DC resistance of 1.27 kOhm complete a coherent package designed for detailed and balanced playback.

Technical specifications