New TOTL MC Cartridge from Ortofon...The MC Vertex

A very interesting cartridge, which I will never be able to afford.

I've known for a very long time that Ortofon have a sister Company that produces rubber-based compounds used in the medical industry. Especially for parts used in designs to improve hearing.

It is now good to see they are declaring in their marketing their having such an invaluable support in rubber technology.

When the Verismo came out, Ortofon, for a period of time, referenced a state of the art damper was produced for the Verismo. Now five years after the Verismo the Vertex is now with the most relevant cutting-edge damper technology, which is very exciting. I don't know of any other Cartridge producer able to improve damper materials as Ortofon does; I suggest they are generations behind in their advancement.

I really like Ortofon's with Silver Coils, and also like the selected method for attaching the styli to the Cantilever.

Here is something that might be off interest. I have had a Otrofon Silver Coil Cartridge produced in the very early 20's, where 20 years+ later, it was overhauled and as part of the overhaul, had a Damper compound used that belongs to a TOTR Ortofon model from the 2020 era of production. 

The overhauled Cart' was compared to the standard model and another Ortofon TOTR Model available from the 2010 production era. 

The outcome being my Cartridge, not my words but of others present during comparisons, has been stated as being vastly improved over the original model and bettering the TOTR model.

The same overhauled Cart' also was compared on a different occasion to a DS Audio Grand Master, at an event where there were a lot of attendees, inclusive of audio producing company directors, a high-end audio retailer, an audio media journalist 'David Price' and some very die-hard audio enthusiasts.

At the event, the audio system in use was approx' £200K, and the overall majority of the attendees were quite vociferous in stating my Cartridge was the better cartridge to listen to.  

I would love to do similar with my Cart, the Verismo and Vertex, but knowing I am to be the lesser of the attraction that is to be produced. 

I really do have a soft spot for Ortofon's, especially with Silver Coils and am endlessly curious about the influence of the Ortofon Damper designs on a produced end sound.  

Audio Technica has a brand new cartridge competing in the same setor of the market. Coincidentally with a diamond cantilever:

www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-mcd1

Some insight from the designer:

www.whathifi.com/hi-fi/turntables/meet-the-man-behind-audio-technicas-new-gbp9999-turntable-cartridge

For the mere mortals without stupid amounts of disposable income to spread around on being entertained, the $1.00- $ 3.00 per-album replay will need to remain the aspiration.

For a more limited number, the $11.00 - $17.00 per-album replay will be their aspiration; that is what is required when talking TOTR from established Brands.

I recollect info was supplied on the Gon not too far back, making it known a commonly available Diamond Cantilever/Stylus is a $2.5K-ish purchase, as the part only.

@pindac The Kontrapunkt?