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

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?

It is with a Blue infill between the side walls, which is evidence that it was once a Kb.

For me, the Cartridge mustn't be referred to as a Kb', as this is misleading, and the improved performance referred to is a result of many changes to the design in use. The designer for my Cart', informed me very comprehensibly in advance, that the Cart' to be received will not represent a Kb any longer; it will be quite different in how it presents.   

There is a mod to the Cart's body; a WRD is used that is the same as a TOTR Ortofon cart' from the period of producing the rebuild, which is WRD in use just before and after the 20's. Additionally, a Beryllium Cantilever with Ogura Vital + Stylus is attached.

Recently, a version of a FSE design has been produced by a friend that as a design is now fit for purpose to be used on Ortofon Cart's of all production era's, leading on from the MC Jubilee, so near the Millennium.

The designer /builder for my Cart' is being approached to see if they will undertake the attaching the alternate design of the FSE part task, which is not yet confirmed.

Research on a batch of acquired Carts from 2000 until 2015, including a selection having been modified. Strongly suggests the FSE as an inclusive part in a cartridge assembly is crucial for producing the end sound from an Ortofon Cart' that has the most attractive properties. Especially when it comes to not smearing the end sound, and enabling the 'attack', 'micro detail', 'detail', 'dynamics' and 'envelope' to be most defined in a produced end sound.

It is also proven that the alternate FSE design can be attached to certain other Cart models not produced by Ortofon. It is yet to be proven, but strongly suspected that adding the alternate FSE part will elevate the Carts' that are compatible to a new performance level.

Improving the interface with the magnetic field on the MC cartridge has been a design consideration for a very long period. Dynavector's Dr Noboru Tominarin has patents in place from the 80's and was responsible for Carts produced in the early 80's which were with improved interface with the magnetic field. 

Ortofon adopted the use of a design to improve the interface with the magnetic field in 2009, being the FSE.

The individual who built my Cart', is a design team member for the Ortofon Windfeld and was with Ortofon when the FSE was first introduced as a new part added to their marketed products.  

Interesting- trying to maximize optimum shape to contact vinyl walls, and using a stiff diamond cantilever. Looking forward to reviews particularly comparisons.

Thanks for sharing