ORTOFON MC XPRESSION

Introduction

The Ortofon Xpression is a modern High-End cartridge with a
standard headshell connector. The state of the art product, the
Ortofon Expression represents a combination of three following
elements very characteristic for Ortofon:

- the cutting edge SLM materials technology pioneered by the MC
A90 and SPU 90th Anniversary products
- modification of the generator system introduced with the MC A90
and the MC Windfeld
- Ortofon design tradition

The Xpression cartridge bridges the gap between SPU-type
cartridges and High-End cartridges like the MC A90 and the
MC Windfeld designed for headshell mounting. The result is a
high-performance moving coil cartridge with the convenience of
a standard headshell connector, which provides a simple and
elegant method of directly connecting the generator and tonearm
via the Xpression’s one-piece body.

Since the cartridge length is identical to that of an SPU, the
Xpression can easily be fitted onto a large selection of tonearms
without additional concern for proper alignment.

The cartridge height is also identical to that of an SPU, making
further VTA adjustments unnecessary. Additionally, the mass and
compliance properties of the Xpression ensure that a proper match
will be achieved with most SPU-compatible arms, including the
new Ortofon TA-110 and TA-210 tonearms.

Finally, the Xpression features a Boron Cantilever and a special
polished Replicant 100 diamond, found also in the MC A90 and
the MC Windfeld cartridges, providing more responsive and
transparent sound reproduction.

High-end materials benefit new coil technology

Using expensive Aucurum coils of gold-plated, 6NX oxygen
free copper allows for zero-loss transmission of the diamonds
movements via its boron cantilever. This combination combines
low moving mass with an extremely high degree of rigidity.

The specially designed armature
achieves an extreme precision in each
coil turn in all layers. This enables the
Xpression to obtain a higher degree of
channel separation, while simultaneously
offering lower distortion and better
channel balance. A low output impedance
of 4 Ohm and a medium output voltage of
0.3 mV make the Ortofon Xpression a perfect
partner for most phono preamps and step-up
transformers, including the new Ortofon ST-80 SE.

Design

The presentation of the Ortofon Xpression is a continuation of
the new paradigm in engineering and manufacturing introduced
by the MC A90. Because total freedom from resonance in the
audible frequency range is a precondition for optimal sound quality,
the design of the Xpression has been dictated by the complete
elimination of unwanted resonance. Arguably the most exciting
development in the Xpression is the introduction of our custom
SLM manufacturing process.

The bottom cover has been constructed from a special proprietary
TPE (Thermo-Plastic Elastomer) material, which provides extremely
high damping. Also included is an easy-to-grab finger lift as well as
a simple-to-use stylus guard.

When combined with Ortofon’s world-class knowledge in analogue
sound reproduction, the Xpression will undoubtedly provide sound
which is literally unsurpassed and simply has to be experienced.