The Ortofon MC Kontrapunkt B is a moving coil cartridge introduced at the turn of the millennium, designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's death. It features a Nude Fritz Geiger FG80 stylus tip mounted on a solid ruby cantilever, offering a stylish and unique physical presence. The Kontrapunkt B is particularly noted for its output voltage of 0.47mV, slightly higher than the Kontrapunkt A but lower than the top-end model. The cartridge weighs 10 grams and operates effectively with a tracking force range of 2.2 to 2.7 grams, with a recommended setting of 2.5 grams at a tracking angle of 20 degrees. This cartridge is characterized by its rich musicality, punchy dynamics, and engaging sound, distinguishing itself with a slightly emphasized treble that does not introduce distortion. Users have praised its performance with various genres, featuring impressive soundstaging, clarity, and low-level detail. The Kontrapunkt B realistically depicts rhythm and dynamics, making it a captivating choice for music lovers. While it is slightly bass-heavy, providing full-bodied low frequencies, it offers less precision in leading bass notes compared to higher-end models. Nevertheless, its midrange and treble deliver clean and crisp sounds, although with some potential tonal imbalance requiring careful system matching for optimal performance. At a historical price point of £595 during its release, it continues to be considered an excellent buy in the used market if well-preserved.
