The Ortofon X3-MC is a moving-coil phono cartridge designed to provide high-quality audio performance. It features a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 25,000 Hz and an output voltage of approximately 2 mV at 1000 Hz, making it suitable for a variety of turntable setups. The cartridge has a recommended load impedance of 47,000 ohms and operates optimally at tracking forces between 1.8 to 2.2 grams, with 2 grams being the recommended tracking force for best results. It boasts a fine line nude-mounted stylus with radii of 35 and 7 micrometers, which enhances its ability to track high frequencies and delivers an extended response up to 40,000 Hz. The construction includes a rigid aluminum cantilever tube suspended on a fine piano-wire support, damped by butyl rubber. The X3-MC weighs 4.1 grams and is compatible with standard 1/2-inch tonearm mounts. Its armature design allows more turns of wire, thus increasing output voltage and resulting in a channel separation rated at 25 dB at 1,000 Hz, with channel outputs matched within 2 dB. Like most moving-coil cartridges, it does not feature a replaceable stylus, but Ortofon offers an exchange service for worn or damaged units.
