Audio T Verdict
The Ortofon MC Cadenza Blue is a serious moving coil cartridge for a turntable system capable of showing what finer groove tracing can really achieve. Its Nude FG 70 stylus and exceptionally thin ruby cantilever are designed to retrieve tiny amounts of information without simply making the presentation sound artificially bright or over-etched.
It is also a genuine low-output MC design. At 0.5mV, the Cadenza Blue needs a suitably capable moving coil phono stage and deserves careful attention to cartridge alignment, tracking force and electrical loading.
Get the system around it right and the Cadenza Blue combines impressive resolution with an open, spacious presentation and excellent insight into the quieter details and ambience hidden within a recording.
Ortofon MC Cadenza Blue
The MC Cadenza Blue is a high-performance low-output moving coil cartridge from Ortofon's Cadenza Series, positioned between the Cadenza Red and Bronze.
It combines a Nude FG 70 diamond stylus with a very thin ruby cantilever and a generator wound with high-purity 6NX silver wire.
- Low-output moving coil cartridge
- Nude FG 70 stylus
- Very thin ruby cantilever
- 6NX 99.9999% pure silver coil wire
- Improved armature winding process
- 500µV / 0.5mV output
- Less than 1.2dB channel balance at 1kHz
- Greater than 23dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 80µm tracking ability at 315Hz
- 12µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 2.5g recommended tracking force
- 50 to 200-ohm recommended load impedance
- Aluminium and stainless steel body
- Standard half-inch mounting
- 10.7g cartridge weight
Where the Cadenza Blue Fits
The Cadenza Series is Ortofon's long-established high-performance moving coil family, with each model using a different combination of stylus, cantilever and generator technology.
The Blue sits above the Cadenza Red and introduces the Nude FG 70 stylus and ruby cantilever, with Ortofon describing it as adding greater dynamics, resolution, openness and detail.
Rather than simply increasing one headline specification as you move through the range, Ortofon changes the mechanical design of each cartridge to give every Cadenza model its own character.
Nude FG 70 Stylus
The defining feature of the Cadenza Blue is its Nude FG 70 diamond stylus.
This fine-contact profile is designed to trace very small groove modulations accurately and maintain contact with a substantial area of the groove wall.
Ortofon specifies stylus radii of r/R 6/70µm.
The result is a cartridge intended to uncover fine musical information, subtle reverberation and low-level spatial detail rather than simply emphasising the obvious parts of a recording.
Why Stylus Profile Matters
The stylus is the only part of the Hi-Fi system that physically reads the record groove. More sophisticated profiles are designed to trace smaller groove modulations and contact the groove walls more precisely, which can improve detail retrieval and tracking when the cartridge is correctly aligned.
A Nude Diamond
The stylus is a nude design, meaning the diamond itself forms the stylus rather than having a small diamond tip bonded to a separate metal shank.
Reducing unnecessary moving mass helps the stylus and cantilever assembly respond more readily to rapid changes within the record groove.
Very Thin Ruby Cantilever
The Nude FG 70 diamond is mounted on a very thin ruby cantilever.
The cantilever transfers the microscopic movement of the stylus into the moving coil generator, so its mass and rigidity are fundamental to the cartridge's ability to follow rapidly changing groove information.
The Blue's ruby cantilever is one of the key differences between it and the aluminium-cantilever designs elsewhere in the Cadenza range.
High-Purity Silver Coil Wire
The generator is wound using 6NX high-purity silver wire.
Ortofon specifies this as 99.9999% pure silver and uses an improved winding process on the armature to help achieve better channel balance.
The extremely fine coils move within the cartridge's magnetic field to generate the electrical signal sent to the phono stage.
What Makes Moving Coil Different?
In a moving coil cartridge, the coils themselves move in response to the stylus and cantilever rather than the magnet assembly used in a conventional moving magnet design.
This can allow the moving assembly to be kept very light, but the tiny coils also generate a much lower electrical output.
That is why high-performance moving coil cartridges such as the Cadenza Blue require more specialised phono amplification.
0.5mV Low-Output MC
Ortofon specifies an output voltage of 500µV, equivalent to 0.5mV, at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
By comparison, a typical Ortofon 2M moving magnet cartridge produces around 5mV or more, so the Cadenza Blue's signal is roughly an order of magnitude lower.
A suitable low-output moving coil phono stage is therefore essential.
Check Your Phono Stage Before Buying
The Cadenza Blue is not intended for direct connection to a normal moving magnet phono input. Make sure your phono stage provides suitable moving coil gain and a load impedance within Ortofon's recommended range.
50 to 200-Ohm Recommended Loading
Ortofon specifies a recommended load impedance of 50 to 200 ohms.
The cartridge has an internal DC resistance of 5 ohms.
If your MC phono stage offers adjustable loading, you can experiment within Ortofon's recommended range to find the setting that works best with the cartridge and the rest of your system.
What Should I Set My MC Loading To?
There is no need to guess outside the manufacturer's range. Begin with a value available between 50 and 200 ohms and compare the options your phono stage provides. Audio T can help with suitable gain and loading settings for your particular phono stage.
80µm Tracking Ability
Tracking ability is specified at 80µm at 315Hz at the recommended tracking force.
Good tracking allows the stylus to remain in stable contact with the groove during demanding musical passages rather than losing control and introducing mistracking distortion.
The stylus profile, cantilever, suspension and accurate setup all contribute to that performance.
2.5g Recommended Tracking Force
Ortofon specifies the following tracking-force range:
- Minimum: 2.2g / 22mN
- Recommended: 2.5g / 25mN
- Maximum: 2.7g / 27mN
For normal installation, start at Ortofon's recommended 2.5g.
Don't Under-Track the Cartridge
Running below the manufacturer's tracking-force range does not protect your records. A cartridge that mistracks can place greater stress on the groove. Set the Cadenza Blue accurately within the specified 2.2 to 2.7g range.
12µm/mN Dynamic Compliance
The Cadenza Blue has a dynamic lateral compliance of 12µm/mN.
Compliance describes the mechanical flexibility of the stylus suspension and is an important part of matching the cartridge with the effective mass of a tonearm.
At this level, it is worth treating the tonearm and cartridge as a mechanical partnership rather than assuming every half-inch cartridge is equally suitable for every arm.
Channel Balance and Separation
Ortofon currently specifies channel balance at less than 1.2dB at 1kHz.
Channel separation is specified at greater than 23dB at 1kHz.
Accurate channel behaviour helps preserve stable stereo imaging and the positioning of voices and instruments across the soundstage.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
The current Ortofon specification gives a frequency response of +2 / -1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
The Cadenza Blue's strengths go beyond bandwidth alone, with Ortofon placing particular emphasis on its resolution, micro-dynamics, ambience retrieval and sense of space.
10.7g Cartridge Weight
The Cadenza Blue weighs 10.7g.
Before fitting, check that the tonearm and counterweight can correctly accommodate the cartridge's mass and still provide the required 2.5g tracking force.
Standard Half-Inch Mounting
The MC Cadenza Blue uses conventional half-inch mounting.
This gives it broad compatibility with suitable high-quality tonearms using the standard two-screw cartridge mounting arrangement.
Physical mounting is only part of the compatibility question, however. Cartridge mass, compliance, tonearm effective mass and phono-stage requirements should all be considered.
20-Degree Tracking Angle
Ortofon specifies a tracking angle of 20 degrees.
Accurate cartridge alignment and suitable arm geometry are important if the FG 70 stylus is to sit in the groove as intended.
Where the turntable permits adjustment, tonearm height and cartridge azimuth can also form part of the final setup.
Cadenza Red or Cadenza Blue?
The move from Red to Blue changes both the stylus and cantilever rather than simply altering the cartridge colour.
MC Cadenza Red
- Nude Fine Line stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- 450µV output
- 12µm/mN compliance
- 2.5g recommended tracking force
- 50 to 500-ohm recommended loading
MC Cadenza Blue
- Nude FG 70 stylus
- Ruby cantilever
- 500µV output
- 12µm/mN compliance
- 2.5g recommended tracking force
- 50 to 200-ohm recommended loading
Ortofon describes the Blue as bringing greater dynamics, resolution and openness than the Red, with more information and ambience revealed from complex recordings.
Cadenza Blue or Cadenza Bronze?
The next step to Cadenza Bronze introduces another very different combination of technology.
MC Cadenza Blue
- Nude FG 70 stylus
- Ruby cantilever
- High-purity silver coil wire
- 500µV output
- Focus on openness and resolution
MC Cadenza Bronze
- Ortofon Replicant 100 stylus
- Conical aluminium cantilever
- Aucurum coil wire
- Field Stabilizing Element
- Different high-end Cadenza architecture
So the Bronze is not simply a Blue with a supposedly 'better' version of the same stylus. Ortofon changes the stylus, cantilever and generator technology, making a demonstration particularly worthwhile where the turntable and system justify cartridges at this level.
Not a User-Replaceable Stylus
The MC Cadenza Blue does not have the removable stylus assembly found on Ortofon's 2M moving magnet cartridges.
If the stylus becomes worn or the cartridge is damaged, do not attempt to pull the stylus or cantilever assembly from the body.
Ortofon currently supports the Cadenza Blue through both its moving coil repair and exchange programmes.
Ortofon Repair Service
Ortofon currently offers a dedicated repair service for the MC Cadenza Blue.
As part of that process, Ortofon states that the cartridge is opened, the existing motor unit is removed and a new motor, diamond and cantilever are installed before the cartridge is cleaned and tested.
This provides an official route for dealing with a worn or damaged cartridge rather than relying on an unsupported user-replacement stylus.
Exchange Service
The MC Cadenza Blue is also included in Ortofon's exchange programme.
Ortofon currently permits an eligible Cadenza Blue to be exchanged towards another Cadenza Blue or a model above it within the qualifying range.
When the Cartridge Eventually Needs Attention
Speak to Audio T before discarding a worn or damaged Cadenza Blue. Depending on its condition and your plans for the system, an official Ortofon repair, exchange or cartridge upgrade may be the most sensible route.
Careful Setup Is Worthwhile
A cartridge this revealing deserves more than approximate installation.
Setup should include:
- Accurate cartridge alignment
- Correct overhang and offset angle
- 2.5g initial tracking force
- Suitable anti-skate
- Tonearm height where adjustable
- Azimuth where adjustable
- Correct moving coil phono-stage gain
- Loading within Ortofon's 50 to 200-ohm range
- Checking cartridge and tonearm mechanical compatibility
Professional fitting is well worthwhile if you're not comfortable making these adjustments yourself.
Is the Cadenza Blue Right for My Turntable?
The Cadenza Blue makes most sense on a high-quality turntable and tonearm capable of exploiting its tracking ability and resolution.
A cartridge upgrade should be considered alongside the turntable, arm and phono stage rather than judged simply by price.
Audio T can help assess the complete analogue front end and make sure the cartridge is a worthwhile match before you commit.
Key Features
- Ortofon MC Cadenza Blue
- Low-output moving coil cartridge
- Stereo playback
- Half-inch mounting
- Nude FG 70 stylus
- r/R 6/70µm stylus radii
- Very thin ruby cantilever
- 6NX high-purity silver coil wire
- 99.9999% pure silver wire
- Improved armature winding process
- 500µV / 0.5mV output
- Less than 1.2dB channel balance at 1kHz
- Greater than 23dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- +2 / -1dB response tolerance
- 80µm tracking ability at 315Hz
- 12µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 2.2 to 2.7g tracking-force range
- 2.5g recommended tracking force
- 20-degree tracking angle
- 5-ohm internal DC resistance
- 50 to 200-ohm recommended load impedance
- Aluminium and stainless steel body
- Blue / Black finish
- 10.7g cartridge weight
- Ortofon repair service available
- Ortofon exchange service available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ortofon MC Cadenza Blue still current?
Yes. Ortofon continues to list the MC Cadenza Blue within its current Cadenza Series.
Is the Cadenza Blue moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a low-output moving coil cartridge.
What stylus does the Cadenza Blue use?
The Cadenza Blue uses Ortofon's Nude FG 70 stylus with r/R 6/70µm radii.
What cantilever does it use?
A very thin ruby cantilever.
What coil wire does the Cadenza Blue use?
Ortofon uses high-purity 6NX silver coil wire, specified as 99.9999% pure silver.
What is the output voltage?
500µV, equivalent to 0.5mV, at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
Can I use it with a moving magnet phono input?
Not directly. The Cadenza Blue requires a suitable low-output moving coil phono stage or compatible step-up arrangement.
What load impedance does Ortofon recommend?
50 to 200 ohms.
What is the cartridge's internal resistance?
5 ohms DC resistance.
What tracking force should I use?
Ortofon recommends 2.5g, or 25mN.
What is the permitted tracking-force range?
2.2 to 2.7g.
What is the tracking ability?
80µm at 315Hz at the recommended tracking force.
What is the compliance?
Dynamic lateral compliance is 12µm/mN.
What is the channel separation?
Greater than 23dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
Less than 1.2dB at 1kHz.
What is the current frequency response?
Ortofon currently specifies +2 / -1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
How much does the Cadenza Blue weigh?
10.7g.
What is the cartridge body made from?
Ortofon specifies aluminium and stainless steel.
What mounting system does it use?
Standard half-inch mounting.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
No. The Cadenza Blue does not use a removable user-replaceable stylus assembly.
Can the Cadenza Blue be repaired?
Yes. Ortofon currently offers a dedicated MC Cadenza Blue repair service.
Is the Cadenza Blue eligible for Ortofon's exchange programme?
Yes. Ortofon currently allows an eligible Cadenza Blue to be exchanged towards another Cadenza Blue or qualifying models above it.
Does setup matter with the Cadenza Blue?
Very much so. Accurate alignment, tracking force, tonearm compatibility and suitable moving coil loading are all important to achieving its intended performance.
Related Ortofon Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy an Ortofon Moving Coil Cartridge From Audio T?
A cartridge such as the Cadenza Blue needs to work as part of the complete analogue front end. Audio T can help check whether your turntable and tonearm are suitable, match the cartridge with the right MC phono stage and make sure the installation is properly set up.
- Turntable and tonearm compatibility advice
- Moving coil cartridge matching
- Precision cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Anti-skate setup
- Tonearm geometry advice
- MC phono-stage matching
- Gain and loading advice
- Cadenza model comparison
- Repair and exchange guidance
- Turntable upgrade advice
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Ortofon MC Cadenza Blue is the right cartridge for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.