Audio T Verdict
The MC Cadenza Bronze is where Ortofon combines one of its most sophisticated stylus profiles with a surprisingly balanced approach. The Replicant 100 diamond is capable of digging extremely deeply into the groove, but the aim isn't to throw detail at you for the sake of it. Ortofon has designed the Bronze to retain weight, dynamics and musical coherence alongside that extra resolution.
Its 0.4mV output makes this a genuine low-output moving coil cartridge, so the quality and setup of the phono stage become an important part of the equation. Cartridge alignment matters too: a stylus as advanced as the Replicant 100 deserves considerably more care than simply lining the body up by eye.
In the right turntable and tonearm, the Cadenza Bronze is a serious analogue upgrade with excellent stereo focus, strong dynamic ability and the sort of fine groove tracing that can make familiar records feel anything but familiar.
Ortofon MC Cadenza Bronze
The MC Cadenza Bronze is a high-performance low-output moving coil cartridge from Ortofon's Cadenza Series.
It combines Ortofon's Nude Replicant 100 diamond with a conical aluminium cantilever, Aucurum gold-plated 6NX copper coil wire and a Field Stabilizing Element designed to improve the linear behaviour of the generator during demanding musical passages.
- Low-output moving coil cartridge
- Nude Ortofon Replicant 100 stylus
- Conical aluminium cantilever
- Aucurum gold-plated 6NX copper coil wire
- Field Stabilizing Element
- 400µV / 0.4mV output
- Less than 1dB channel balance at 1kHz
- Greater than 24dB 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
A Reference-Level Cadenza Cartridge
Ortofon describes the Cadenza Bronze as a true high-end reference cartridge, intended to combine precision, impact and dynamics with excellent stereo imaging.
It sits between Cadenza Blue and Black, but the progression through the range isn't simply a case of fitting increasingly expensive versions of the same stylus.
Each Cadenza model uses its own combination of diamond profile, cantilever and generator technology, giving the Bronze a distinct approach of its own.
Ortofon Replicant 100 Stylus
The defining feature of the Cadenza Bronze is its Nude Ortofon Replicant 100 diamond.
The Replicant 100 is one of Ortofon's most sophisticated line-contact stylus profiles, developed to closely resemble the geometry of the cutting stylus used when the original record groove was created.
Ortofon specifies stylus radii of r/R 5/100µm.
Closer to the Original Cutting Stylus
The idea behind the Replicant 100 is relatively simple even if manufacturing it certainly isn't: the closer the playback stylus gets to the profile used to cut the groove, the more accurately it can follow the tiny modulations recorded within it.
Its thin profile and very large contact area are designed to trace fine high-frequency information while maintaining substantial contact with the groove walls.
That can reveal subtle information such as low-level ambience, decay and instrumental texture that less sophisticated profiles may reproduce less precisely.
Why Stylus Shape Matters
The diamond is the only part of the Hi-Fi system physically touching the record groove. The more accurately its shape can follow those groove walls, the more faithfully the mechanical information cut into the record can be passed into the cartridge generator.
A Nude Diamond
The Replicant 100 is a nude stylus, meaning the diamond itself forms the complete stylus rather than having a smaller diamond tip bonded onto a separate metal shank.
Reducing unnecessary mass at the end of the cantilever helps the stylus assembly respond more readily to rapid groove modulation.
Conical Aluminium Cantilever
The Replicant 100 is mounted to a conical aluminium cantilever.
The cantilever transfers the microscopic movement of the stylus to the moving coils within the generator.
Its tapered shape provides the rigidity required to control the stylus while keeping moving mass appropriately low.
Aucurum Coil Wire
The MC Cadenza Bronze uses Ortofon's Aucurum coil wire.
Aucurum is a gold-plated version of high-purity 6NX copper, used within several of Ortofon's more ambitious moving coil cartridge designs.
The extremely fine wire forms the moving coils responsible for generating the tiny electrical signal sent from the cartridge to the phono stage.
Field Stabilizing Element
The Cadenza Bronze also incorporates Ortofon's Field Stabilizing Element, or FSE.
The FSE is used within the magnetic system to help maintain a stable force field as the armature moves.
Ortofon specifically highlights the technology for improving linearity during complex crescendo passages, where the groove and cartridge can be dealing with rapidly changing musical information.
Why FSE Matters
The tiny moving coils of an MC cartridge operate inside a magnetic field. Ideally, the relationship between that field and the moving armature remains predictable even when groove modulation becomes particularly demanding.
By helping stabilise that magnetic field, Ortofon's FSE technology is designed to reduce unwanted dynamic and intermodulation effects and maintain better separation between musical information.
0.4mV Low-Output Moving Coil
Ortofon specifies an output voltage of 400µV, equivalent to 0.4mV, at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
That is roughly a tenth of the voltage produced by a typical high-output moving magnet cartridge.
The Cadenza Bronze therefore needs a suitably sensitive moving coil phono stage or compatible step-up arrangement.
Check Your Phono Stage
The Cadenza Bronze is a low-output moving coil cartridge. A conventional moving magnet input on its own will not provide the appropriate gain or loading. Check that your phono stage supports low-output MC cartridges before purchasing.
50 to 200-Ohm Recommended Loading
Ortofon recommends a load impedance between 50 and 200 ohms.
The cartridge itself has an internal DC resistance of 5 ohms.
Many higher-quality MC phono stages allow the load resistance to be selected, giving you the opportunity to experiment within Ortofon's stated range.
Where Should I Start With Loading?
Use a setting within Ortofon's specified 50 to 200-ohm range and compare the options available on your phono stage. There isn't any need to chase unusual resistance values outside the manufacturer's recommendation. Audio T can help with both gain and loading for your particular phono stage.
80µm Tracking Ability
The Cadenza Bronze has a specified tracking ability of 80µm at 315Hz.
Tracking ability describes how successfully the stylus remains in contact with the groove as modulation becomes more demanding.
The Replicant 100 profile, cartridge suspension and accurate installation all play an important role here.
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 setup, start at the manufacturer's recommended 2.5g.
Don't Deliberately Under-Track
Running the cartridge below Ortofon's stated tracking-force range does not protect your records. A mistracking stylus can place greater stress on the groove than one operating correctly at the manufacturer's recommended setting.
12µm/mN Dynamic Compliance
Dynamic lateral compliance is specified at 12µm/mN.
Compliance describes the mechanical flexibility of the cartridge suspension and is one of the factors involved when matching a cartridge to the effective mass of a tonearm.
With a cartridge at this level, it is worth checking the mechanical relationship between the arm and cartridge rather than assuming that half-inch mounting alone guarantees an ideal match.
23-Degree Tracking Angle
Ortofon specifies a tracking angle of 23 degrees for the Cadenza Bronze.
This is worth noting because it differs from several other Ortofon cartridges that use a 20-degree specification.
Accurate cartridge alignment and suitable tonearm geometry help the Replicant 100 stylus sit in the groove as intended.
Channel Balance and Separation
Ortofon currently specifies channel balance at less than 1dB at 1kHz.
Channel separation is specified at greater than 24dB at 1kHz.
Strong channel consistency helps create stable stereo imaging and precise placement of instruments and voices across the soundstage.
Current Frequency Response
Ortofon's current specification gives the Cadenza Bronze a response of ±1.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
We use this live manufacturer figure rather than older extended-range measurements that may still appear in previous specifications elsewhere online.
10.7g Cartridge Weight
The MC Cadenza Bronze weighs 10.7g.
Before fitting, check that the tonearm and counterweight can accommodate this mass while still achieving the required tracking force.
This is particularly important when upgrading from a substantially lighter cartridge.
Aluminium and Stainless Steel Body
Ortofon specifies the Cadenza Bronze body materials as aluminium and stainless steel.
The substantial housing provides a rigid mechanical structure around the generator and contributes to the cartridge's 10.7g overall mass.
Standard Half-Inch Mounting
The Cadenza Bronze uses conventional half-inch mounting.
This makes it physically compatible with many high-quality tonearms using the standard two-screw arrangement, although cartridge mass, compliance, tonearm effective mass and phono-stage requirements still need to be considered.
Cadenza Blue or Cadenza Bronze?
The move from Blue to Bronze changes almost every major mechanical element of the cartridge.
MC Cadenza Blue
- Nude FG 70 stylus
- Ruby cantilever
- 6NX pure silver coil wire
- 500µV output
- 12µm/mN compliance
- 50 to 200-ohm loading
MC Cadenza Bronze
- Replicant 100 stylus
- Conical aluminium cantilever
- Aucurum coil wire
- Field Stabilizing Element
- 400µV output
- 50 to 200-ohm loading
The Bronze is therefore not simply a Blue with a different diamond. Ortofon changes the stylus, cantilever, coil material and generator technology, giving each model its own approach.
Cadenza Bronze or Cadenza Black?
The Black moves in another direction again, combining a Nude Shibata stylus with a Boron cantilever and Ortofon's Wide Range Damping system.
MC Cadenza Bronze
- Replicant 100 stylus
- Conical aluminium cantilever
- Aucurum gold-plated 6NX copper wire
- Field Stabilizing Element
- 400µV output
- 2.5g recommended tracking force
MC Cadenza Black
- Nude Shibata stylus
- Boron cantilever
- Aucurum gold-plated 6NX copper wire
- Wide Range Damping system
- 330µV output
- 2.3g recommended tracking force
At this level, we'd strongly recommend listening rather than choosing purely according to the hierarchy. The Bronze and Black use significantly different stylus, cantilever and damping technologies and can therefore suit different turntables, systems and preferences.
Not a User-Replaceable Stylus
Unlike Ortofon's moving magnet cartridges, the Cadenza Bronze does not have a removable stylus assembly intended for user replacement.
If the stylus becomes worn or the cantilever is damaged, do not attempt to pull the assembly from the cartridge body.
Ortofon currently supports the MC Cadenza Bronze through dedicated repair and exchange programmes.
Ortofon Repair Service
Ortofon offers a dedicated repair service for the MC Cadenza Bronze.
During the manufacturer's repair process, the cartridge is opened and the existing motor unit removed. A new motor, diamond and cantilever are then fitted before the cartridge is cleaned and tested.
This gives owners an official route when the cartridge eventually becomes worn or suffers damage.
Ortofon Exchange Service
The Cadenza Bronze is also eligible for Ortofon's moving coil exchange programme.
Ortofon currently permits an eligible MC Cadenza Bronze to be exchanged towards another Cadenza Bronze or qualifying cartridges above it.
Don't Throw Away a Worn Cadenza Bronze
If your cartridge is worn or damaged, speak to Audio T before replacing it outright. Depending on its condition and what you want to do with the system next, Ortofon's repair or exchange programme may be a useful option.
Careful Setup Is Essential
A cartridge with a Replicant 100 stylus rewards precise installation.
Setup should include:
- Accurate cartridge alignment
- Correct overhang and offset angle
- 2.5g initial tracking force
- Appropriate anti-skate
- Tonearm height where adjustable
- Azimuth where adjustable
- Suitable moving coil phono-stage gain
- Loading between 50 and 200 ohms
- Checking cartridge and tonearm mechanical compatibility
If you're not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, professional cartridge fitting is well worthwhile.
Is the Cadenza Bronze Right for My Turntable?
The Cadenza Bronze makes most sense on a turntable and tonearm capable of exploiting its resolution, tracking ability and low-output moving coil generator.
Spending more on the cartridge isn't automatically the best upgrade if the tonearm, deck or phono stage becomes the limiting factor.
Audio T can help assess the whole analogue front end and make sure the Bronze represents a worthwhile match rather than simply the most expensive cartridge within budget.
Key Features
- Ortofon MC Cadenza Bronze
- Low-output moving coil cartridge
- Stereo playback
- Half-inch mounting
- Nude Ortofon Replicant 100 stylus
- r/R 5/100µm stylus radii
- Conical aluminium cantilever
- Aucurum coil wire
- Gold-plated 6NX copper coil wire
- Field Stabilizing Element
- 400µV / 0.4mV output
- Less than 1dB channel balance at 1kHz
- Greater than 24dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- ±1.5dB 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
- 23-degree tracking angle
- 5-ohm internal DC resistance
- 50 to 200-ohm recommended load impedance
- Aluminium and stainless steel body
- Bronze / Black finish
- 10.7g cartridge weight
- Ortofon repair service available
- Ortofon exchange service available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ortofon MC Cadenza Bronze still current?
Yes. Ortofon continues to list the MC Cadenza Bronze within its current Cadenza Series.
Is the Cadenza Bronze moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a low-output moving coil cartridge.
What stylus does the Cadenza Bronze use?
It uses Ortofon's Nude Replicant 100 diamond with r/R 5/100µm stylus radii.
What is special about the Replicant 100?
Ortofon designed the Replicant 100 with a thin profile and large groove contact area that closely resembles the geometry of the cutting stylus used to create a record groove.
What cantilever does the Cadenza Bronze use?
A conical aluminium cantilever.
What is Aucurum wire?
Aucurum is Ortofon's gold-plated 6NX high-purity copper coil wire.
What is the Field Stabilizing Element?
Ortofon's FSE is used within the magnetic system to help stabilise the force field as the armature moves, with the aim of maintaining linear performance during demanding musical passages.
What is the output voltage?
400µV, equivalent to 0.4mV, at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
Can I connect it to a normal MM phono input?
Not directly. The Cadenza Bronze 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 its 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.
What is the compliance?
Dynamic lateral compliance is 12µm/mN.
What is the tracking angle?
23 degrees.
What is the channel separation?
Greater than 24dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
Less than 1dB at 1kHz.
What is the current frequency response?
Ortofon currently specifies ±1.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
How much does the Cadenza Bronze 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 MC Cadenza Bronze does not use a user-replaceable stylus assembly.
Can the Cadenza Bronze be repaired?
Yes. Ortofon currently offers a dedicated repair service for the MC Cadenza Bronze.
Is the Cadenza Bronze eligible for Ortofon's exchange programme?
Yes. Ortofon currently permits an eligible Cadenza Bronze to be exchanged towards another Cadenza Bronze or qualifying models above it.
Does setup matter with the Replicant 100 stylus?
Yes. Accurate cartridge alignment, tracking force, tonearm compatibility and suitable moving coil phono-stage loading are all particularly worthwhile with a cartridge of this level.
Related Ortofon Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy an Ortofon Moving Coil Cartridge From Audio T?
A cartridge such as the Cadenza Bronze needs to work as part of the complete analogue front end. Audio T can help establish whether your turntable and tonearm are suitable, match the cartridge to the right moving coil phono stage and make sure the Replicant 100 stylus is correctly aligned.
- 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 Bronze is the right cartridge for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.