Tw1 the Ortophon X5 MC is one fabulous high output MC cartridge at 2.2Mv. The sonic signature is amazing. This is a very high speed and analytical cartridge with the Fritz Gyer stylus. Extracts the very last detail from the grooves. One of the few cartridges I have heard where you can hear the drummer sticks actually strike the cymbals and drum heads as well as hear valve work on reeds and brass. Separation and sound stage is very wide indeed.
Is it better than the Denon DL 103R,that I have on the Denon DP 61F. In a word no. But comparing the two is not easy,like apples to oranges. Both have their strengths and weakness's. I am fortunate to have two turntables where I can enjoy the sonic merits of both. I am very glad that I do not have to make the choice of living with just one or the other.
About the only downside to the X5 MC is at times it can be to analytical. Because of its stylus. Not all records will benefit from this. However the Denon DL 103R does not have this problem and have yet to find any fault with the 103R.
I can without question heartily recommend either cartridge. It is amazing how far analog has come in the digital age. I remember to get these kind of phono cartridges in the late 70s or early 80s, one would pay dearly for this type of performance.
Keep in mind these are not the last word in SOTA phono cartridges. There is better to be had. The Lyra,s and Koetsu and other exalted brands are indeed better in detail,clarity,and transparency, but at a cost of several hundred dollars more. But at their respective price/performance ratio,I know of no other MC cartidges that can touch the Denon and Ortophon.
Kindly keep in mind the X5-MC is new and is still breaking in. It took the 103R about 25 Hours to break in. So in order to be totally fair,final judgement on the X5 MC remains pending.
Is it better than the Denon DL 103R,that I have on the Denon DP 61F. In a word no. But comparing the two is not easy,like apples to oranges. Both have their strengths and weakness's. I am fortunate to have two turntables where I can enjoy the sonic merits of both. I am very glad that I do not have to make the choice of living with just one or the other.
About the only downside to the X5 MC is at times it can be to analytical. Because of its stylus. Not all records will benefit from this. However the Denon DL 103R does not have this problem and have yet to find any fault with the 103R.
I can without question heartily recommend either cartridge. It is amazing how far analog has come in the digital age. I remember to get these kind of phono cartridges in the late 70s or early 80s, one would pay dearly for this type of performance.
Keep in mind these are not the last word in SOTA phono cartridges. There is better to be had. The Lyra,s and Koetsu and other exalted brands are indeed better in detail,clarity,and transparency, but at a cost of several hundred dollars more. But at their respective price/performance ratio,I know of no other MC cartidges that can touch the Denon and Ortophon.
Kindly keep in mind the X5-MC is new and is still breaking in. It took the 103R about 25 Hours to break in. So in order to be totally fair,final judgement on the X5 MC remains pending.
