Ortofon MC A90 cartridge

Hi Tobes,
just let me chip in on these loading findings. The Windfeld and A90 having the same generator it might give *some* perspective, and *mostly* with regard to the phono-pre-amp in use.
Mine are ML 326S phono-modules (inside the 326S).
Now loading the Windfeld (same motor as A90, yes) in my system sounds best with 47k!!!
I have tried with any thing from 13ohm to 1kohm (13 ohm because it is my dealer's preferred setting!!!!)
Can you see already what is going on here?!
Anything in my system other then 47k sound either plain sat-on (13ohm to 460ohm), or un-natural ~compressed or ~over-tight" 1k ohm to 18kohm.
So in my case 47k ohm produces the most "natural" result!
When using my 30dB XF-1 SUT (with its 47ohm "natural" primary impedance) all sounds better yet, this is your setting --- are you sure do not have an internal SUT in that phono-pre of yours?
Long story short, I then switch to a MP-50 Nagaoka ($500, an "MI" cart) and sorry for me, it yet out-classes the Windfeld!
Good thing Ortofon came out with that A90, since in my system there are better alternatives to the Windfeld (M.F. praised...) for less money, and thanks to Raul I found some :-)
Greetings,
Axel

Hi Axel, yes it does seem that 'correct' loading is a very system dependent thing.

I know what you are saying regarding the 'sat on, compressed or over-tight' type sound. The Jubilee tended that way when loaded at 47ohms - though in some ways it sounded more correct. The A90 is a totally different animal and sounds very dynamic and alive at 47ohms (in my system). In fact after listening for a while at 47ohms it's hard to go back to the 100 ohm setting that I was very much enjoying previously.

There is nothing obnoxious going on at higher loadings, the Plinius phono is quite refined on top and my Harbeth speakers tend to the 'polite' side - so you'd think the extra 'air' at the higher loadings would be my preference. However with 47ohms the superior solidity and shape to performers and instruments, the transiernt certitude and greater soundspace awareness makes this an obvious winner for me. It sounds more natural and less overblown 'Hi-Fi'.

Clearly cartridge loading is something that can't be translated from system to system. If nothing else, this little discourse should encourage both A90 and Windfeld users to experiment with their loading.
Cheers, Tobes

Tobes & All,
I do agree in every respect with what you're saying, yet let me throw out one more curve ball.
The Windfeld I'm referring to is a new replacement of an earlier one that had issues also acknowledged by Ortofon (who replaced it for no charge), having "a VTA problem".
It was "riding" VERY low from the start and the body was not build / assembled up to scratch either.
So it could be explained that the two would've behaved quite differently.
The new item is now riding a lot higher and this *may* just be the way the first would have meant to be? (In fact I'm not so sure at all!)
A similar story with slightly different faults I had with a Jubilee, which also was replaced eventually after 2 attempts to correct the initial problems (body gapping and more and more skewing cantilever).
I mention these so as to explain why I think (by now), that there are rather more variations in these carts then one could wish for.
The MP-50 I mentioned by comparison is CLEARLY! a better tracker (then the Jubilees, or Windfelds in my system) and those two Ortos are *supposed* to be GREAT tracking carts!
There have been some very long threads on explaining mis-tracking, of difficult vinyl bands and not just IGD i.e. the inner bands only, and none of those Ortos did too well for me ever.
In fact, it seems this form of mild to more sever mis-tracking that makes these carts lack in ultimate "clarity" and I can no more easily explain it in terms of a lesser phono-pre performance. By now more then one MM or MI cart seems to disprove these ideas of insufficient rise time and the like.
It looks now that the A90 has finally got this sorted, reading the above reports about *superior clarity* --- very GOOD!
Now why only build 400!? Marketing? More then 400 ought be sold by now in any case...!
Using those carts mentioned in an SME V arm should NOT be the limiting factor AT ALL.
Just food for thought, and possibly an opportunity for some more learning.
Axel

Axel, A90 vs M20FL Super? Any comments?

Hey Tobes.

I use an Ortofon Windfeld and have recently purchased the A90 which is an absolute KILLER cartridge. I found using the Windfeld below 100ohms sort of killed the music and so far the A90 below 100ohms pretty much does the same.
I use a solid state based phono stage. Above 100ohms both cartridges 'warm up' slightly but I prefer the 100ohms setting IN MY SYSTEM!.

Just as a comparison for anyone wanting to know:

So far nothing compares to the A90 in my system.

Windfeld vs Airy 3 = Windfeld wins outright in all departments.

Windfeld vs Shelter 901 = 901 sounds livelier but 'false'

Shelter 901 vs Airy 3 = I prefer the 901 as is has far better weight and realism. 3D portrayal is far better with the 901.

901 vs Ortofon Rondo Bronze = 901 wins outright which goes to show a good cartridge is and will always be a good cartridge.

Koetsu Red Signature vs A90 = Koetsu sounds OLD!

Koetsu RS vs Windfeld = Koetsu sounds OLD!

I have all of the above cartridges and all these were compared in my system using my standard setup.
VPI HRX/ Kuzma 4 point Whest Audio MC REF V phonostage/ LAMM L2/ ATC 150 Active.