The Ortofon Xpression High-End cartridge

The state of the art product, the Ortofon Xpression represents a combination of three elements very characteristic for Ortofon:

The cutting edge SLM materials technology pioneered      by the MC A90 and SPU 90th Anniversary

Modification of the generator system introduced with      the MC A90 and the MC Windfeld

Ortofon design tradition 

Utilising these three elements we created a new product in order to support our customers of the SPU cartridges and Ortofon tonearms.

The Xpression cartridge bridges the gap between the SPU-type cartridges and High-End cartridges like the MC A90 and the MC Windfeld designed for headshell mounting. The result is a high-performance moving coil cartridge with the convenience of a standard headshell connector, which provides a simple and elegant method of directly connecting the generator and tonearm via the Xpression’s one-piece body.

Since the cartridge length is identical to that of an SPU, the Xpression can easily be fitted onto tonearms without additional concern for proper alignment.

The cartridge height is likewise identical to the SPU height, which makes further VTA adjustments unnecessary.
The length of the cartridge ensures proper match with the SME-mount type tonearms, e.g. SME, Grace, Fidelity Research, SAEC and Micro Seiki brands. Additionally, the mass and compliance properties of the Xpression ensure that a proper match will be achieved with any SPU-compatible arm.
The Xpression can ideally be combined with the TA-110 and TA-210 tonearms. The combination of Xpression, TA-110/TA-210 and ST-80 SE MC transformer gives a supreme experience!

Ortofon Xpression - a distinctive and elegant design

When combined with Ortofon’s world-class knowledge in analogue sound reproduction, the Xpression will undoubtedly provide sound which is literally unsurpassed and simply has to be experienced!

The presentation of the Ortofon Xpression is a continuation of the new paradigm in engineering and manufacturing introduced by the MC A90. Because total freedom from resonance in the audible frequency range is a precondition for optimal sound quality, the design of the Xpression has been dictated by the complete elimination of unwanted resonance,

An engineering feature adding to the damping capability of the Xpression cartridge is the Selective Laser Melting process in which fine particles of stainless steel are welded together, layer-by-layer, to construct a single piece body devoid of unnecessary material. Using this technique the density of the body can be precisely controlled, allowing for extremely high internal damping.

The final result provides absolute freedom from resonances existing in the cartridge body material and allows for the Xpression to be perfectly matched with an extremely wide array of different tonearms.

Special features

By combining the utilization of this SLM process and our WRD system, we are confident that the perfect mechanical integration of this cartridge with your tonearm will result in a significant and breathtaking increase in dynamics, staging, resolution and richness.

Also helping to achieve the Xpression’s accuracy and sonic purity the ultrahigh purity silver is used for the internal wiring between generator and standard headshell connector.

Finally, the bottom cover has been constructed from a special proprietary TPE (Thermo-Plastic Elastomer) material, which provides extremely high damping. 

Also included is an easy-to-grab finger lift as well as a simple to use stylus guard.

A distinctive, elegant design which makes no compromises

The Xpression, although derived from the materials and techniques employed with the A90 cartridge, finds a superb sonic balance between the literal precision of the A90 and the powerful dynamics and fluid body of its SPU predecessors.

Because of the nature of SLM-based construction, each cartridge body is cosmetically unique and will show small dimples or lines under close examination.

The Ortofon Xpression Technical data

Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.  -  0.3 mV
Channel balance at 1 kHz  -  < 0.2 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz  -  > 28 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz  -  > 22 dB
Frequency response  -  20 Hz-20 kHz +0.5 /- 1.5 dB
Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force  -  90 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral  -  11 µm/mN
Stylus type  -  Special polished Nude Ortofon Replicant 100 on Boron Cantilever
Stylus tip radius  -  r/R 5/100 µm

Tracking force range  -  2.3 -2.8 g (23-28 mN)
Tracking force, recommended  -  2.6 g (26 mN)
Tracking angle  -  23°
Internal impedance, DC resistance  -  4 Ohm
Recommended load impedance  -  > 10 Ohm
Cartridge body material  -  SLM Stainless Steel and Special proprietary TPE-compound
Cartridge colour  -  Black
Cartridge weight  -  28 gram