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Ortofon MC 20 Super II MC Phono Cartridge mounted on Audio Technica AT-LH13/OCC Headshell (13g) in excellent condition:Channel Separation: 25db (matching specs).Stylus condition: Inspected under a Shure SEK-2 microscope and showed no wear. Tracking: Passed tracking test using of the Ortofon Test Record tracking up to 90 micrometers (µm) of lateral amplitude at a 315 Hz modulation frequency without any audible distortion.Sound imaging: smooth, detailed, and expansive soundstage. (Black Stylus gauge is for demonstration only) About Ortofon MC 20 Super IIThe Ortofon MC 20 Super II is a high-performance, low-output moving coil (LOMC) phono cartridge originally launched in the late 1980s. Positioned as the fourth generation of Ortofon's highly successful MC 20 product lineage, it was engineered to combine deep sonic transparency with advanced mechanical tracking.Notable Features Fritz Gyger Type 1/2 Stylus: The cartridge features an exceptionally slim, highly polished Fritz Gyger diamond profile. This shape closely mimics an original vinyl cutting lathe sapphire, allowing the needle to retrieve microscopic details from the inner-most grooved walls of a record while reducing long-term vinyl wear.Wide-Range Damping (WRD): Ortofon integrated a specialized dual-rubber damping compound sandwich inside the motor assembly. This controls unwanted high-frequency resonances and ensures flat frequency response from 20 Hz up to 40,000 Hz.Extruded Aluminum Housing: Unlike cheaper plastic-bodied variants, the Super II is encased in a rigid, high-density gold aluminum body to damp structural micro-vibrations. Sound Signature Acoustic Accuracy: The MC 20 Super II is well-regarded for its dead-neutral presentation. It reproduces acoustic string instruments, brass, and human vocals without adding false warmth or mid-bass thickness.Sound staging & Imaging: Thanks to Ortofon’s Ortophase engineering concepts, the cartridge provides precise lateral instrument separation and deep front-to-back stage layering. Sound Signature Acoustic Accuracy: The MC 20 Super II is well-regarded for its dead-neutral presentation. It reproduces acoustic string instruments, brass, and human vocals without adding false warmth or mid-bass thickness.Ortofon MC 20 Super II SpecificationsOutput Voltage: 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)Stylus Profile: Fritz Gyger Type 2 (FGT 2) nude diamondCantilever Material: AluminumTracking Force Range: 1.6 grams to 2.0 grams (1.8g recommended)Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40,000 Hz (+4 dB / -1 dB)Channel Separation: 25 dBDynamic Compliance: 16 µm/mNRecommended Load Impedance: > 100 OhmsCartridge Weight: 10 grams
At US$699, this Ortofon MC20 Super is ambitious compared to the obvious alternative of a modern Ortofon X20 or a well-sourced MC20 MKII, both typically found under US$450. Ground truth from our database shows the median used price is US$319, with the 75th percentile at US$509; this listing sits well above that, making it a tough sell unless condition is pristine and accessories are complete.
The MC20 Super remains a respected vintage moving-coil cartridge known for its smooth, detailed sound and van den Hul stylus tip, offering genuine analog warmth that still competes with entry-level modern designs. If this is original-owner condition with its headshell and proper documentation, it could be a worthwhile hunt for a collector seeking a specific vintage voice, but at this price, the buyer must verify the coil integrity and stylus wear before committing.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Ortofon: A Century of Precision Sound
Ortofon traces its lineage to October 9, 1918, when Danish engineers Axel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen founded the Electrical Phono Film Company in Copenhagen. The name itself derives from Greek, meaning "correct sound"—a philosophy that has guided the company's trajectory for over a century. Initially focused on synchronized sound film technology, Ortofon pivoted to audio reproduction after 1945, when the superior recording quality of new cutting equipment revealed the inadequacy of existing playback systems. This gap sparked the development of the pioneering Ortofon mono pickup in 1948, establishing the foundation for the company's future dominance.
Today, Ortofon is the world's largest manufacturer of magnetic cartridges for phonograph turntables, producing approximately 500,000 units annually. The company's product portfolio centers exclusively on phono cartridges—both moving magnet and moving coil designs—with over 300 distinct models developed since 1948. This singular focus reflects deep specialization rather than diversification, positioning Ortofon as a micro-mechanical specialist rather than a broad-based audio manufacturer.
Ortofon occupies the high-end segment of the audio market, commanding respect among vinyl enthusiasts and professional studios alike. The brand benefits from Denmark's established reputation for acoustic engineering and industrial design, supported by in-house research and development. For discerning turntable owners, Ortofon cartridges represent the gold standard—a heritage brand whose century-long commitment to cartridge excellence remains unmatched in the industry.
See all Ortofon listings on RADAR.
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