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NOS Ortofon Moving-Coil pickup, never used in original box incl. manual and some ass. Parts
This is ambitious at US$567 unless the seller can prove unusually strong condition, low hours, and a recent professional service. Recent used asking prices I can identify for the MC 10 family cluster much lower—roughly US$210–US$320 for typical used examples, with some premium listings higher—so this ask is well above the usual market for an unknown-condition cartridge.
That doesn’t make it a bad cartridge: the MC 10 line is respected for lively, refined moving-coil sound and can still be a satisfying step-up if the stylus and suspension are healthy. The real value hinge here is condition, because with an unknown cart the risk is wear, age-related suspension drift, and a stylus that looks fine but doesn’t track like it should. At this price, I’d want solid close-ups, exact hours if known, and proof it’s been checked by someone who knows cartridges.
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.
