Ortofon MC Windfeld TiWorld leader in the cartridge industry

Per Windfeld

Ortofon has always been a leading company in the field of sound reproduction.
Founded in Copenhagen in 1918, Ortofon started by creating technology whichserved as the basis for adding a soundtrack to the silent movies of the early 1920s.
In 1948, the company developed the first moving coil cartridge, and since thenOrtofon has developed and manufactured more than 300 different cartridges, withour latest being the MC Windfeld Ti.

Ortofon’s former chief engineer Per Windfeld falls into the category of true hi-fivisionaries. His massive contribution has been a feature of the development ofcartridges all over the world ever since he emerged in the mid-1970s as head ofdevelopment for the famous MC 20 cartridge.

Today Ortofon is the world leader in phono cartridges. This is the result ofcombining design with technology and the highest level of engineering in theaudio industry. Acoustics, materials technology and micro mechanics are keycompetences in Ortofon's technological prowess. Ortofon has its research andmanufacturing facilities in Denmark; the production of cartridges and componentsis carried out at the company's factory in Nakskov, Denmark.

In continuation of the Ortofon design tradition and the new paradigm in engineeringand manufacturing, we are proud to introduce the MC Windfeld Ti, a new movingcoil phono cartridge in the absolute high-end class. At the heart of the MC WindfeldTi lies a revolutionary customized Selective Laser Melting (SLM) manufacturingtechnology pioneered by Ortofon for manufacturing of the legendary MC A90 in2007.

Production is based on experienced workers with a high level of craftsmanship.
This assures the high uniform quality of Ortofon products. The phono cartridges aresold worldwide through a network of more than 60 importers and sales subsidiariesin the USA and Japan. Ortofon is today recognized among consumers and industryprofessionals as a quality brand.
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MC Windfeld Ti

Advancements in technology

Ortofon’s new MC Windfeld Ti has gone to the next level by reducing unwantedvibrations and increasing the dynamic capability of the cartridge. Our extensiveknowledge of vibration properties, characteristics in different shapes and materials,competences in magnetism, mechanical design and new technologies have beenapplied for optimization of the MC Windfeld Ti model.

The SLM technology and high precision process eschews traditional techniques:considered an engineering breakthrough, the SLM process welds fine particlesof Titanium together, layer-by layer, to construct a single piece body devoid ofextraneous material. This technique allows for precise control of the density of thebody material, allowing for extremely high internal damping. The final result providesfreedom over vibrations within the cartridge body material.

Those who choose to adopt the MC WindfeldTi will experience the lifelike, dynamic andopen sound, with exceedingly clear midrange.
The MC Windfeld Ti remains extremelymusical while paying close attention to microdynamic details, with its delicate, but alsoanalytical nature.

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The use of Titanium in the MC Windfeld Ti has provided a further improvement tothe overall rigidity of the structure, the cartridge weight and its dynamic capability.

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MagnetNeodymium magnet with armature and FSE

WRD system

The magnet system is based on an extremely strong, compact neodymium magnet,which makes the generator system both compact and lighter through its minimaldimensions.

One of the important components is Ortofon’spatented Wide Range Damping system (WRD), inwhich a small, heavy platinum disc is sandwichedbetween two rubber absorbers, both with differentproperties. This ensures not only an exceptionaltracking performance, but also creates a perfectdamping through the entire frequency range.
Because of this, distortion and resonance are virtuallyeliminated.

Inspired by the elements of MC A95 design, the MC Windfeld Ti makes use of aspecially designed armature comprised of a metal alloy which is less magnetic thannormal iron. This provides noteworthy benefit to the dynamic capabilities of thecartridge. The reason for this is that our high-tech armature has almost no influence onthe magnetic field during movement. Hence when combined with the Aucurum coils ofgold-plated 6NX oxygen free copper, it delivers perfect reproduction of the cantilevermovements without compromise. Any trace of remaining magnetic influences thatwould create distortion is prevented by the use of a Field Stabilizing Element (FSE).
FSE, a small cylinder of conductive material strategically placed inside the magnetsystem, guarantees that the force field remains stable regardless of the movement ofthe armature. FSE improves the channel separation, while at the same time minimizingdynamic distortion and intermodulation. The result: fantastic dynamics and even moreelbow room between the musicians. You simply experience more drama and greaterbreadth, height and depth in the sound scenario between the high-end system’sloudspeakers!
8Damping

The WRD system, which was originally introduced in the MC 20 Mk II in 1979 andwas also used in the Exclusive Series cartridges, is one significant reason whythe MC Windfeld Ti, while achieving the most linear frequency response and thehighest upper frequency limit ever, at the same time tracks a fantastic 90 μm at avertical tracking force of 2.3 grams.

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Diamond

Materials and designReplicant 100- the finest diamond in the worldAnother precondition for linear reproduction witha wide frequency range and optimal trackingperformance is a diamond - the shape of which isas close as possible to the original cutting stylus.

As featured in the entire Exclusive Series, the MCWindfeld Ti makes use of Ortofon’s Replicant 100diamond, known for its thin and light profile and extraordinarily large vertical contactsurface. Since the Replicant 100 is closest to the shape of the cutting stylus, itcan trace with accuracy unparalleled by any other stylus in existence. Specialpolishing of the diamond along with the use of a Boron cantilever offer remarkabletransparency, speed, and responsiveness beyond that of any other combination.

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Extremely high end materials benefit new coil technologyUsing Ortofon’s Aucurum coils of gold-plated, 6NX oxygen free copper allows forzero-loss transmission of the diamond’s movements via its Boron cantilever. Thiscombination, which has also been employed for use in the MC Windfeld, MC A90and MC A95 cartridges, combines low moving mass with an extremely high degreeof rigidity.
A specially designed armature is used to achieve extreme precision in each coil turnin all layers. This enables the MC Windfeld Ti to achieve a higher degree of channelseparation, while simultaneously offering lower distortion and better channelbalance. A low output impedance of 7 ohm and a low output voltage of 0.2 mVmakes the Ortofon MC Windfeld Ti a perfect partner for most step-up transformersas well as active MC pre-amps.

11Set-upZero resonance cartridgeHistorically, Ortofon has always followed its own path with regard to the mechanicaldesign of the cartridge housing, because mechanical rigidity and total freedom fromresonance in the audible range are a precondition for optimal sound quality. In theMC Windfeld Ti the cartridge’s contact with the tonerarm takes place through threehard, well-defined contact points placed on the fastening section of the cartridge.
This means that the mechanical integration of the cartridge and the tonearm arm isalways absolutely perfect.

As with any cartridge, setup is absolutely crucial in order to ensure the best soundreproduction capabilities. Although there are many valid paradigms that exist withregard to cartridge setup, Ortofon does not endorse a specific methodology andencourages users to explore the options as suggested by their high end audiodealer, including professional setup.
In addition to alignment, consideration must be made to adjust azimuth, anti-skatingand VTA in order to maximize the potential performance of any high end cartridge.

The MC Windfeld Ti is also unique in cosmetic terms: the parts of the cartridgehousing are produced with matte black surfaces. The fastening section made inraw Titanium is distinct in silver color. The underside facing the record is coveredby a new shield, which reinforces the mechanical structure. Per Windfeld’scharacteristic initials in silver accompanied by the letters “Ti” (Titanium) adorn thesides of the cartridge housing, paying tribute to Windfeld’s legacy while at the sametime signifying the technological advancements which create a new standard ofanalog performance.

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Stylus Rake Angle (SRA)

Azimuth adjustment

With a complex stylus shape like the Replicant 100, there must be special attentionpaid to positioning the diamond in the groove.

In order to attain maximum channel separation,it may be possible to adjust the azimuth. Shouldthe cartridge not be perfectly perpendicular to therecord’s surface, the tonearm or headshell mayrequire to be tilted a few degrees.

SRAThe Stylus Rake Angle (SRA - see figure) is very importantto the performance of the Replicant 100 stylus, and the longcontact surface (the sharp edge) of the diamond should bealmost perpendicular to the record surface when viewedfrom the side. The angle between the record surfaceand the cantilever is close to 23 degrees when SRA is 90degrees.

Correct azimuth is established by observing thereflected image of the 2 parallel cartridge frontlines. The cartridge’s front lines must form astraight line with the reflected lines. A flat mirrormay also be used to facilitate this process.

MirrorA perfect starting point is to set the tonearm parallel to the record surface andto use the recommended tracking force. The contact surface will be close toperpendicular to the record surface with this setting. The SRA can now graduallyand carefully be changed be adjusting VTF and, if necessary, the tonearm height.
The target should be an SRA around 92 degrees, determined by the listeningexperience. In other words, the point of the stylus should point slightly towards thetonearm base.

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MountingConnecting

For mounting the cartridge to the headshell you have 3 pairs of screws at yourdisposal. It is of great importance to use the right lenght of screws whenmounting the cartridge. Using too long screws may stop the screws inside thecartridge resulting in insufficient mounting in the headshell. The choice of screwlength is depending on the thickness of the headshell, and a maximum of 3 mmfree screw length under the headshell: For headshells up to 2 mm use 3 mmscrews. For headshells between 2 mm and 3.5 mm use the 5 mm screws fromthe packing. For headshells between 3.5 mm and 5mm use the 6 mm screws.
Mount the cartridge loosely to the headshell at this moment.

Please correlate the colour code for the terminals on the drawing with the colourcoding on the cartridge.
The terminals for right and left channel have the same position as normal for Ortofoncartridges. We recommend the enclosed leadwires to be mounted on cartridge andtonearm before aligning and calibrating the cartridge. The length of the enclosedlead wires will fit a distance between cartridge and tonearm terminals of 35 mm,which will work with most headshells.

AntiskatingFor the MC Windfeld stylus types just set normal antiskating, according torecommended tracking force.

White LRed R+Blue LGGreen RG

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Protection

MaintenanceStylus Guard

Ortofon Repair service

The stylus guard provided for the MC Windfeld Ti is designed to beeasily replaced and removed without risking contact to the fragilestylus assembly. To avoid accidental damage to the stylus or cantileverplease mount the enclosed stylus guard onto the cartridge wheneverthe cartridge is not in use. The stylus guardshould also be attached during mounting orremoval of the cartridge.

Ortofon MC Windfeld Ti is an exclusive cartridge of very high quality. To supportour customers who have accidentally damaged their cartridges, Ortofon providesa special Repair service and Exchange service. Should you have a need for theseservices, please contact your local Ortofon Authorized Partner for more details.
Special Repair service is also available through the Ortofon webshop:www.ortofon-shop.com.

A new stylus protection guard is availablethrough Ortofon webshop:www.ortofon.com/hifi/products/styli-guards.

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Stylus care

Cartridge break-in

We do not recommend the use of solvents of any kind for cleaning of eitherthe record surface or stylus. If necessary, records may be washed in lukewarmdemineralized water with a dash of sulfonic soap. Remove dust carefully fromrecord surfaces by using a fine antistatic brush or cloth before every use. The useof solvents on the stylus and cantilever may damage stylus cement; interior parts ofthe cartridge can be affected seriously by the intrusion of solvents.

Although the MC Windfeld Ti will provide top reproduction right out of the box, thecartridge may slightly change character during the first tens of hours of use. This iscompletely normal and you may, in fact, find that this adds further refinement to yourlistening experience.

The Ortofon warranty will not be valid in cases where such treatment has causedmalfunction. For cleaning the stylus, use the enclosed fiber brush a few times alongthe cantilever in the direction of the stylus, whenever you play a new record orchange sides. Record care should also be performed regularly and is of paramountimportance to prolong the life and condition of the stylus. Because of this, a recordcleaning machine may be considered for ease and quality of record cleaning.

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WarningThis phono cartridge is only for mounting ontonearms and must not be used for otherpurposes.

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MC Windfeld Technical Data

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TECHNICAL DATAMC Windfeld Ti

Output voltage at 1,000 Hz, 5 cm/sec.

0.2 mV

Channel balance at 1 kHz

0.5 dB

Channel separation at 1 kHz

25 dBChannel separation at 15 kHz

20 dB

Frequency range at -3 dB

10 Hz – 50 kHz

Frequency response

20 Hz – 20 kHz +2 dB / -1 dB

Tracking ability at 315 Hzat recommended tracking force

90 μm

Compliance, dynamic, lateral

13 μm/mN

Stylus type

Nude Ortofon Replicant 100,special polished on Boron cantilever

Stylus tip radiusr/R 5/100 μm

Tracking force range

2.0 – 2.5 g (20 – 25 mN)

Tracking force, recommended

2.3 g (23 mN)

Tracking angle

23°

Internal impedance, DC resistance

7 Ohm

Recommended load impedance> 10 Ohm

Coil wire material

Aucurum

Cartridge body material

SLM Titanium, Stainless steel

Cartridge colour

Titanium/Black

Cartridge weight

11 gDate:

Approved by:Ortofon A/S | Stavangervej 9 | DK-4900 Nakskov | Denmark | www.ortofon.com

Ortofon MC Windfeld Ti Userguide 05-2017/ 5-800151-12

Get more information aboutthe MC Windfeld Ti cartridge