Ortofon Concorde MKII DIGITAL
Overview
The Concorde MKII Digital embodies the culmination of a century of Danish expertise, specifically calibrated for DJs navigating between timecoded vinyl and traditional media. This red and white cartridge combines technical precision and durability to meet the demands of digital control while preserving sound quality on classic vinyl.
Redesigned for Professional Handling
The two-part construction marks a significant evolution. The widened body ensures increased stability, while the enlarged cutout area around the stylus greatly improves visibility—a crucial detail when positioning on timecoded grooves.
The handling grip, now removable and reinforced, solves the recurring issue of broken lift fingers found in earlier versions. The distinctive red color makes identification in the booth easy, with the Digital logo clearly displayed. Weighing in at 18.5 grams, the cartridge maintains the optimal balance between sturdiness and lightness, allowing for a tracking force of 4 grams that preserves your records.
Technical Optimization for Timecode: Understanding the Stakes
Timecoded vinyl contains a control signal—a 1000 Hz sine wave slightly phase-shifted between channels. The Concorde MKII Digital leverages this feature with an exceptional output voltage of 10 mV, maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio for precise interpretation by DJ software.
This high output drastically reduces decoding errors, offering more responsive control of digital files. The spherical stylus ensures optimal contact with timecoded grooves. The modified frequency response curve attenuates wear and crackle frequencies, significantly extending the lifespan of timecoded records.
Performance on Conventional Vinyl
Despite its digital orientation, the Digital maintains remarkable sound quality on traditional vinyl. The 20 Hz – 18 kHz response covers the essential spectrum, with the aluminum cantilever providing the necessary rigidity. The 100 μm tracking ability guarantees performance comparable to scratch models, allowing seamless transitions from digital control to classic pressings without compromise.
Technical Specifications
Design and Ergonomics
- New design
- Colors: red and white
- Removable and sturdy handling grip
- Improved diamond visibility
Technical Specifications
- Output level: 10 mV
- Frequency response: 20 - 18,000 Hz
- Tracking force:
- Possible: 3 - 5 g
- Recommended: 4 g
- Weight: 18.5 g
Diamond
- Type: spherical
- Replacement diamond: digital stylus (Stylus Digital)
Usage
- Ideal for timecode reading (Timecode)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cartridge only suitable for timecoded vinyl?
No, the Concorde MKII Digital works perfectly with conventional vinyl. Its optimization for timecode does not prevent high-quality playback of traditional pressings, making it a versatile solution for DJs mixing both digital and analog formats.
What’s the difference compared to other models in the MKII range?
The Digital stands out with its high output voltage (10 mV versus 6–8 mV for other models) and its specific optimization to minimize timecode decoding errors. The Mix, DJ, Club, and Scratch models focus on other aspects such as versatility, sound finesse, or resistance to intensive scratching.
Does the spherical stylus limit audio quality?
The choice of a spherical stylus meets the demands of timecode, where playback stability is paramount. On conventional vinyl, it delivers decent reproduction but is less detailed than an elliptical stylus. DJs seeking audiophile listening will prefer the Club model with its special elliptical stylus.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 5705796013658
