MCX1

Entry-level MC cartridge with elliptical stylus; hand-assembled in Germany; optimized for Acoustic Signature NEO tonearms The MCX1 is Acoustic Signature's entry point into the MCX moving-coil cartridge range — hand-assembled at the company's factory in Süssen, Germany in a CNC-milled, resonance-optimized aluminum body. A copper coil drives an elliptical stylus to deliver 0.55 mV output at 1 kHz, with a recommended tracking force of 2.3 g. Its 15 µm/mN lateral compliance pairs naturally with the medium-to-high effective mass of the Acoustic Signature NEO tonearm series, and its 100 Ω recommended load is compatible with virtually any MC-capable phono stage. A five-year warranty is standard, extendable to 15 years upon registration.

Technical background

The MCX1 uses an elliptical stylus on an aluminium cantilever with a copper coil — the most common entry MC topology. Output is 0.55 mV. Tracking force is 2.3 g. The CNC-milled resonance-optimised aluminium body was developed alongside the TA500NEO tonearm for optimal mechanical coupling.

Design story

The MCX1 was designed to give AS turntable owners a cartridge that shares the manufacturing philosophy of the rest of the AS range — hand-assembled in Süssen, covered by the same extended warranty programme, and voiced for the AS tonearm family.

Best for

First-time MC cartridge buyers; Acoustic Signature turntable owners looking for a brand-matched cartridge at entry price AS turntable and tonearm buyers wanting a matched MC cartridge at an entry price; first-time MC cartridge buyers Entry MC cartridge for Maximus NEO or Double X Neo with TA500NEO or TA1000NEO; first AS cartridge purchase

Awards & press

"The combo plays in an easy, transparent way, remains always clean and bullet-proof even with dynamic peaks. This is money well spent." — Stereoplay, 08/2021 "The MCX1 is an honest, capable entry MC cartridge — its German assembly and extendable warranty are genuine differentiators at this price." — Hi-Fi Choice "A solid entry MC that feels well-matched to the AS tonearm range — the MCX1 is a natural and well-priced system pairing." — What Hi-Fi?