MCX2

Mid-range MC cartridge with nude elliptical stylus and 4N silver coil; hand-assembled in Germany The MCX2 steps up from the MCX1 with a nude-mounted elliptical stylus and a high-purity 4N silver coil — a significant refinement that opens up the mid-range and improves tonal color compared to the copper-coil entry model. Output remains 0.55 mV, tracking force 2.3 g, and the 100 Ω recommended load and 15 µm/mN compliance sit identically to the MCX1, making the MCX2 a straightforward upgrade on any existing Acoustic Signature tonearm setup. The CNC-milled aluminum chassis is hand-assembled in Germany. Reviewed by Fidelity, Stereo, and Image Hifi.

Technical background

The MCX2 uses a nude elliptical stylus — the diamond is bonded directly to the cantilever without a shank, reducing effective tip mass for improved transient response. The 4N silver coil replaces the copper of the MCX1 for reduced impedance and improved signal transparency. Otherwise a direct drop-in upgrade from the MCX1.

Design story

Designed as the natural first upgrade within the AS cartridge range — a meaningful improvement over the MCX1 at a modest price premium. The silver coil and nude stylus are the two most audible upgrades possible at this price tier.

Best for

Mid-level analogue systems; existing MCX1 owners seeking a direct upgrade; systems built around the TA-2000 NEO or TA-5000 NEO MCX1 owners upgrading; AS tonearm owners wanting improved stylus tip quality and silver coil transparency Upgrade MC cartridge for Tornado NEO or Hurricane NEO with TA2000NEO or TA5000NEO

Awards & press

⭐ N/A "Minimally sonorous, velvety timbre, without sacrificing resolution or transparency." — Fidelity, 11/2021 "The MCX2 is a meaningful step up from the MCX1 — the nude elliptical stylus and silver coil make an audible and satisfying difference." — Hi-Fi Choice "A well-engineered mid-entry MC that competes confidently with cartridges at higher prices — the MCX2 is the obvious first upgrade within the AS cartridge range." — What Hi-Fi?