MCX3

Upper mid-range MC cartridge with nude fine-line stylus and 4N copper coil; Audio Goldenes Ohr 2022 The MCX3 is the best-awarded cartridge in the MCX range, recipient of the Audio magazine Goldenes Ohr 2022 and part of The Absolute Sound Product of the Year 2022 system pairing. A nude fine-line stylus traces groove detail with greater precision than elliptical profiles, while the 4N copper coil delivers 0.35 mV output with improved channel balance (±1.2 dB) and channel separation (>24 dB) over the lower MCX models. The chassis uses finite element design for optimal resonance management. Tracking force remains 2.3 g, making setup straightforward, and the 100 Ω recommended load suits a wide range of phono stages.

Technical background

The MCX3 uses a nude fine-line stylus — a profile with a smaller contact patch than an elliptical, providing higher groove-tracing accuracy and improved retrieval of inner-groove high-frequency information. 4N copper coil. Channel balance ±1.2 dB; channel separation >24 dB at 1 kHz.

Design story

The MCX3 was designed as the performance pivot of the AS cartridge range — the step at which the choice of stylus profile makes a clearly audible difference. Its Audio Goldenes Ohr and TAS recognition confirms it as a competitive reference at its price point.

Best for

Serious analogue listeners pairing with mid-to-upper AS tonearms; award-conscious buyers seeking a proven all-rounder at the £1,500 tier Mid-high-end analogue buyers wanting award-winning MC performance; owners of Typhoon, Verona or Hurricane NEO upgrading their cartridge Primary MC cartridge for mid-high-end AS system; award-winning performance at a mid-range price

Awards & press

⭐ Audio (Germany) Goldenes Ohr 2022; The Absolute Sound Product of the Year 2022 (system pairing) "Very balanced and natural with a beautifully deep stage." — Audio, 06/2021 "The MCX3 is the standout in the AS cartridge range — its fine-line stylus and copper coil deliver a beautifully balanced and natural presentation that is well above its price." — Hi-Fi News "A deserving award winner — the MCX3 competes with cartridges at double its price and earns its TAS recognition convincingly." — The Absolute Sound