Ortofon Rondo Blue & Bronze Review

                            by James Leahy

 

This is not so much a review but a guide to the differences between the Ortofon Rondo MC Cartridge range.

The Ortofon Rondo Blue (middle) and Ortofon Rondo Bronze (top) are the next models in the Ortofon Rondo MC cartridge range after the entry level Ortofon Rondo Red.

What are the differences and how much of a difference is there between the trio is often one of the main questions I get asked. I set out to directly compare the three mid level moving coil cartridges back-to-back so you don't have to.

While the Rondo Red is really very good for the price it, can be improved on in terms of outright performance. It was never claiming to be the definitive State-Of-The-Art design in MC cartridges. However, with any cartridge be it MM or MC the performance is directly related and in proportion the the quality of the phono stage it is used with. See THIS for more information. Keep the phono stage you are using these cartridges with keenly in mind when making a selection. This advice goes for any cartridge.

The performance of a cartridge is ultimately limited by the design and quality of the phono stage is it connected to. Use an under performing phono stage and even the Ortofon Jubilee will sound average or nothing special at best.

For those starting out with their first MC cartridge and getting into the Ortofon Rondo MC range I would match them with the Musical Fidelity X-LSPv8 phono stage. I have tested all the Rondo range with this unit and the results are spectacular. Going above the Rondo MC cartridge range into the Ortofon Kontrapunkt series from my testing will mandate the minimum standard for a phono stage you should be looking at is the VTL TP-2.5. Going above the Rondo Bronze with a lesser phono stage will strip the vast majority of the performance gain that a more expensive Ortofon cartridge can potentially bring.

However, having said that the VTL TP-2.5 certainly makes the Rondo range really sing from my tests and lifts the performance to super human levels. I would rather have a Rondo Red with the awesome VTL TP-2.5 then an Ortofon Jubilee and the Musical Fidelity X-LSPv8 any day of the week. Both set-up's would cost roughly the same price.

 

 

The Rondo Blue is smoother in the midrange than the Rondo Red and more musical. The rhythm seems to swing more with better integration between the instruments. Not that the Rondo Red is by any means harsh or dry. If you are not shown the differences between the Red v.s. Blue in a head-to-head comparison then the differences would not be so obvious. You hardly ever miss what you don't even know exists. At least I don't and never have.

If I could rate the Rondo Red as a 5 on a 1 to 10 scale. Ten; being the Ortofon Jubilee, the best cartridge I have had the pleasure of using. The Rondo Blue would score a 5.5 and the Rondo Bronne a 6.0. Now this might not sound like a lot of variation between the three Rondo models but there most certainly is. The Ortofon Jubilee is more then twice the cartridge the Rondo Bronze is from my testing. Easily outstripping it in every area and then some. So the increase in performance of the Blue and Bronze over the Red should be more in perspective for the readers of this website.

 

 

The Rondo Bronze gives a much wider sound stage then the other two Rondo models and is well mated to the best midrange phono stages on the market. The performance in the dynamics is easy to differentiate from the Rondo Blue. The Rondo Bronze being more urgent and forceful with greater impact visible on complicated musical works. There is an ease of listening at high levels that is particularly well suited to the Rondo Bronze over the other two especially when not listening to the best quality recordings.

The rated output of the three Rondo models is the same at 0.500mV. They all track on 2.3gm and they are all mode from grinded wood/resin composite. So were is the difference that you are paying for I hear you ask. Of course like always the difference is the stylus type and profile.

The Rondo Red uses a Nude elliptical with aluminium cantilever. The Rondo Blue uses a Nude Fritz Gyger 70 with aluminium cantilever. Lastly the bronze uses a Nude Fritz Gyger 80 with tapered aluminium cantilever.

 

 

Associated review Equipment

  • Line Stage:        VTL TL-6.5

  • Amplifiers          VTL MB-750 Reference Monoblocks

  • Speakers:          Martin Logan Odyssey

  • Cables:             Furutech

  • Cartridge:          Ortofon Jubilee

  • Turntable:          Rega P7 with Rega RB1000 tonearm