Reference Accuracy and Realism: Ortofon Verismo MC Phono Cartridge Features Titanium Housing and Replicant 100 Diamond Stylus

When audio expert Michael Fremer wrote about the "cartridge-design renaissance," he highlighted was the Ortofon Verismo MC phono cartridge. Part of the company's Exclusive Series, Verismo shows how cutting-edge technology has resulted in elevated levels of sonic dynamics, detail, and resolution during analog playback. Named after the Italian word for "true," Verismo is exactly that: true to the source and faithful to reproducing the music on LPs with beautiful realism. 

Featuring titanium housing created with Ortofon's Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technique, which allows for precise control of the body density and extremely high internal damping, Verismo touts a  Replicant 100 diamond stylus with a narrow, long contact surface that mirrors that of a cutting stylus. The addition of a solid diamond cantilever provides an optimal interface between the stylus and armature. By way of its hardness and crystal structure, the diamond cantilever accounts for exceptional degrees of inner detail, subtlety, and depth.

With Verismo, the contact with the tonearm takes place through three well-defined contact points positioned on the top side of the cartridge. In short, the mechanical integration of the cartridge and  tonearm remains seamless, resulting in standout dynamics, resolution, and detail.

Have questions about the cartridge that continues to win awards throughout the audiophile community? Call a Music Direct audio consultant today and we'll gladly discuss it in further detail.

“[The] new Verismo tracks and traces grooves effortlessly, while providing an exceptional amount of perceived realism.”
—Andre Jennings, The Absolute Sound, Golden Ear Award

"Set up properly, you'll never find the Verismo boring—or strident. It sings in a timbrally neutral voice that doesn't call attention to itself..."
—Michael Fremer, Stereophile

"Ortofon's MC Verismo revealed a level of grandeur that was evident even through smaller systems... It is nothing short of sensational."
—Ken Kessler, Hi-Fi News, Outstanding Product review

"Where the Verismo really shines is both in its very flat frequency response (within ±1.5dB from 20Hz-20kHz), showing some additional low bass 'heft, and its fine lateral/vertical symmetry..."
—Paul Miller, Hi-Fi News, Outstanding Product review

Stylus Protection Guard

The stylus guard provided for Verismo can be easily replaced and removed without risking contact to the fragile stylus assembly. To avoid accidental damage to the stylus or cantilever, mount the enclosed stylus guard onto the cartridge whenever the cartridge is not in use. The stylus guard should also be attached during mounting or removal of the cartridge.

What's in a Name?

The name Verismo is derived from the Italian "vero," meaning "true," and is an Italian term for "realism." Verismo was a post-Romantic operatic genre that had its origins in an Italian literary movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Verismo's operatic tradition is associated with Italian composers such as Pietro Mascagni, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Umberto Giordano, Francesco Cilea, and Giacomo Puccini, who sought to portray the world with greater realism.