Ortofon was founded in 1918 by Danish engineers Axel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen to further develop the synchronisation of sound and image. Originally known as the Electrical Phono Film Company, the company specialised in film sound technology and contributed to the development of one of the first synchronised sound film systems. In 1923, the first sound film with this system premiered at the Palace Theatre in Copenhagen. In 1947, the company was renamed Ortofon, derived from the Greek words ‘orto fon’, meaning ‘correct sound’.
In the 1980s, Ortofon benefited considerably from advances in material and manufacturing technology. The use of powerful magnetic materials such as samarium-cobalt and neodymium led to even more compact and efficient cartridges. The 2M series, which was introduced in 2007, is still one of the favourites in the hi-fi sector today. In 2008, the SPU 90th Anniversary model was introduced in co-operation with the Danish Technological Institute.
Ortofon also sets standards in the DJ sector. The Concorde series, a moving magnet cartridge introduced in the 1980s, impressed with its durable construction and outstanding sound quality. It developed into one of the most popular DJ cartridges in the world. In 2018, Ortofon launched the optimised Concorde MKII series, which was specially designed for different DJ styles.
Today, Ortofon stands for the perfect symbiosis of tradition and technological innovation. Through continuous development and the use of high-quality materials, the company has established itself as the global market leader for cartridges - for audiophiles and DJs alike.
N° darticle : DJE0008314-000
Video: Discovery Channel features Ortofon AS