Ortofon MC Quintet Mono Moving Coil Cartridge

Stylus for mono records

The stylus is a nude elliptical diamond with a tip radius of r/R 8/18 µm. Ortofon says it tracks perfectly through even worn and damaged records and ensures surface noise control.

Tracking ability is listed as 70 µm at 315 Hz, with a dynamic lateral compliance of 15 µm/mN.

Coil, magnets and body

The coil wire is pure 4-nines silver (Ag) and the internal impedance is 5 ohms. Ortofon says neodymium magnets are used to achieve an optimal output, and that the body is made from a light-weight, impact resistant PC thermoplastic.

Ortofon says the low internal impedance makes the cartridge less sensitive to load, so it works with the widest range of preamps and transformers.

On its Quintet Mono page, Ortofon describes the cartridge as an all-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth.

Mounting and alignment

Ortofon says the Quintet cartridges top-mount with the screws supplied. The aluminium frame has threaded mounting holes, and you use 5 mm or 7 mm screws depending on the thickness of the headshell.

Ortofon says the Quintet series' right angles, straight lines, stylus visibility and ample distance between the record surface and the cartridge's bottom make it easy to mount and align. It says the series gives excellent results with most common tonearms.