MC Quintet Blue

Bringing detail
to the sound
1 5

The Quintet Blue is a very homogeneous cartridge

MC Quintet Blue

The Quintet Blue is a very homogeneous cartridge.

The Quintet Blue's sound image will tend to more smooth reproduction compared to Quintet Red and moderate dynamic strength compared to Quintet Bronze.

It features a Nude Elliptical diamond mounted on an aluminium cantilever. The Quintet Blue will bring more space, depth and detail into the sound and is a very good choice for any kind of music, especially rhythmic.

€549,00
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OverviewFeaturesReviewsSpecifications

Research and innovation

Accuracy level

The MC Quintet Series is congruent with Ortofon’s unrelenting commitment to providing the most precise and accurate reproduction possible without coloration:

  • A special PC thermoplastic material is used for manufacturing of the body. This light-weight, impact resistant material is very suitable for injection-moulding and provides a very durable scratch resistant surface.

  • Neodymium magnets are implemented to achieve an optimal output.

  • Low internal impedance makes the cartridge less sensitive to load and therefore ensures compatibility with the widest range of preamps and transformers.

MC Quintet Blue adds even more details and resolution but in a very evenhanded way that pays respect to all elements.

The story of Quintet

The Quintet series

Nothing demonstrates Ortofon's long-standing resilience more than its commitment to the refinement of analog sound quality and its continued development of new cartridge models.

Since 1948, Ortofon has introduced about 100 different Moving Coil models. We believe the cartridges in this new series are more than worthy successors to the long line of models that has made Ortofon the global leader in the manufacture and supply of phono cartridges.

Ease of use

Compatibility

Top-mounting of the Quintet cartridges is easy and secure using the screws supplied. The aluminuim frame has threaded mounting holes and is fitted easily with the 5 mm or 7 mm screws depending on the thickness of the headshell.

The Quintet series’ right angles, straight lines, stylus visibility, and ample distance between the record surface and the cartridge’s bottom will make it easy to mount and align the cartridge and tonearm correctly. The Quintet Series gives excellent results with most common tonearms.

A terrific performer

“It doesn't take long to realise that the Quintet Blue is a terrific performer...

Given a suitably capable system we have no doubt the Ortofon Quintet Blue will impress. It’s a well-balanced design with no obvious weaknesses. If you’ve always hankered after a moving coil cartridge we can’t think of an alternative we prefer. Buy this one with confidence.

SCORES:
Sound 5
Compatibility 5
Build 5

Read the full review here: https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/ortofon-quintet-blue“

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi? 2020 & 2021 Award winner in the category "Best Cartridge Over £150”

“If you’re after an affordable cartridge, we haven’t heard a better option.

... The Quintet Blue handles the music’s frantic dynamic swings with composure, refusing to harden-up even when provoked. We’re impressed by its refinement and ability to render treble textures.

... The Ortofon (MC Quintet Blue -red.) is a secure tracker, too, at the recommended 2.3 g. The presentation’s even tonality and pleasing sense of life mean that we don’t feel the need to play around with the tracking weight one bit...“

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2019 winner in the category "A modestly priced moving coil cartridge"

“... Detailed and precise presentation, expressive dynamics, easy to fit...

Given a suitably capable system we have no doubt the Ortofon Quintet Blue will impress. It’s a well-balanced design with no obvious weaknesses. If you’ve always hankered after a moving coil cartridge we can’t think of an alternative we prefer. Buy this one with confidence.

SCORES:
Sound 5
Compatibility 5
Build 5“

Comprehensive and enjoyable performance with all music

“... It offers the most comprehensive and enjoyable performance with all music, showing Ortofon has clearly hit upon another magic formula...
... it presents all the detail in the track with real dymanism … its soundstage is expansive left to right … and it also possesses a greater talent for bringing instruments within it to life ...
… Each instrument gets the space to let its notes grow, which it knits together into a cohesive whole, revealing its measured and neutral presentation …
… Bass is well articulated and evenly presented without being overly emphasized or rolling off too early, making its presence and detail felt without becoming overwhelming on more demanding bass-heavy music.“

Andrew Simpson

Hi-Fi Choice

What Hi-Fi? Award Winner 2024

“he Quintet Blue moving coil is a true five-star product: simple to fit, not too heavy, so easy to balance out, and capable of a sound that's worth every penny of its asking price.“

Kashfia Kabir

What Hi-Fi?

Specifications
  • Channel balance at 1 kHz
    < 1.5 dB
  • Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec
    0.5 mV
  • Channel separation at 1 kHz
    > 21 dB
  • Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
    +/- 2.5 dB
  • Tracking ability at 315 Hz
    70 µm
  • Compliance, dynamic, lateral
    15 µm/mN
  • Stylus type
    Nude Elliptical
  • Stylus tip radius
    r/R 8/18 µm
  • Tracking force range
    2.1-2.5 g
  • Tracking force, recommended
    2.3 g
  • Tracking angle
    20°
  • Internal impedance, DC resistance
    7 Ohm
  • Recommended load impedance
    > 20 Ohm
  • Coil wire material
    Pure 4-nines silver
  • Cartridge body material
    PC
  • Cartridge colour
    Blue
  • Cartridge weight
    9 g
    • Download user guide
    Download brochure

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