Ortofon

The Ortofon MC Quintet Bronze is a moving coil phono cartridge designed for audiophiles seeking precise and accurate sound reproduction. As part of the MC Quintet Series, this model incorporates advanced engineering and materials to ensure fidelity to the original recording without coloration. The MC Quintet Bronze is known for its detailed and balanced sound, making it an ideal choice for discerning vinyl enthusiasts who value clarity and depth in their listening experience.

Key Features

• Moving Coil Design: Offers superior transient response and detail through a low-output moving coil system.
• Nude Fine Line Diamond Stylus: Provides excellent tracking ability and precise groove contact for high-frequency detail.
• ABS Thermoplastic Body: Features a lightweight, impact-resistant body for durability and reduced resonance.
• Neodymium Magnets: Utilized to achieve optimal output and enhance signal quality.
• Low Internal Impedance: Ensures compatibility with a wide range of preamps and transformers, minimizing sensitivity to load variations.
• Easy Installation: Designed for straightforward top-mounting with supplied screws, facilitating secure and accurate setup.

Detailed Description

Moving Coil Technology

The MC Quintet Bronze employs a moving coil generator system that enables precise tracking of the vinyl groove. This technology involves coils attached directly to the stylus assembly, reducing the moving mass and allowing for better transient response. The result is an audio reproduction that captures intricate details and dynamic changes, providing an immersive listening experience.

Stylus and Cantilever Design

The cartridge features a nude fine line diamond stylus, which is highly regarded for its ability to track record grooves accurately. The fine line shape ensures minimal surface noise and enhances high-frequency detail, making it suitable for revealing the nuances in recordings. An aluminum cantilever supports the stylus, offering the necessary rigidity and lightweight characteristics to maintain tracking precision and reduce distortion.

ABS Thermoplastic Body

The body of the MC Quintet Bronze is constructed from a special ABS (Acrylonitrile/Butadiene/Styrene) thermoplastic material. This lightweight and impact-resistant material is ideal for injection molding, providing a durable and scratch-resistant surface. The ABS construction helps to minimize resonance, ensuring that the cartridge delivers a clean and uncolored sound output.

Neodymium Magnets and Low Impedance

Neodymium magnets are integrated into the cartridge design to achieve optimal output levels, enhancing signal strength and quality. Additionally, the MC Quintet Bronze features low internal impedance, making it less sensitive to variations in load. This design aspect ensures compatibility with a broad range of preamps and transformers, allowing the cartridge to deliver consistent performance across different audio setups.

Sound Profile and Tuning

The MC Quintet Bronze is recognized for its ability to render detailed and balanced sound across the audio spectrum. It adds depth and resolution to the playback, maintaining an even-handed approach that respects all elements of the music. This tuning results in a natural and neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of musical genres and recording styles.

Ease of Use

The design of the MC Quintet Bronze prioritizes ease of installation and setup. The cartridge features an aluminum frame with threaded mounting holes, allowing for secure top-mounting using the supplied screws. The right angles, straight lines, and ample distance between the record surface and the cartridge's bottom make it straightforward to mount and align the cartridge and tonearm correctly. This ease of use ensures that the Quintet series delivers excellent results with most common tonearms.

Performance Characteristics

The performance of the MC Quintet Bronze is defined by its ability to convey musical nuance and depth. It offers a wide frequency response, ensuring that both low and high-frequency sounds are reproduced with clarity. The precise channel balance and separation contribute to a well-defined stereo image, capturing the spatial aspects of live recordings and studio productions with accuracy.

Technical Specifications

Please read the recommendations for stylus and record care: Ortofon's HiFi FAQ