Ortofon

The Ortofon MC Quintet Red is a moving coil (MC) cartridge designed to meet the needs of audiophiles seeking high-quality audio reproduction at an affordable price. As part of Ortofon's Quintet series, the MC Quintet Red is engineered to deliver a warm and dynamic sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres. This cartridge incorporates advanced materials and technology to ensure consistent performance, durability, and compatibility with a variety of audio systems.

Key Features

• Elliptical Diamond Stylus: Ensures precise tracking and detailed sound reproduction.
• Aluminum Cantilever: Provides stability and minimizes distortion.
• Lightweight, Durable Design: Features a scratch-resistant thermoplastic body.
• Neodymium Magnets: Enhance output and signal clarity.
• Low Internal Impedance: Ensures broad compatibility with preamps and transformers.
• All-Purpose Sound: Delivers open, dynamic sound with a touch of warmth.

Detailed Description

Elliptical Diamond Stylus

The MC Quintet Red is equipped with an elliptical diamond stylus, which plays a crucial role in the cartridge's ability to reproduce sound accurately. The elliptical shape allows for precise contact with the record groove, improving tracking accuracy and capturing more audio detail compared to conical stylus designs. This stylus shape enhances the cartridge's ability to extract high-frequency information, resulting in a clearer and more immersive listening experience across a variety of music genres.

Aluminum Cantilever

An aluminum cantilever is used to connect the stylus to the coils within the cartridge. Aluminum is chosen for its light weight and rigidity, allowing for precise movement and minimal distortion during playback. This rigidity ensures that the stylus maintains stable contact with the record groove, providing consistent tracking performance and balanced sound across bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. The aluminum cantilever is a key component in achieving the MC Quintet Red's accurate sound reproduction.

Lightweight, Durable Design

The MC Quintet Red's body is made from a special PC thermoplastic material, selected for its light weight and impact resistance. This material is well-suited for injection molding, resulting in a durable, scratch-resistant surface that protects the cartridge's internal components. Weighing just 9 grams, the lightweight design reduces record wear while maintaining sound quality. The thermoplastic body contributes to the cartridge's overall durability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for vinyl enthusiasts.

Neodymium Magnets

The use of neodymium magnets in the MC Quintet Red enhances its output and signal clarity. Neodymium is a powerful magnetic material that allows the cartridge to produce a strong, clear audio signal with minimal distortion. This ensures that the cartridge delivers high-quality sound reproduction, capturing the nuances of the original recording. The implementation of neodymium magnets reflects Ortofon's commitment to achieving optimal audio performance.

Low Internal Impedance

The MC Quintet Red features low internal impedance, which makes the cartridge less sensitive to load variations and ensures compatibility with a wide range of preamps and transformers. This design consideration allows the cartridge to deliver consistent performance across different audio systems, providing flexibility for users who may want to upgrade or modify their setup. The low internal impedance also contributes to the cartridge's ability to produce an open and dynamic sound profile.

All-Purpose Sound

The MC Quintet Red is designed as an all-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth. This sound profile makes it suitable for a wide variety of music genres, from classical and jazz to rock and pop. The cartridge's ability to reproduce sound with accuracy and warmth ensures an enjoyable listening experience, capturing the essence of each recording while adding a pleasing sonic character.

Technical Specifications

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