Ortofon Quintet Mono Cartridge

A new range of Ortofon cartridges is always an event! This new range is the merger of VIVO and RONDO lines. It uses some of the elements of these cartridges without forgetting innovation, as always.

The Quintet Mono cartridge is a brand new product with no equivalent model in the earlier ranges.  It does, however, takes its inspiration from the Quintet Blue, recreating its ABS (acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene) and aluminium sandwich construction. This gives it a medium-sized mass that contributes to its overall rigidity and vibration damping properties.

The Nude Elliptical stylus is mounted onto an aluminium cantilever. The coils use a conductor made of high purity copper and silver. The combination of these two materials can pick up a mono signal without the need for any specific equipment afterwards.  The magnetic circuit comprises powerful neodymium magnets. The output connectors are gold-plated. The top of the cartridge is connected to the headshell by 3 points, like the Cadenza series. They minimise mechanical vibration between the two elements.

The square shape means that it couldn't be easier to align onto the headshell. It is assembled using screws and threaded inserts, so without nuts, but it should be noted that it cannot be mounted to certain headshells, such as the Thorens 160 or 166, etc.

The Quintet Blue is easily one of the best mono cartridges on the market. Along with the Cadenza Mono, it has some of the lowest levels of surface noise we have ever heard.  The playback quality is impressive, and its presence and realism make it a benchmark in its category. Its dynamic range and level of detail is a cut above what we’re used to hearing with a stereo cartridge used on the same record. The textures are rich and neutral. If you have a lot of mono records in your collection and your preamp is MC compatible, this cartridge is one of your best options. Highly recommended.