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 Ortofon Quintet Mono cartridge is a brand new product with no equivalent model in the earlier ranges.
Ortofon Quintet Mono: body
It takes its inspiration from the Ortofon Quintet Blue MC cartridge, 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 square shape means that it couldn't be easier to align onto the headshell.
Ortofon Quintet Mono: features
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.
Ortofon Quintet Mono: assembly
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.
Ortofon Quintet Mono: listening and review
Along with the Cadenza Mono, this Quintet Mono 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 are a cut above what we’re used to hearing with a stereo cartridge used on the same record.
The textures are rich and neutral.
The Ortofon Quintet Mono cartridge is easily one of the best mono cartridges on the market.
If you have a lot of mono vinyl records in your collection and your phono preamp is MC compatible, this cartridge is one of your best options. Highly recommended.
FranckTechnology: Moving coil (MC)
Output: 0.3 mV
Frequency response at -3 dB: 20-25000 Hz
Tracking at 315 HZ: 70 Um
Compliance: 15 Um/mN
Stylus: Nude Elliptical 8/18um
Cantilever: Boron
Tracking force: 2.1-2.5g
Recommended tracking force: 2.3g
SRA: 20°
Internal impedance: 5 Ohm
Recommended load: >20 Ohms
Body: ABS/Aluminium
Coil conductor: Silver
Weight: 9g