MC Quintet Red

The MC Quintet Red is the entry model of Ortofon's Quintet moving coil series. It carries an elliptical stylus with an r/R 8/18 µm tip and a 0.5 mV output at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec. The tonearm is asked to track it at 2.1-2.5 g, with 2.3 g recommended.

The body is moulded from PC thermoplastic, a light, impact-resistant material with a scratch-resistant surface. Neodymium magnets are used to get a good output level, and the low internal impedance of 7 Ohm makes the cartridge less sensitive to load, so it suits a wide range of preamps and step-up transformers. The sound is characterised as open and dynamic with a slight touch of warmth.

Mounting is a top-mount, half-inch design. The aluminium frame has threaded holes and takes 5 mm or 7 mm screws, depending on the thickness of the headshell. Square lines, a visible stylus and generous clearance beneath the body are meant to make alignment easier. The cartridge won the Goldenes Ohr award 2020 from Stereoplay readers in the MC phono cartridge category.