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Ortofon MC Quintet Blue
Accuracy level
The MC Quintet Series is congruent with Ortofon’s unrelenting commitment to providing the most precise and accurate reproduction possible without coloration:
- A special PC thermoplastic material is used for manufacturing of the body. This light-weight, impact resistant material is very suitable for injection-moulding and provides a very durable scratch resistant surface.
- Neodymium magnets are implemented to achieve an optimal output.
- Low internal impedance makes the cartridge less sensitive to load and therefore ensures compatibility with the widest range of preamps and transformers.
MC Quintet Blue adds even more details and resolution but in a very evenhanded way that pays respect to all elements.
The Quintet series
Nothing demonstrates Ortofon's long-standing resilience more than its commitment to the refinement of analog sound quality and its continued development of new cartridge models.
Since 1948, Ortofon has introduced about 100 different Moving Coil models. We believe the cartridges in this new series are more than worthy successors to the long line of models that has made Ortofon the global leader in the manufacture and supply of phono cartridges.
Compatibility
Top-mounting of the Quintet cartridges is easy and secure using the screws supplied. The aluminuim frame has threaded mounting holes and is fitted easily with the 5 mm or 7 mm screws depending on the thickness of the headshell.
The Quintet series’ right angles, straight lines, stylus visibility, and ample distance between the record surface and the cartridge’s bottom will make it easy to mount and align the cartridge and tonearm correctly. The Quintet Series gives excellent results with most common tonearms.
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Usability
84/100
Value for Money
94/100
The Ortofon MC Quintet Blue brings crisp detail, expressive dynamics and an invitingly warm, even-toned moving-coil sound to vinyl systems. What Hi-Fi? admired its poised tracking, rhythmic drive and refined treble, while HiFi Turtle found its airy, richly textured presentation deeply involving. Easy mounting and standout value make it a persuasive MC upgrade.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Clean, precise and detailed sound remains composed through demanding dynamic swings, with refined treble texture.
Warm, airy and richly textured voicing delivers an engaging, non-bright listen.
Captive threads, squared body and manageable 9g weight make mounting, alignment and tonearm balancing straightforward.
Strong moving-coil value at a price comparable to a quality moving-magnet cartridge.
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Cons
Its 0.5mV low output requires a capable dedicated moving-coil phono input or gain stage.
Its revealing definition can expose flaws in poorly pressed or produced records.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
Reviewers find the Quintet Blue composed, energetic and evenly balanced, combining a warm, inviting character with strong rhythmic drive and clean detail. It remains controlled through demanding dynamic material, while its spatial presentation is not discussed in depth.
Overall Sound
93/100
What Hi-Fi calls it a terrific performer, praising its even tonality, lifelike presentation, rhythmic assurance and strong sense of drive. HiFi Turtle likewise hears an airy, warm and richly textured sound that is pleasurable rather than excessively bright or analytical.
Tracking Retrieval
91/100
What Hi-Fi reports secure tracking at the recommended 2.3g and says the cartridge stays composed during frantic dynamic swings without hardening up. Reviewers also praise its crisp, detailed and agile presentation, though HiFi Turtle notes that this definition can make flaws in poorly pressed records easier to hear.
Soundstage Imaging
75/100
The reviews describe the sound as stable, organised and airy, but provide little direct commentary on soundstage width, image focus, depth or layering. Its spatial performance is therefore less clearly documented than its tonal balance and detail retrieval.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 84/100
Tonearm compatibility and system fit are generally good, but this is a low-output moving-coil cartridge that needs an appropriate MC phono input or gain stage.
Tonearm Compatibility
84/100
At 9g, the Quintet Blue should be easy for most tonearms to balance, and its captive-thread body simplifies installation and alignment. However, its 0.5mV output requires a dedicated moving-coil-capable phono stage, while headshell weight and VTA considerations may matter on less adjustable vintage turntables.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
What Hi-Fi praises the squared-off body and captive threads, which make mounting and alignment straightforward. The 9g chassis is also described as sensibly balanced for use on most arms, although the supplied reviews offer little comment on long-term durability.
Value for Money
94/100
What Hi-Fi considers it the best affordable moving-coil option it has heard and highlights that it costs about as much as a good moving-magnet design. HiFi Turtle also finds its roughly $480 price well worth paying for the substantial sonic upgrade.
Reviews
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Ortofon MC Quintet Blue
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Audio Association — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- 2C Stereo — in-store — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (website)
- à la carte productions — in-store — Palm Coast, Florida, United States (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- A/V Solutions — in-store — Pleasanton, California, United States (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 371 more verified dealers