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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
87/100
Features Usability
82/100
Value for Money
92/100
Ortofon’s moving-coil precision meets lively musical drive here, with a clean, crisp presentation that stays organized under pressure. What Hi-Fi? praises its detail, expressive dynamics, and easy setup, while its secure tracking and refined treble make it a compelling choice for vinyl fans with the right phono stage.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers detailed, precise sound with strong rhythmic drive and expressive dynamics.
Easy to fit and align thanks to the squared-off body and captive threads.
Tracks securely at the recommended 2.3g and stays composed on demanding passages.
Offers strong value as a well-regarded affordable moving-coil cartridge.
&
Cons
Requires a dedicated moving-coil phono input or phono stage to perform at its best.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
Reviewers describe the cartridge as lively, clean, and well organized, with an even tonal balance and plenty of musical drive. The overall impression is of a cartridge that sounds composed on difficult material while still giving music energy and detail.
Overall Sound
92/100
What Hi-Fi calls it a "terrific performer" with an "even tonality" and a "pleasing sense of life," while also praising its clean, crisp presentation and refinement in the treble. That combination points to a cartridge that is articulate and engaging rather than merely polite.
Tracking Retrieval
89/100
The reviews describe it as "a secure tracker" at the recommended force and highlight "sonic precision and agility" plus clean detail on demanding material. That reads as very capable groove tracing and retrieval, though the elliptical stylus and the language used do not suggest an outright elite-level tracker.
Soundstage Imaging
80/100
Reviewers say the presentation is "stable and organised," which suggests good composure and image stability. They do not give much explicit detail about width, depth, layering, or holographic imaging, so there is limited direct evidence here.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 82/100
It is fairly easy to mount and balance, and its 9g weight should suit many arms without trouble. The main practical caveat is that it needs a dedicated moving-coil input or phono stage, which narrows system compatibility for some buyers.
Tonearm Compatibility
82/100
At 9g and with captive threads, it should be straightforward to fit on many tonearms and easy to align. However, reviewers also point out that it requires a dedicated moving-coil input, so system matching is more demanding than with a typical moving magnet cartridge.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
87/100
The cartridge is described as having a conveniently squared-off ABS body with captive threads, making mounting and alignment easy. Reviewers also note that it is well balanced and has no obvious weaknesses, though they say little about long-term durability or internal construction beyond that.
Value for Money
92/100
The value message is strongly positive: What Hi-Fi says it has not heard a better affordable moving coil option and emphasizes that it costs about what a decent moving magnet design does. That makes it sound like a genuinely attractive buy in its class, even without more extravagant value language.
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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 — 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 364 more verified dealers