Ortofon Hifi MC QUINTET BLUE

An MC Cartridge Designed to Take Playback Quality to the Next Level

This MC phono cartridge positions itself as an ambitious solution to extract more musicality from a turntable, thanks to a design focused on precision (nude elliptical diamond) and a high-end coil architecture (pure silver). Its output level of 0.5 mV clearly targets a properly configured system to enjoy a stable stereo image, articulated bass, and clear soundstage readability. Its blue aesthetic and hybrid ABS and aluminum construction make it a model as reliable in use as it is refined in finish.

Who Is It For and In What Applications?

This cartridge is aimed at vinyl turntable users seeking an upgrade, especially hi-fi enthusiasts and audiophiles wanting improved precision on vocals, textures, and soundstage. It is well suited for demanding domestic listening (living room, dedicated room) as well as monitoring environments where definition and channel separation are important. Its recommended setup (tracking force and stylus angle) makes it suitable for users willing to carefully align, balance the tonearm, and set the input load to achieve consistent results record after record.

Features and Innovations

As an MC (moving coil) type, this cartridge prioritizes reading finesse and responsiveness. Its nude elliptical diamond stylus improves groove contact and promotes clearer tracking of complex passages. The aluminum cantilever contributes to a good balance between rigidity and control, while the pure silver coils aim for detailed reproduction with fast transients and a sense of openness. With a frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hz (+/-2.5 dB) and channel separation values measured at 1 kHz and 15 kHz, it is designed to deliver credible stereo and clean listening, provided it is paired with an MC phono preamp (or suitable step-up) and the recommended load.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	Destination	hifi
Frequency response - end	22 kHz	Diamond tip	elliptical
DJing type	Monitoring	Color	Blue
Category	cell	Quantity	1
Type	cell

Cartridge color	Blue	Channel separation at 1 kHz	greater than 21 dB
Cartridge body material	ABS and aluminum	Channel separation at 15 kHz	greater than 14 dB
Coil wire material	Pure silver 4N (Ag)	Tracking ability (315 Hz with recommended tracking force)	70 µm
Diamond	Nude elliptical	Lateral compliance, dynamic	15 µm/mN
Cantilever	Aluminum	Tracking force range	2.1-2.5 g (21-25 mN)
Stylus tip radius	r/R 8/18 µm	Recommended tracking force	2.3 g (23 mN)
Tracking angle	20 degrees	Internal impedance	7 Ohm
Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec	0.5 mV	Recommended load impedance	greater than 20 Ohm
Frequency response	20-20,000 Hz, +/-2.5 dB	Cartridge weight	9 g
Channel balance	less than 1.5 dB