Ortofon

Ortofon has recently replaced some of its older models of low output moving coil cartridges with a new series called Quintet. There are four stereo models in this line. MC Quintet Red ($299) is an all-purpose cartridge that delivers open and dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth. MC Quintet Blue ($499) adds more dynamics and resolution, sounds more open, and reproduces more detail. MC Quintet Bronze ($799) adds even more detail and resolution but does it in a very evenhanded way that respects all musical elements. MC Quintet Black ($999) has the best of everything, is truest to the groove and has the best resolution and most accurate insight into each recording.

The performance of the MC Quintet Series is congruent with Ortofon's unrelenting commitment to providing the most precise and accurate reproduction possible without coloration. This has been achieved with careful design and thoughtful selection of materials. A special ABS (Acrylonitrile/Butadiene/Styrene) thermoplastic material is used for manufacturing of the body. This light-weight, impact resistant material is very suitable for injection-molding 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 moving coil transformers.

Highlights of each model are given below:

The Quintet Red is a perfect introduction to the world of Ortofon moving coils. It features an Elliptical diamond which is cut and polished to Ortofon's very high standards. This entry-level moving coil cartridge has a very high performance-to-price ratio and is a perfect all-around choice for the newcomers to the world of Moving Coil cartridges. The Quintet Blue is a very homogeneous cartridge whose sound will tend to smoother reproduction compared to the Quintet Red. Its dynamics are excellent although not quite in the same league as the Quintet Bronze. It features a nude elliptical diamond mounted on an aluminum cantilever. The Quintet Blue will bring more space, depth, and detail to the sound than the Red and is a very good choice for any kind of music. The Quintet Bronze takes you into the higher range of the Quintets. The slim profile of its nude, fine-line diamond stylus will track even the highest frequency information, making it a must for discerning listeners. Additionally the larger contact area of its fine-line stylus ensures reduced distortion and record wear. The sound is very even-handed in all areas. Classical music is reproduced with power and open space around each of the instruments. All types of music are conveyed with the highest accuracy, precision and dynamics. The Quintet Black is the best example of Quintet's overall excellence. It employs a nude, Shibata diamond, considered one of the best stylus profiles available, mounted on a high-performance boron cantilever. The Shibata's slim, highly-polished profile allows an exceedingly large contact area with the walls of the groove. This ensures detailed and pure reproduction throughout the musical spectrum, including the highest frequency groove information. The Quintet Black is unchallenged by any musical genre and gives the closest approach, within the Quintet series, to Ortofon's goal of true accuracy in sound.