Ortofon
Ortofon Quintet Black S MC Phono Cartridge
Best high-end moving coil cartridge for discerning vinyl audiophiles.
The Ortofon Quintet Black S is the pinnacle of the Quintet series, offering unparalleled accuracy and resolution. It features a Nude Shibata diamond stylus mounted on a Sapphire cantilever, delivering a detailed and pure reproduction across the entire audio spectrum. The cartridge body is constructed from a special PC thermoplastic material, ensuring durability and a scratch-resistant finish. Its low internal impedance guarantees broad compatibility with various preamps and transformers. Designed for easy mounting and alignment, this cartridge provides an exceptional listening experience, bringing you closer to the artist's original intent with every track. The Ortofon Quintet Black S is a top-tier Moving Coil cartridge, representing the pinnacle of the Quintet series. Featuring a nude Shibata diamond stylus on a sapphire cantilever, it ensures an exceptionally wide contact area for detailed and pure audio reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum. The cartridge body is constructed from a special PC thermoplastic material, offering a lightweight, impact-resistant, and scratch-resistant surface. Neodymium magnets are employed for optimal output, and its low internal impedance ensures broad compatibility with various preamps and transformers. The design facilitates easy and secure mounting with threaded aluminum frame holes.
$999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1637
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-21%
Below average
Stylus Type
Nude Shibata on sapphire cantilever
/ Nude Shibata on sapphire cantilever
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking deep texture and hidden musical nuances
- Listeners wanting a vibrant and punchy sonic presentation
- Collectors prioritizing long-term reliability and precision engineering
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists wary of high-end price tags
- Owners of entry-level turntables lacking specialized MC amplification
- Casual users preferring low-maintenance, durable equipment
Performance breakdown
Detail Retrieval
The Shibata stylus extracts microscopic nuances from deep within the groove.
Transient Response
Sapphire cantilever rigidity ensures lightning-fast attacks and precise musical timing.
System Compatibility
Low internal impedance makes pairing with diverse phono stages remarkably simple.
Installation Ease
Threaded mounting holes streamline the alignment process for a secure fit.
Build Integrity
Thermoplastic housing provides a durable, resonance-resistant foundation for the internal motor.
Frequency Extension
Captures the full sonic spectrum with exceptional clarity and tonal balance.
Key Specs
Stylus Type
Nude Shibata on sapphire cantilever
Output Voltage
0.3 mV
Channel Separation
> 23 dB
Frequency Range
20 - 25,000 Hz
Tracking Force
2.1-2.5 g
Weight
9 g
Internal Impedance
5 Ohm
Recommended Load Impedance
>20 Ohm
Features
- Top-of-the-line performance within the Quintet range.
- Features a Nude Shibata diamond stylus for exceptional detail retrieval.
- Sapphire cantilever for enhanced rigidity and transient response.
- Neodymium magnets ensure optimal output and dynamic range.
- Low internal impedance for broad compatibility with phono preamplifiers.
- Durable and scratch-resistant PC thermoplastic body.
- Designed for easy and secure mounting and alignment.
- Delivers a detailed, pure, and accurate sound reproduction.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ortofon Quintet Black S MC Phono Cartridge for its exceptional sound quality and remarkable performance. Reviewers frequently highlight its ability to extract incredible detail and present a wide, immersive soundstage, transforming their listening experience. The cartridge is celebrated for its rich, dynamic, and musical presentation, making it a highly valued component for serious audiophiles seeking a significant upgrade in audio fidelity.
Know before you buy
The Nude Shibata stylus features a wide contact area that reaches deeper into the record groove than elliptical or spherical tips. This design allows it to extract more high-frequency detail and nuance from your vinyl while reducing record wear.
Sapphire is significantly more rigid than the aluminum cantilevers found on entry-level cartridges. This extra stiffness improves transient response, meaning the cartridge can track rapid musical shifts with greater precision and less distortion.
The Quintet Black S has a low internal impedance of 5 Ohms and a recommended load impedance of greater than 20 Ohms. This makes it highly compatible with most high-quality moving coil (MC) phono stages and step-up transformers.
Not at all. The cartridge body features threaded mounting holes, which eliminates the need for fiddly nuts and makes the alignment process much more secure and straightforward.
The recommended tracking force is 2.3 grams, with an acceptable range between 2.1 and 2.5 grams. We suggest starting at 2.3 grams and adjusting slightly within that range to suit your specific tonearm and listening preferences.
Yes, the special PC thermoplastic is designed to be both lightweight and highly scratch-resistant. It provides a stable, resonance-controlled housing that protects the internal components while maintaining the structural integrity needed for high-fidelity playback.
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$999