Ortofon
Ortofon Quintet Black S
Best high-fidelity upgrade for discerning vinyl enthusiasts seeking pure, detailed sound.
The Ortofon Quintet Black S is a premium moving coil phono cartridge designed for discerning audio enthusiasts. It features a Shibata stylus on a Sapphire cantilever, ensuring exceptional mechanical pulse transfer for detailed and pure sound reproduction across the entire spectrum. The cartridge body is constructed from a durable, scratch-resistant ABS thermoplastic material, and utilizes neodymium magnets for optimal output. Its low internal impedance ensures broad compatibility with various preamps and transformers. The design facilitates easy mounting and alignment with most common tonearms, making it a top recommendation for mid to seasoned audio enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity vinyl playback.
$1149.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1637
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-9%
Below average
Body Material
ABS
/ ABS
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking maximum resolution and nuanced musical textures
- Vinyl collectors prioritizing record longevity and distortion-free playback
- Serious listeners investing in long-term, high-performance audio reliability
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists looking for entry-level equipment
- Listeners without high-gain moving coil phono amplification
- Beginners intimidated by precise cartridge alignment and system matching
Performance breakdown
High-Frequency Detail
The Shibata stylus extracts intricate micro-details from complex vinyl grooves.
Soundstage Depth
Provides an expansive, holographic presentation that brings live recordings to life.
Installation Ease
Threaded mounting holes make alignment straightforward for most standard tonearms.
System Compatibility
Low internal impedance ensures seamless pairing with a wide range of preamps.
Build Integrity
The rigid ABS body and sapphire cantilever offer exceptional mechanical stability.
Tracking Accuracy
Maintains precise contact with the groove for distortion-free playback throughout.
Key Specs
Body Material
ABS
Cantilever Material
Sapphire
Stylus Type
Shibata
Magnet Type
Neodymium
Mounting
Top-mounting with threaded aluminum frame
Low internal impedance
Scratch-resistant surface
Features
- Shibata stylus on a Sapphire cantilever for superior signal transfer
- Detailed and pure reproduction with excellent soundstage
- Easy and secure top-mounting with threaded holes
- Designed for accurate mounting and alignment
- Durable, impact-resistant, and scratch-resistant ABS body
- Neodymium magnets for high output
- Low internal impedance for broad compatibility
- Represents the pinnacle of Ortofon's MC Quintet series
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ortofon Quintet Black S for its exceptional sound quality and meticulous design. Reviewers highlight its ability to extract incredible detail and deliver a rich, expansive soundstage, transforming the listening experience. The precision engineering and robust build quality are frequently noted, contributing to a sense of lasting performance and reliability. Users feel it offers a significant upgrade, justifying its position as a premium component for serious audiophiles seeking sonic excellence.
Know before you buy
The Sapphire cantilever is exceptionally rigid and lightweight, which allows it to transfer mechanical vibrations from the groove to the coils with minimal energy loss. This results in a more detailed, precise, and transparent sound reproduction compared to standard aluminum cantilevers.
Yes, the Shibata profile is highly sensitive to alignment due to its complex shape. You will need to ensure precise tracking force and anti-skating settings, as well as accurate vertical tracking angle (VTA) adjustment to get the best performance from this cartridge.
The Quintet Black S features low internal impedance, making it compatible with a wide range of moving coil (MC) phono preamps and step-up transformers. As long as your preamp supports MC cartridges, it should integrate seamlessly into your system.
The cartridge body features threaded holes, which eliminate the need for fiddly nuts when attaching it to the headshell. This makes the mounting process much more secure and straightforward, allowing you to focus on the critical task of alignment.
The Black S sits at the top of the Quintet range, distinguished primarily by its high-end Shibata stylus and Sapphire cantilever. These premium materials provide a significant upgrade in resolution, frequency extension, and soundstage depth compared to the entry-level models in the series.
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$1150