Ortofon
Ortofon Quintet Bronze Moving Coil Cartridge
Best high fidelity upgrade for discerning audiophiles.
The Ortofon Quintet Bronze Moving Coil Cartridge delivers exceptional accuracy, precision, and dynamics across all music genres. Its slim Nude Fine Line stylus tracks high frequencies with remarkable detail, while its larger footprint minimizes distortion and record wear. Crafted with a durable ABS and aluminum body, it features neodymium magnets for optimal output and low internal impedance for broad preamp compatibility. This cartridge ensures an even-handed, powerful, and spacious reproduction, making it a worthy successor in Ortofon's legacy of high-fidelity phono cartridges.
$849.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1637
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-33%
Below average
Output voltage
0.3
/ mV
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking nuanced musical textures and micro-details
- Listeners desiring immersive, three-dimensional sonic landscapes
- Discerning owners valuing long-term reliability and consistent performance
Who should skip it
- Newcomers to high-end vinyl or those with basic phono preamps
- Budget-conscious audiophiles or casual listeners
- Owners concerned about long-term maintenance expenses
Performance breakdown
High-Frequency Detail
The Nude Fine Line stylus captures intricate textures with remarkable clarity.
Tracking Precision
Maintains stable contact with the groove to minimize distortion and wear.
Soundstage Depth
Delivers an open, spacious presentation that brings recordings to life.
System Compatibility
Low internal impedance ensures seamless pairing with most modern phono preamps.
Build Integrity
Robust ABS and aluminum construction offers long-term durability and resonance control.
Installation Ease
Straightforward mounting design simplifies the alignment process for most tonearms.
Key Specs
Output voltage
0.3 mV
Channel balance
< 1.2 dB
Channel separation
> 23 dB
Frequency range
20-25,000 Hz
Tracking force
2.1-2.5 g
Stylus tip radius
8/40 µm
Internal impedance
5 Ohm
Recommended load impedance
> 20 Ohm
Features
- High-accuracy, precision, and dynamic music reproduction
- Slim Nude Fine Line stylus for detailed high frequencies
- Reduced distortion and record wear
- Even-handed sound with power and open space
- Durable, scratch-resistant ABS/Aluminum body
- Neodymium magnets for optimal output
- Low internal impedance for wide compatibility
- Easy mounting and alignment
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ortofon Quintet Bronze for its exceptional sound quality, delivering a rich, detailed, and engaging listening experience. Many highlight its ability to reveal subtle nuances in recordings, transforming their vinyl playback. While a premium investment, users frequently express that its superior audio performance offers remarkable value for money within the high fidelity cartridge market. The robust build quality also contributes to a sense of lasting satisfaction and reliability, making it a cherished component for serious music lovers.
Know before you buy
Because this is a low-output moving coil cartridge with an output of 0.3 mV, you will need a phono preamp that supports MC cartridges. It is designed with a low internal impedance of 5 Ohms, making it compatible with most standard MC phono stages that offer a load impedance setting of 20 Ohms or higher.
The Nude Fine Line stylus features a slim profile that reaches deep into the groove to retrieve high-frequency detail. Its larger footprint helps distribute tracking force more effectively, which minimizes record wear and reduces distortion compared to standard elliptical styli.
The cartridge is designed for straightforward mounting and alignment. It features a threaded body, which allows you to attach it to your headshell using only the provided screws without needing nuts, simplifying the setup process significantly.
The Quintet Bronze is known for being remarkably even-handed and spacious. It leans toward a precise, dynamic presentation that balances high-frequency clarity with a powerful, open soundstage, making it a versatile choice for most music genres.
The recommended tracking force for the Quintet Bronze is between 2.1 and 2.5 grams. For the best balance of tracking performance and sound quality, we suggest starting at the middle of this range and adjusting based on your specific tonearm setup.
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