Ortofon MC Quintet Mono

The Ortofon MC Quintet Mono is a genuine mono moving-coil cartridge with a nude elliptical diamond stylus on an aluminium cantilever and pure 4N silver coils, built for mono microgroove records.

It's the Quintet series' mono special edition: a true mono system with a strapped output that runs on any stereo system – without any special mono equipment.

Why the Quintet Mono?

A true mono system responds only to horizontal groove movement and ignores the vertical – exactly where mono pressings carry nothing but noise, dust and scratches. The strapped output puts both pole pairs onto the same signal, so the Quintet Mono delivers genuine mono playback on any stereo system. Even worn or damaged records play back remarkably quietly.

What you'll hear

A stable, quiet and cohesive mono sound: voices and instruments sit compact and tangible in the centre, surface noise recedes noticeably. Mono records gain substance and authority that a stereo system can't achieve on the same grooves.

Who's the Quintet Mono for?

For collectors of mono microgroove records who want to hear their treasures in genuine mono quality without special equipment. Straight talk: it's not suitable for 78 rpm shellac – the fine elliptical cut doesn't fit the wide shellac groove. And an MC-capable phono stage is mandatory here too.

Our verdict

The Quintet Mono is the uncomplicated entry into serious mono playback: a true mono system at a reasonable price that runs on any stereo chain. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will advise you on whether a dedicated tonearm is worthwhile for it.

Technical specifications

• Type: MC cartridge (moving coil, low output), true mono system
• Stylus type: Elliptical (nude)
• Cantilever: Aluminium
• Tip radius: r/R 8/18 µm
• Output voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 0.3 mV
• Frequency range (-3 dB): 20–25,000 Hz
• Frequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz): ±2.0 dB
• Tracing ability (315 Hz): 70 µm
• Stylus compliance (dynamic, lateral): 15 µm/mN
• Tracking force: 2.1–2.5 g (recommended 2.3 g)
• Tracking angle: 20°
• Internal impedance (DC): 5 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: > 20 ohms
• Coil wire: pure 4N silver
• Body material: ABS / aluminium
• Colour: White
• Weight: 9 g

Frequently asked questions

Do I need special mono equipment for the Quintet Mono?

No. Thanks to its strapped output, the Quintet Mono delivers genuine mono playback on any normal stereo system – you only need an MC-capable phono input. A mono switch or special mono gear isn't necessary.

Can I also play shellac records with the Quintet Mono?

No. The elliptical cut is made for mono microgroove vinyl and far too fine for the wide grooves of 78 rpm shellac – both would suffer damage. Shellac needs its own cartridge with a larger tip radius.

What phono stage and tonearm suit the Quintet Mono?

An MC-capable phono preamp (0.3 mV, load above 20 ohms) and a light to medium-mass tonearm. At 9 g weight and 15 µm/mN dynamic compliance, the Quintet Mono fits most arms. We'll set up the right combination for you.

Why buy the Ortofon Quintet Mono at HD Zürisee?

Because mono playback is its own chapter, one we know from practice. As an authorised dealer in Wädenswil, we'll advise you on the right combination, mount the cartridge professionally and tell you honestly whether a second tonearm is worthwhile. Call or write to us.

Goes well with

Around the Quintet Mono: you'll find alignment tools and matching accessories under Turntable Accessories, everything for a clean groove under Record Cleaning. Everything else around your turntable is shown in All Vinyl.