Ortofon MC Quintet Red

The Ortofon MC Quintet Red is a low-output moving-coil cartridge with an elliptical diamond stylus on an aluminium cantilever, and the entry point into Ortofon's famous moving-coil sound.

It's the perfect first MC: versatile, open and dynamic, with a slight touch of warmth – and a price-to-performance ratio that's hard to beat in this class.

Why the Quintet Red?

Genuine moving-coil technology delivers finer dynamics and liveliness than most entry-level MMs – but it needs an MC-capable phono stage. The elliptical diamond is ground and polished to Ortofon's own standards, and the ABS/aluminium body keeps the mechanics stable. An honest, uncomplicated all-rounder.

What you'll hear

An open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth that suits any style of music. The Quintet Red plays lively and effortlessly, with plenty of space and drive – an entry point that never sounds like a budget compromise.

Who's the Quintet Red for?

For vinyl beginners who want to make the step from MM to genuine MC sound and have, or are planning, an MC-capable phono stage. Straight talk: without an MC input or a step-up transformer, the Red plays too quietly. More resolution and a finer cut are offered by the Blue, Bronze and Black S.

Our verdict

The Quintet Red is the classic door-opener into Ortofon's MC world: dynamic, musical, affordable. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will tell you honestly whether the Red is enough, or whether the step up to the Blue is worthwhile for you – and we'll set up the phono stage to match.

Technical specifications

• Type: MC cartridge (moving coil, low output)
• Stylus type: Elliptical
• Cantilever: Aluminium
• Tip radius: r/R 8/18 µm
• Output voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/s): 0.5 mV
• Channel balance: < 1.5 dB
• Channel separation (1 kHz): > 21 dB
• Channel separation (15 kHz): > 14 dB
• Frequency range (-3 dB): 20–25,000 Hz
• Frequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz): ±2.5 dB
• Tracing ability (315 Hz): 65 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): 7 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: > 20 ohms
• Coil wire: Copper
• Body material: ABS / aluminium
• Colour: Red
• Weight: 9 g

Frequently asked questions

What phono stage does the Ortofon Quintet Red need?

An MC-capable phono preamp or a step-up transformer. At 0.5 mV, the Red is a low-output MC; Ortofon recommends a load impedance of more than 20 ohms. We at HD Zürisee will set this up correctly for you.

What's the difference between the Quintet Red and the Quintet Blue?

The Red uses a bonded elliptical diamond, the Blue a nude elliptical stylus, which resolves more finely, with more space and depth. Both are uncomplicated all-rounders; the Red is the most affordable entry point, the Blue the next step up. For many, the Red is the ideal start.

Will the Quintet Red fit my tonearm?

Usually, yes. At 9 g weight and 15 µm/mN dynamic compliance, the Red fits most light to medium-mass tonearms. We'll check the ideal resonance frequency with you if needed.

Why buy the Ortofon Quintet Red at HD Zürisee?

Because we give you honest advice on which Quintet suits your system and which phono stage belongs with it. As an authorised dealer in Wädenswil, we take care of the matching, and our technician Mauri will professionally mount and align the cartridge on request. Call or write to us.

Goes well with

Get more out of the Quintet Red: 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.