Audio T Verdict
The Ortofon MC Quintet Blue hits a particularly appealing point in the Quintet range. It moves beyond the Red's conventional Elliptical stylus to a Nude Elliptical diamond, reducing moving mass and allowing the cartridge to dig further into the groove without immediately stepping into the more specialised Fine Line and Shibata profiles above it.
Ortofon deliberately gives the Blue a smooth and even-handed character. It brings more space, depth and fine detail than the Red while remaining easy to enjoy across a broad range of music rather than demanding pristine recordings at every turn.
Its 0.5mV output makes it a genuine low-output moving coil cartridge, so a suitable MC phono stage is essential. Match it properly and the Quintet Blue is a very persuasive first serious moving coil upgrade.
Ortofon MC Quintet Blue
The Ortofon MC Quintet Blue is a low-output moving coil cartridge designed to combine smooth tonal balance with greater resolution, space and detail than the entry-level Quintet Red.
Its Nude Elliptical diamond is mounted on an aluminium cantilever and partnered with pure 4-nines silver coil wire, a low-impedance generator and Ortofon's easy-to-align Quintet cartridge body.
- Low-output moving coil cartridge
- Nude Elliptical diamond stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- r/R 8/18µm stylus radii
- Pure 4-nines silver coil wire
- Neodymium magnet system
- 0.5mV output voltage
- Less than 1.5dB channel balance at 1kHz
- Greater than 21dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 70µm tracking ability at 315Hz
- 15µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 2.3g recommended tracking force
- Greater than 20-ohm recommended load impedance
- PC thermoplastic cartridge body
- Internal aluminium mounting frame
- Threaded mounting holes
- Half-inch mounting
- 9g cartridge weight
A Natural Step Up From Quintet Red
The Quintet Blue sits immediately above the Quintet Red, but the most important change is right at the record groove.
Where the Red uses a conventional Elliptical diamond, the Blue moves to a Nude Elliptical stylus.
That reduces unnecessary moving mass and allows the stylus and cantilever assembly to react more readily to fine groove modulation.
Nude Elliptical Stylus
The MC Quintet Blue uses a Nude Elliptical diamond with stylus radii of r/R 8/18µm.
With a nude stylus, the diamond itself forms the complete stylus rather than attaching a smaller diamond tip to a separate metal shank.
This reduces moving mass at the end of the cantilever, helping improve tracking precision and retrieval of low-level musical information.
Why Nude Elliptical?
The profile remains relatively straightforward to set up, but removing the additional bonded shank gives the stylus assembly less unnecessary mass to move. It is one of the reasons the Quintet Blue can extract more information from the groove than the Red while remaining a very approachable cartridge.
Aluminium Cantilever
The Nude Elliptical diamond is mounted on an aluminium cantilever.
The cantilever transfers the tiny movements traced by the stylus into the moving coil generator, so its combination of rigidity and low mass plays an important role in cartridge performance.
Pure 4-Nines Silver Coil Wire
The Quintet Blue's moving coils are wound using pure 4-nines silver wire.
These tiny coils move inside the cartridge's magnetic field as the stylus follows the groove, generating the electrical signal sent to the phono stage.
This silver coil specification is an important detail and replaces older information that sometimes described the Blue as using copper wire.
Low Internal Impedance
The Quintet Blue has an internal DC resistance of just 7 ohms.
Ortofon deliberately uses a low-impedance generator throughout the Quintet range, making the cartridges relatively tolerant of suitable moving coil phono stages and transformers.
0.5mV Output
Ortofon specifies an output voltage of 0.5mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
This is substantially below the several-millivolt output of a conventional moving magnet cartridge and places the Quintet Blue firmly in low-output MC territory.
A suitable moving coil phono input, dedicated MC phono stage or compatible step-up arrangement is therefore required.
Check Your Phono Stage
The Quintet Blue is a low-output moving coil cartridge. A normal MM-only input will not usually provide sufficient gain or suitable loading. Check your phono stage before purchasing.
Greater Than 20-Ohm Loading
Ortofon recommends a load impedance of greater than 20 ohms.
The cartridge's own internal resistance is 7 ohms, so don't confuse that figure with the external load setting on the phono stage.
If your phono stage has adjustable loading, choose an appropriate value above Ortofon's specified minimum.
MC Loading Made Simple
Start with Ortofon's recommendation rather than assuming one particular impedance is universally correct. If your phono stage offers several suitable settings above 20 ohms, Audio T can help you compare them alongside the available gain options.
70µm Tracking Ability
Ortofon specifies a tracking ability of 70µm at 315Hz.
Tracking ability describes how successfully the stylus can remain in stable contact with demanding groove modulation without mistracking.
Cartridge alignment, tracking force and anti-skate all play an important part in achieving that performance.
2.3g Recommended Tracking Force
Ortofon specifies the following tracking-force range:
- Minimum: 2.1g / 21mN
- Recommended: 2.3g / 23mN
- Maximum: 2.5g / 25mN
For normal setup, start at Ortofon's recommended 2.3g.
Don't Deliberately Under-Track
A lighter tracking force is not automatically kinder to your records. If the cartridge begins to mistrack, distortion and groove stress can increase. Keep the Quintet Blue within Ortofon's specified 2.1 to 2.5g range.
15µm/mN Compliance
Dynamic lateral compliance is specified at 15µm/mN.
Compliance describes the flexibility of the cartridge suspension and forms part of the mechanical relationship between cartridge and tonearm.
The Quintet Blue weighs 9g, so cartridge mass, compliance and tonearm effective mass should all be considered when checking compatibility.
20-Degree Tracking Angle
Ortofon specifies a tracking angle of 20 degrees.
Correct cartridge geometry and alignment help the Nude Elliptical stylus sit in the groove as intended throughout the record.
Channel Balance and Separation
Channel balance is specified at less than 1.5dB at 1kHz.
Channel separation is specified at greater than 21dB at 1kHz.
Good channel consistency helps maintain stable stereo imaging and clear positioning of voices and instruments across the soundstage.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
Ortofon currently specifies the Quintet Blue at ±2.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
The manufacturer's emphasis is less on chasing extreme bandwidth figures and more on the Blue's smooth, spacious and even-handed presentation.
PC Thermoplastic Body
The Quintet Blue body is manufactured from a special PC thermoplastic material.
Ortofon chose the material for its low weight, impact resistance, durability and suitability for precision injection moulding.
Internal Aluminium Mounting Frame
Inside the thermoplastic body is an aluminium mounting frame with threaded fixing holes.
The metal frame gives the mounting screws a secure fixing point while allowing the external body to remain lightweight.
Easy Cartridge Installation
Ortofon designed the Quintet body with practical cartridge setup in mind.
The straight sides and right angles provide useful visual references during alignment, while the stylus remains easy to see beneath the cartridge body.
Threaded mounting holes also mean you don't need to hold separate cartridge nuts while tightening the fixing screws.
5mm and 7mm Mounting Screws
Ortofon supplies 5mm and 7mm mounting screws, allowing the cartridge to accommodate different headshell thicknesses.
The Quintet Blue uses standard half-inch mounting.
Easy to Align, But Still Align It Properly
The square body makes the cartridge easier to reference visually, but proper alignment with a suitable protractor is still important. The cartridge body should help you achieve the correct geometry rather than replace the setup process.
9g Cartridge Weight
The complete Quintet Blue weighs 9g.
Before fitting, check that your tonearm counterweight can accommodate the cartridge and still provide the required 2.3g tracking force.
Quintet Red or Quintet Blue?
The Blue is the natural next step from the entry-level Quintet Red.
MC Quintet Red
- Elliptical stylus
- Entry Quintet stereo model
- Open and dynamic presentation
- Low-output moving coil design
MC Quintet Blue
- Nude Elliptical stylus
- Pure 4-nines silver coils
- Smoother, more even-handed balance
- Greater space, depth and detail
The Nude Elliptical stylus is the most significant mechanical upgrade, reducing stylus mass and giving the Blue greater potential to retrieve fine groove information.
Quintet Blue or Quintet Bronze?
The Bronze takes another significant step by moving from Nude Elliptical to Nude Fine Line.
MC Quintet Blue
- Nude Elliptical stylus
- r/R 8/18µm radii
- 0.5mV output
- 70µm tracking ability
- Greater than 21dB separation
- 2.3g recommended tracking force
MC Quintet Bronze
- Nude Fine Line stylus
- r/R 8/40µm radii
- 0.3mV output
- 80µm tracking ability
- Greater than 23dB separation
- 2.3g recommended tracking force
The Bronze's Fine Line stylus gives it a more sophisticated groove-contact profile, but it also produces a lower 0.3mV output. The Blue can therefore make a very sensible stopping point where a system benefits from a Nude Elliptical MC cartridge without demanding the more advanced stylus and phono-stage considerations further up the range.
Where Does the Quintet Blue Sit?
The current stereo Quintet range progresses through:
- Quintet Red: Elliptical stylus
- Quintet Blue: Nude Elliptical stylus
- Quintet Bronze: Nude Fine Line stylus
- Quintet Black S: Nude Shibata stylus with Sapphire cantilever
The Blue is therefore the first Quintet model to use a nude diamond and provides an attractive balance between price, setup demands and performance.
Award-Winning Cartridge
The MC Quintet Blue has received considerable recognition over its lifetime, including What Hi-Fi? awards in the cartridge category.
Awards aren't a substitute for correct cartridge and turntable matching, but the Blue's longevity and continued manufacturer support underline why it remains such an established moving coil option.
No User-Replaceable Stylus
The MC Quintet Blue does not use the removable stylus assembly found on Ortofon's moving magnet cartridges.
Its stylus, cantilever and moving coils form part of the complete cartridge assembly, so a worn or damaged stylus shouldn't be removed at home.
Ortofon Exchange Service
The Quintet Blue is currently included in Ortofon's moving coil Exchange Service.
An eligible MC Quintet Blue can be exchanged towards another Quintet Blue or a qualifying Ortofon cartridge above it.
This provides a manufacturer-supported route if the cartridge suffers accidental damage or eventually needs replacing.
Damaged Moving Coil Cartridge?
Don't automatically throw it away. Speak to Audio T first so we can advise whether Ortofon's Exchange Service is appropriate and discuss the replacement or upgrade options available.
Careful Setup Is Worthwhile
The Nude Elliptical stylus is relatively approachable, but the cartridge still benefits from accurate setup.
A thorough installation should include:
- Correct cartridge overhang
- Accurate offset angle
- 2.3g initial tracking force
- Appropriate anti-skate
- Tonearm height where adjustable
- Azimuth where adjustable
- Suitable low-output MC phono-stage gain
- Load impedance greater than 20 ohms
- Checking cartridge and tonearm mechanical compatibility
If you're moving from moving magnet to moving coil for the first time, professional setup and phono-stage matching can be particularly worthwhile.
Key Features
- Ortofon MC Quintet Blue
- Low-output moving coil cartridge
- Quintet Series
- Stereo playback
- Half-inch mounting
- Nude Elliptical stylus
- r/R 8/18µm stylus radii
- Aluminium cantilever
- Pure 4-nines silver coil wire
- Neodymium magnet system
- 0.5mV output voltage
- Less than 1.5dB channel balance at 1kHz
- Greater than 21dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- ±2.5dB response tolerance
- 70µm tracking ability at 315Hz
- 15µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 2.1 to 2.5g tracking-force range
- 2.3g recommended tracking force
- 20-degree tracking angle
- 7-ohm internal DC resistance
- Greater than 20-ohm recommended load impedance
- PC thermoplastic cartridge body
- Internal aluminium mounting frame
- Threaded mounting holes
- 5mm and 7mm mounting screws supplied
- Blue finish
- 9g cartridge weight
- Ortofon Exchange Service eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ortofon MC Quintet Blue still current?
Yes. Ortofon continues to list the MC Quintet Blue within its current Quintet Series.
Is the Quintet Blue moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a low-output moving coil cartridge.
What stylus does the Quintet Blue use?
It uses a Nude Elliptical diamond with r/R 8/18µm stylus radii.
What cantilever does it use?
The Quintet Blue uses an aluminium cantilever.
What coil wire does it use?
Ortofon currently specifies pure 4-nines silver coil wire.
What is the output voltage?
0.5mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
Can I use the Quintet Blue with an MM phono input?
Not directly in normal circumstances. It requires suitable low-output moving coil gain and loading.
What load impedance does Ortofon recommend?
Greater than 20 ohms.
What is its internal resistance?
7 ohms DC resistance.
What tracking force should I use?
Ortofon recommends 2.3g, or 23mN.
What is the tracking-force range?
2.1 to 2.5g.
What is the tracking ability?
70µm at 315Hz.
What is the compliance?
Dynamic lateral compliance is 15µm/mN.
What is the tracking angle?
20 degrees.
What is the channel separation?
Greater than 21dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
Less than 1.5dB at 1kHz.
What is the current frequency response?
Ortofon specifies ±2.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
How much does the Quintet Blue weigh?
9g.
What is the body made from?
Ortofon currently specifies PC thermoplastic, with an internal aluminium mounting frame.
What mounting system does it use?
Standard half-inch mounting with threaded fixing holes.
Are mounting screws included?
Yes. Ortofon supplies 5mm and 7mm screws to accommodate different headshell thicknesses.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
No. The Quintet Blue does not have a customer-removable replacement stylus assembly.
Is the Quintet Blue eligible for Ortofon's Exchange Service?
Yes. Ortofon currently allows an eligible Quintet Blue to be exchanged towards another Quintet Blue or qualifying models above it.
What is the difference between Quintet Red and Blue?
The most important change is the stylus. The Red uses an Elliptical diamond, while the Blue uses a Nude Elliptical design with lower moving mass.
What is the difference between Quintet Blue and Bronze?
The Blue uses a Nude Elliptical stylus and produces 0.5mV, while the Bronze moves to a Nude Fine Line profile and has a lower 0.3mV output.
Related Ortofon Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy an Ortofon Moving Coil Cartridge From Audio T?
The Quintet Blue is straightforward by moving coil standards, but correct turntable matching, cartridge alignment and phono-stage setup still make a significant difference. Audio T can help make sure the cartridge, tonearm and MC phono stage all work properly together.
- Turntable and tonearm compatibility advice
- Moving magnet to moving coil upgrade guidance
- Professional cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm geometry advice
- MC phono-stage matching
- Gain and loading advice
- Quintet model comparison
- Ortofon Exchange Service guidance
- Turntable upgrade advice
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Ortofon MC Quintet Blue is the right moving coil cartridge for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.