Audio T Verdict
The MC Quintet Black S is the most sophisticated stereo cartridge in Ortofon's Quintet range, combining a Nude Shibata diamond with a Sapphire cantilever and the low-output moving coil generator that underpins the series.
What makes the Black S particularly interesting is the mechanical upgrade over the models below it. The Shibata stylus has a long, narrow groove-contact area designed to retrieve extremely fine information, while the Sapphire cantilever provides the rigid and lightweight connection needed to transmit those movements into the generator.
At 0.3mV, this is a proper low-output moving coil cartridge and deserves a suitable MC phono stage, accurate alignment and a capable turntable. Give it that and the Quintet Black S offers exceptional insight without being tied to one particular style of music.
Ortofon MC Quintet Black S
The Ortofon MC Quintet Black S sits at the top of the Quintet stereo cartridge range and is designed for listeners looking for high resolution, precise groove tracing and accurate musical reproduction from a serious vinyl system.
Its Nude Shibata diamond is mounted on a high-performance Sapphire cantilever and partnered with Ortofon's Aucurum coil system, neodymium magnet technology and low-impedance moving coil generator.
- Low-output moving coil cartridge
- Top stereo model in the Quintet Series
- Nude Shibata diamond stylus
- Sapphire cantilever
- r/R 6/50µm stylus radii
- Aucurum coil wire
- Neodymium magnet system
- 0.3mV output voltage
- Less than 1.0dB channel balance at 1kHz
- Greater than 23dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 80µm 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
The Flagship Quintet Stereo Cartridge
The Quintet Series was developed to make Ortofon moving coil performance accessible across a wide range of turntables and tonearms.
As you move through the range, Ortofon progressively changes the stylus and other mechanical elements rather than simply altering one electrical specification.
The Black S takes that progression to its highest level within the Quintet family by combining the Shibata stylus with a Sapphire cantilever.
Nude Shibata Diamond
The defining feature of the MC Quintet Black S is its Nude Shibata diamond stylus.
Ortofon specifies stylus radii of r/R 6/50µm.
The Shibata's slim profile provides an unusually broad contact area against the walls of the record groove while maintaining a fine tracing radius in the direction of travel.
This helps the stylus follow small and rapidly changing groove modulations, including demanding high-frequency information.
Why Shibata?
A record groove becomes increasingly difficult to trace accurately as its modulation becomes finer, particularly towards the inner grooves of an LP.
The Shibata profile is designed to maintain extensive contact with the groove wall while tracing those small changes accurately.
That can improve retrieval of subtle musical information, spatial detail and high-frequency content when the cartridge is properly aligned.
Advanced Styli Reward Accurate Setup
The more sophisticated the stylus profile becomes, the more worthwhile precise cartridge alignment is. Overhang, offset angle, tracking force and anti-skate should all be set carefully if you want to hear what the Quintet Black S is capable of.
A Nude Diamond
The term 'Nude' means the stylus is formed directly from the diamond rather than mounting a smaller diamond tip on a separate metal shank.
This helps reduce unnecessary moving mass and allows the stylus assembly to respond more readily to the tiny movements contained within the groove.
Sapphire Cantilever
The Nude Shibata diamond is mounted on a Sapphire cantilever.
The cantilever forms the mechanical connection between the stylus and moving coil generator, transferring every movement traced from the record groove.
A stiff and lightweight cantilever is therefore particularly important when the stylus is capable of tracing such fine information.
Why Cantilever Material Matters
The cantilever has to move quickly while remaining sufficiently rigid to avoid losing information through unwanted flex.
The Sapphire cantilever is one of the defining upgrades that distinguishes the Black S within the Quintet range.
It allows Ortofon to pair the sophisticated Shibata diamond with a suitably high-performance mechanical link to the generator.
Aucurum Coil Wire
The MC Quintet Black S uses Ortofon's Aucurum coil system.
These extremely small moving coils generate the electrical signal as the stylus and Sapphire cantilever respond to modulation in the record groove.
Ortofon's current specification identifies Aucurum as the coil wire material used specifically by the Quintet Black S.
Neodymium Magnet System
The Quintet Series uses neodymium magnets within its moving coil generator.
Ortofon uses the compact, powerful magnetic system to achieve the required output while keeping the generator structure efficient.
What Makes Moving Coil Different?
In a moving coil cartridge, tiny coils move inside the magnetic field as the stylus follows the record groove.
This allows the moving assembly to be kept very light, helping the cartridge react quickly to fine groove information.
The trade-off is that those small coils produce a much lower output voltage than a conventional moving magnet cartridge.
0.3mV Low-Output Moving Coil
The Quintet Black S produces 0.3mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
This is a genuine low-output moving coil signal and requires considerably more phono-stage gain than a normal MM cartridge.
A suitable moving coil phono input, dedicated MC phono stage or appropriate step-up solution is therefore required.
Check Your Phono Stage
The MC Quintet Black S should not normally be connected directly to an MM-only phono input. Make sure your phono stage provides suitable gain for a 0.3mV moving coil cartridge and appropriate load impedance.
Greater Than 20-Ohm Loading
Ortofon specifies a recommended load impedance of greater than 20 ohms.
The cartridge's own internal DC resistance is just 5 ohms.
Its low internal impedance is deliberately intended to make the Quintet Series relatively tolerant of different suitable moving coil phono stages and step-up solutions.
Internal Resistance Isn't the Phono-Stage Setting
The cartridge's 5-ohm internal resistance and Ortofon's greater-than-20-ohm recommended load are two different specifications. If your MC phono stage offers adjustable loading, use a suitable setting above the manufacturer's stated minimum.
80µm Tracking Ability
Ortofon specifies a tracking ability of 80µm at 315Hz.
Tracking ability describes how successfully the stylus can remain in stable contact with the groove through demanding modulation.
The Shibata profile, Sapphire cantilever, suspension and correct setup all contribute to that performance.
2.3g Recommended Tracking Force
The manufacturer specifies the following tracking-force range:
- Minimum: 2.1g / 21mN
- Recommended: 2.3g / 23mN
- Maximum: 2.5g / 25mN
For normal setup, Ortofon's recommended 2.3g is the correct starting point.
Don't Deliberately Under-Track
Using less tracking force than the manufacturer specifies does not automatically reduce record wear. If the stylus begins to mistrack, groove stress and distortion can increase. Keep the Quintet Black S within Ortofon's stated 2.1 to 2.5g range.
15µm/mN Compliance
Dynamic lateral compliance is specified at 15µm/mN.
Compliance describes the mechanical flexibility of the cartridge suspension and forms an important part of matching the cartridge to the effective mass of a tonearm.
The Quintet Black S itself weighs 9g, so both figures should be considered when checking compatibility.
20-Degree Tracking Angle
Ortofon specifies a tracking angle of 20 degrees.
Correct cartridge alignment and suitable tonearm geometry help place the Shibata stylus in the groove as intended.
Where the tonearm provides adjustment, arm height and azimuth can also form part of a thorough installation.
Channel Balance and Separation
Channel balance is specified at less than 1.0dB at 1kHz.
Channel separation is specified at greater than 23dB at 1kHz.
Closely matched channels and effective separation help preserve stable stereo imaging and precise placement of voices and instruments within the soundstage.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
Ortofon's current live specification gives a frequency response of ±1.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
Rather than relying on older extended-frequency figures, this page follows the current manufacturer specification for the complete cartridge.
PC Thermoplastic Body
Ortofon currently specifies the Quintet Black S cartridge body material as PC thermoplastic.
The lightweight material is designed to provide a durable and impact-resistant exterior while keeping the cartridge practical to use with a broad range of tonearms.
Internal Aluminium Mounting Frame
Inside the cartridge is an aluminium frame incorporating threaded mounting holes.
This gives the mounting screws a secure metal fixing point while avoiding the need to juggle separate nuts above or below the headshell.
Easy Top Mounting
Ortofon designed the Quintet body with installation in mind.
The cartridge has threaded mounting holes and is supplied with 5mm and 7mm screws to suit different headshell thicknesses.
The straight sides, right angles and clear visibility of the stylus also make it easier to reference the cartridge body during alignment.
Easy to Mount Doesn't Mean Alignment Is Optional
The square cartridge body makes alignment easier to see, but a Shibata stylus still deserves an accurate alignment protractor and proper setup. Use the body as a useful visual reference rather than relying purely on eyesight.
Standard Half-Inch Mount
The MC Quintet Black S uses conventional half-inch mounting.
This provides broad physical compatibility with suitable tonearms and headshells using the standard two-screw mounting arrangement.
Ortofon states that the Quintet Series gives excellent results with most common tonearms, although cartridge mass, compliance and counterweight range should still be checked.
9g Cartridge Weight
The complete cartridge weighs 9g.
Before fitting, make sure the tonearm counterweight can accommodate that mass while still applying the required 2.3g tracking force.
Quintet Bronze or Quintet Black S?
The Bronze and Black S share several electrical specifications but use significantly different stylus systems.
MC Quintet Bronze
- Nude Fine Line stylus
- r/R 8/40µm profile
- 0.3mV output
- Greater than 23dB channel separation
- 15µm/mN compliance
- 2.3g recommended tracking force
MC Quintet Black S
- Nude Shibata stylus
- r/R 6/50µm profile
- Sapphire cantilever
- 0.3mV output
- Greater than 23dB channel separation
- 2.3g recommended tracking force
The biggest reasons to choose the Black S are therefore mechanical rather than simply electrical. The Shibata diamond and Sapphire cantilever give it the most sophisticated groove-reading system in the Quintet range.
Where Does the Quintet Black S 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 on Sapphire cantilever
That makes the Black S the logical choice where the turntable, tonearm and phono stage justify taking the Quintet platform to its highest stereo level.
No User-Replaceable Stylus
The Quintet Black S is a moving coil cartridge and does not have the removable stylus assembly found on Ortofon's moving magnet ranges.
If the stylus or Sapphire cantilever becomes worn or damaged, do not attempt to pull the assembly from the cartridge body.
Ortofon instead supports the Quintet Black S through its moving coil Exchange Service.
Ortofon Exchange Service
The MC Quintet Black S is currently included in Ortofon's moving coil cartridge exchange programme.
Ortofon lists the cartridge as eligible for exchange towards another MC Quintet Black S or a qualifying model above it.
This gives owners an official route if the cartridge is damaged, becomes worn outside warranty or the analogue system is upgraded further.
Don't Throw Away a Damaged Moving Coil Cartridge
If your Quintet Black S suffers accidental stylus or cantilever damage, speak to Audio T before replacing it outright. Ortofon's Exchange Service may provide a useful route towards a replacement or higher-level cartridge.
Careful Setup Is Worthwhile
A Nude Shibata stylus can retrieve an enormous amount of groove information, but that also makes correct installation important.
A thorough setup should include:
- Accurate cartridge overhang
- Correct 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 tonearm and cartridge mechanical compatibility
Professional cartridge fitting is particularly worthwhile if you're not comfortable aligning a Shibata stylus yourself.
Key Features
- Ortofon MC Quintet Black S
- Low-output moving coil cartridge
- Top stereo Quintet model
- Half-inch mounting
- Nude Shibata stylus
- r/R 6/50µm stylus radii
- Sapphire cantilever
- Aucurum coil wire
- Neodymium magnet system
- 0.3mV output voltage
- Less than 1.0dB channel balance at 1kHz
- Greater than 23dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- ±1.5dB response tolerance
- 80µm 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
- 5-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
- Black finish
- 9g cartridge weight
- Ortofon Exchange Service eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ortofon MC Quintet Black S still current?
Yes. Ortofon continues to list the MC Quintet Black S as the top stereo cartridge in the current Quintet Series.
Is the Quintet Black S moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a low-output moving coil cartridge.
What stylus does the Quintet Black S use?
It uses a Nude Shibata diamond with r/R 6/50µm stylus radii.
What cantilever does it use?
The MC Quintet Black S uses a Sapphire cantilever.
What coil wire does it use?
Ortofon specifies Aucurum coil wire.
What is the output voltage?
0.3mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
Can I use it with a normal MM phono input?
Not directly in normal circumstances. The Quintet Black S requires suitable low-output moving coil gain and loading.
What load impedance does Ortofon recommend?
Greater than 20 ohms.
What is the internal resistance?
5 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?
80µm 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 23dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
Less than 1.0dB at 1kHz.
What is the current frequency response?
Ortofon specifies ±1.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
How much does the Quintet Black S weigh?
9g.
What is the body made from?
Ortofon currently specifies a PC thermoplastic cartridge body with an internal aluminium mounting frame.
What mounting system does it use?
Standard half-inch mounting with threaded mounting holes.
Are mounting screws supplied?
Yes. Ortofon supplies 5mm and 7mm screws to suit different headshell thicknesses.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
No. The Quintet Black S does not use a customer-removable replacement stylus assembly.
Is it eligible for Ortofon's Exchange Service?
Yes. Ortofon currently lists the MC Quintet Black S as exchangeable towards another Quintet Black S or qualifying cartridges above it.
What is the difference between Quintet Bronze and Black S?
The Bronze uses a Nude Fine Line stylus, while the Black S moves to a Nude Shibata profile mounted on a Sapphire cantilever. Their output, recommended tracking force and several other electrical specifications are otherwise similar.
Related Ortofon Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy an Ortofon Moving Coil Cartridge From Audio T?
The MC Quintet Black S is capable enough that cartridge matching and setup really matter. Audio T can help establish whether your tonearm is suitable, fit and align the Shibata stylus accurately and make sure your phono stage provides the gain and loading required by a 0.3mV moving coil cartridge.
- Turntable and tonearm compatibility advice
- Moving coil cartridge matching
- Professional cartridge fitting and alignment
- Shibata stylus 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 Black S is the right cartridge for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.