Audio T Verdict
The MC Quintet Red is a great place to start if youve been thinking about making the move from moving magnet to moving coil. It brings genuine low-output MC technology into a comparatively accessible cartridge, without demanding one of the more specialised stylus profiles found further up Ortofons range.
Its Elliptical diamond gives it a nicely balanced approach to groove tracing, while Ortofon deliberately voices the Red as an open and dynamic all-rounder with a slight touch of warmth. That makes it an appealing cartridge for enjoying a broad record collection rather than simply showing off with pristine recordings.
The important bit is remembering that this is still a 0.5mV moving coil design. Give it a suitable MC phono stage, accurate cartridge alignment and the right tonearm match, and the Quintet Red makes an excellent introduction to what moving coil playback can offer.
Ortofon MC Quintet Red
The Ortofon MC Quintet Red is the entry stereo model in the Quintet moving coil range, designed to provide an accessible route into Ortofons low-output MC technology.
It combines an Elliptical diamond stylus with a low-impedance generator, neodymium magnet system and the practical, easy-to-align Quintet cartridge body.
- Low-output moving coil cartridge
- Entry stereo model in the Quintet Series
- Elliptical diamond stylus
- r/R 8/18µm stylus radii
- Neodymium magnet system
- 0.5mV output voltage
- Less than 1.5dB channel balance at 1kHz
- Greater than 21dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 65µm tracking ability at 315Hz
- 15µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 2.3g recommended tracking force
- Greater than 20-ohm recommended load impedance
- 7-ohm internal DC resistance
- PC thermoplastic cartridge body
- Internal aluminium mounting frame
- Threaded mounting holes
- Half-inch mounting
- 9g cartridge weight
Your First Step Into Moving Coil
The Quintet Red has been designed specifically as an approachable introduction to Ortofons moving coil cartridge technology.
That doesnt mean it is a stripped-back cartridge. It uses the same broad Quintet design philosophy as the models above it, including the low-impedance generator, neodymium magnetic system, square easy-to-align body and threaded mounting arrangement.
The biggest differences as you move through the range are found at the record groove, where increasingly sophisticated stylus profiles are introduced.
Elliptical Diamond Stylus
The MC Quintet Red uses an Elliptical diamond with stylus radii of r/R 8/18µm.
An Elliptical profile has different front-to-back and side-to-side radii, allowing it to follow finer groove modulation more accurately than a basic Spherical stylus.
It offers a useful balance between detail retrieval, tracking ability and relatively straightforward setup.
Why Elliptical?
As music becomes more complex within a record groove, the physical movements the stylus needs to follow become increasingly small.
The narrower tracing radius of an Elliptical stylus allows it to follow those variations more accurately, particularly at higher frequencies and as the groove becomes more tightly packed towards the centre of an LP.
For the Quintet Red, that gives Ortofon a sensible starting point before introducing Nude Elliptical, Fine Line and Shibata profiles further up the range.
Why Stylus Profile Matters
The stylus is the only part of your Hi-Fi system physically touching the record. Its shape directly affects how closely it can follow the modulation cut into the groove, which is why stylus technology becomes increasingly sophisticated as you move through a cartridge range.
What Makes Moving Coil Different?
A moving coil cartridge works differently from the moving magnet designs commonly fitted to many turntables.
Rather than moving a magnet in relation to fixed coils, tiny coils attached to the cantilever assembly move within a magnetic field as the stylus follows the record.
Those coils can be made extremely small and light, helping the cartridge respond quickly to fine groove information.
The trade-off is that the electrical signal produced is much smaller.
0.5mV Low-Output MC
The MC Quintet Red produces 0.5mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
That is substantially lower than the output of a typical moving magnet cartridge, which will often produce several millivolts.
The Quintet Red therefore needs a suitable moving coil phono stage or compatible step-up arrangement.
Check Your Phono Stage Before Buying
The Quintet Red should not normally be connected directly to an MM-only phono input. Make sure your phono stage provides suitable low-output moving coil gain and appropriate loading for the cartridge.
Low Internal Impedance
The Quintet Red has an internal DC resistance of just 7 ohms.
Ortofon deliberately uses a low-impedance generator in the Quintet Series to make the cartridge less sensitive to loading and compatible with a broad range of suitable moving coil phono stages and transformers.
Greater Than 20-Ohm Loading
Ortofon recommends a load impedance of greater than 20 ohms.
This is the electrical load presented by the phono stage and should not be confused with the cartridges own 7-ohm internal resistance.
Which MC Loading Should I Use?
If your phono stage provides adjustable loading, choose a suitable setting above Ortofons 20-ohm minimum and compare the appropriate options available. Audio T can help match both loading and gain to your particular phono stage.
Neodymium Magnet System
The Quintet Series uses neodymium magnets within the moving coil generator.
The powerful magnetic material allows Ortofon to create an efficient and compact generator system while keeping the moving assembly appropriately light.
Open, Dynamic and Slightly Warm
Ortofon characterises the Quintet Red as an all-purpose cartridge with an open and dynamic presentation and a slight touch of warmth.
That makes it particularly appealing as a first moving coil cartridge, where musical enjoyment across a broad record collection is likely to matter more than chasing the last word in analytical detail.
The models further up the Quintet range progressively introduce finer stylus profiles for listeners looking for greater groove resolution.
65µm Tracking Ability
Ortofon specifies tracking ability at 65µm at 315Hz at the recommended tracking force.
Tracking ability describes how successfully the stylus can remain in stable contact with demanding groove modulation without mistracking.
Correct cartridge alignment, tracking force and anti-skate all contribute to achieving the intended 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 Ortofons recommended 2.3g.
Dont Deliberately Under-Track
Using less tracking force than the manufacturer recommends doesnt automatically protect your records. If the stylus begins to mistrack, groove stress and distortion can increase. Keep the Quintet Red within Ortofons specified 2.1 to 2.5g range.
15µm/mN Dynamic 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 a cartridge to the effective mass of a tonearm.
The Quintet Red itself weighs 9g, so both mass and compliance should be considered when checking tonearm compatibility.
20-Degree Tracking Angle
Ortofon specifies a tracking angle of 20 degrees.
Accurate cartridge alignment and suitable tonearm geometry help position the stylus correctly in the groove 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.
Maintaining consistent output between the two channels helps preserve stable stereo imaging and clear placement of voices and instruments.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
The current Ortofon specification gives a frequency response of ±2.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
We use this current live specification rather than older extended-frequency measurements previously published for the cartridge.
PC Thermoplastic Body
Ortofon currently specifies a special PC thermoplastic material for the Quintet Red body.
The material is lightweight, impact resistant and well suited to precision injection moulding, giving the cartridge a durable structure and its distinctive squared-off shape.
Internal Aluminium Mounting Frame
Inside the thermoplastic body is an aluminium frame incorporating threaded mounting holes.
This gives the fixing screws a secure metal mounting point without requiring separate nuts to be held in place during installation.
Designed for Easier Cartridge Alignment
Ortofon deliberately gives the Quintet body straight lines and right angles to make cartridge alignment easier.
There is also good visibility of the stylus beneath the cartridge and plenty of clearance between the bottom of the body and the record surface.
This provides useful visual references when setting overhang and offset angle with a cartridge-alignment protractor.
Easy to Align Doesnt Mean Alignment Is Optional
The square cartridge body is a useful visual guide, but accurate setup should still be carried out with a suitable alignment protractor rather than simply positioning the cartridge by eye.
5mm and 7mm Mounting Screws
The Quintet Reds threaded mounting frame can be fitted using the 5mm or 7mm screws supplied, depending on the thickness of the headshell.
This makes installation considerably less fiddly than cartridges that require separate screws and nuts.
Standard Half-Inch Mounting
The MC Quintet Red uses conventional half-inch mounting.
It can therefore be fitted to a wide range of suitable tonearms and headshells using the normal two-screw cartridge arrangement.
Ortofon states that the Quintet Series gives excellent results with most common tonearms, although cartridge weight, 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 this mass while still allowing the required 2.3g tracking force to be set correctly.
Quintet Red or Quintet Blue?
The Blue is the natural next step in the Quintet range, and the main difference is the stylus construction.
MC Quintet Red
- Elliptical stylus
- r/R 8/18µm profile
- 0.5mV output
- 65µm tracking ability
- Greater than 21dB channel separation
- 2.3g recommended tracking force
MC Quintet Blue
- Nude Elliptical stylus
- r/R 8/18µm profile
- 0.5mV output
- 70µm tracking ability
- Greater than 21dB channel separation
- 2.3g recommended tracking force
The Blue reduces stylus moving mass by using a Nude Elliptical diamond and improves specified tracking ability. The Red remains the more affordable introduction to the same broad Quintet moving coil concept.
How the Quintet Range Progresses
The current stereo Quintet range progresses through increasingly sophisticated groove-contact systems:
- Quintet Red: Elliptical stylus
- Quintet Blue: Nude Elliptical stylus
- Quintet Bronze: Nude Fine Line stylus
- Quintet Black S: Nude Shibata stylus with Sapphire cantilever
This gives you a clear upgrade path depending on the resolution of the turntable, tonearm and the rest of the system.
Moving Magnet or Quintet Red?
A moving coil cartridge isnt automatically the right choice for every system.
If your amplifier only provides an MM phono input, you will also need to consider the cost of suitable moving coil amplification.
If your turntable and phono stage are ready for MC, however, the Quintet Red gives you an accessible way to explore the lower moving mass and low-output generator technology that makes moving coil cartridges so appealing.
Consider the Complete Upgrade
If youre moving from MM to MC, budget for the complete analogue front end rather than the cartridge alone. A well-matched Quintet Red and suitable MC phono stage can make more sense than buying a more expensive cartridge and compromising the amplification it needs.
No User-Replaceable Stylus
The Quintet Red is a moving coil cartridge and does not use the removable stylus assembly found on Ortofons moving magnet ranges.
If the stylus becomes worn or damaged, do not attempt to pull the assembly away from the cartridge body.
Ortofon Exchange Service
The MC Quintet Red is currently included in Ortofons Moving Coil Exchange Service.
An eligible Quintet Red can be exchanged towards another MC Quintet Red or a qualifying Ortofon cartridge above it.
This provides a manufacturer-supported route for an accidentally damaged or out-of-warranty moving coil cartridge.
Damaged Moving Coil Cartridge?
Dont automatically discard it. Speak to Audio T first so we can advise whether Ortofons Exchange Service is appropriate and discuss the replacement or upgrade options available.
Careful Setup Is Worthwhile
The Quintet Red is relatively straightforward to install, but correct setup still matters.
A thorough installation 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 cartridge and tonearm mechanical compatibility
If this is your first move into moving coil playback, professional cartridge fitting and phono-stage matching can be particularly worthwhile.
Key Features
- Ortofon MC Quintet Red
- Low-output moving coil cartridge
- Entry stereo Quintet model
- Half-inch mounting
- Elliptical stylus
- r/R 8/18µm stylus radii
- 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
- 65µm 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
- Red finish
- 9g cartridge weight
- Ortofon Exchange Service eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ortofon MC Quintet Red still current?
Yes. Ortofon continues to list the MC Quintet Red within its current Quintet Series.
Is the Quintet Red moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a low-output moving coil cartridge.
What stylus does the Quintet Red use?
It uses an Elliptical diamond with r/R 8/18µm stylus radii.
What is the output voltage?
0.5mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
Can I use it with a normal MM phono input?
Not directly in normal circumstances. The Quintet Red 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?
65µm at 315Hz.
What is the dynamic compliance?
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 frequency response?
Ortofon currently specifies ±2.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
How much does the Quintet Red weigh?
9g.
What is the cartridge 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 suit different headshell thicknesses.
What coil-wire material does the Quintet Red use?
Ortofons current live specification does not publish a coil-wire material for the Quintet Red, so we do not quote an unverified material.
What cantilever does the Quintet Red use?
Ortofons current specification does not publish the cantilever material for the Quintet Red.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
No. The Quintet Red does not have a user-removable replacement stylus assembly.
Is the Quintet Red eligible for Ortofons Exchange Service?
Yes. An eligible MC Quintet Red can currently be exchanged towards another Quintet Red or qualifying models above it.
What is the difference between Quintet Red and Blue?
The Red uses an Elliptical stylus, while the Blue moves to a Nude Elliptical diamond with reduced moving mass and higher specified tracking ability.
Related Ortofon Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy an Ortofon Moving Coil Cartridge From Audio T?
The Quintet Red is designed as an accessible route into moving coil playback, but getting the best from it still means matching the cartridge, tonearm and phono stage properly. Audio T can help with everything from deciding whether MC is the right move to fitting and setting up the cartridge once youve chosen it.
- 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 Red is the right moving coil cartridge for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.