Ortofon
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Specs
| Type | Moving coil (MC) true mono phono cartridge, MC Quintet Series |
| Configuration | Mono, responds only to lateral groove modulation |
| Phono input required | Moving coil (MC) input or step-up transformer into MM |
| Intended use | “MC Quintet Mono is for playing mono microgroove vinyl records.” |
| Output voltage | 0.3 mV at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/- 2.0 dB |
| Tracking ability at 315 Hz | 70 µm |
| Compliance, dynamic, lateral | 15 µm/mN |
| Stylus type | Nude Elliptical |
| Stylus tip radius | r/R 8/18 µm |
| Tracking force range | 2.1-2.5 g |
| Tracking force, recommended | 2.3 g |
| Tracking angle | 20° |
| Internal impedance, DC resistance | 5 Ohm |
| Recommended load impedance | > 20 Ohm |
| Coil wire material | Pure 4-nines silver/Ag |
| Cartridge body material | PC |
| Cartridge colour | White |
| Cartridge weight | 9 g |
| Output configuration | “Quintet Mono uses a strapped output to deliver the same output signal from both sets of pole pins. This effectively eliminates the need for mono-specific equipment, making it possible to enjoy true mono reproduction on any stereo playback system.” |
| Replacement stylus | None - Ortofon states “The styli in Moving Coil cartridges are non-replaceable.” Ortofon Exchange Service instead buys the cartridge back for 25% of the current price list against a new Ortofon cartridge of equivalent or better model, through participating Ortofon Authorised HiFi Dealers. |
Warranty
Sold as an authorized Ortofon dealer by All Elite Audio. New Ortofon MC Quintet Mono units include the full Ortofon manufacturer warranty of 1 year parts and labor for the original owner. Contact us with any setup or service questions.
What's in the Box
- Ortofon MC Quintet Mono moving coil cartridge
- Mounting hardware
- Stylus guard
- Documentation
Overview
The Ortofon MC Quintet Mono is a dedicated mono moving coil phono cartridge from the Quintet series, engineered specifically for playing mono LP records. Unlike a stereo cartridge, it is designed to respond only to lateral groove modulation, the direction in which genuine mono information is cut. By ignoring vertical movement, it reduces surface noise and delivers a quieter, more solid, and more centered mono image.
As a low output moving coil design, it requires a phono stage with a moving coil (MC) input, or a step-up transformer feeding an MM input. This is a purpose built tool rather than a compromise, and it is at its best when paired with true mono pressings. Collectors of jazz, blues, classical, and early rock and roll reissues will appreciate how a proper mono cartridge honors the character of the original recordings.
Ortofon, the Danish cartridge specialist founded in 1918, builds the Quintet range as a compact moving coil family that mounts easily on a wide variety of tonearms. The Quintet Mono is the mono focused member of that family, offering the tracking stability and construction quality that Ortofon is known for while serving one specific and important purpose.
Key Features
- Dedicated mono moving coil cartridge built for mono LP records
- Responds only to lateral groove modulation for quieter, more solid mono playback
- Reduced surface noise compared with playing mono records on a stereo cartridge
- Low output moving coil design for high resolution and low coloration
- Part of the compact, easy mounting Ortofon Quintet series
- Solid, centered mono image ideal for classic mono pressings
- Requires an MC phono input or a step-up transformer feeding an MM input
- Built by Ortofon, the Danish phono cartridge specialist founded in 1918
How the Quintet Mono Compares
Ortofon MC Quintet Mono vs Ortofon MC Quintet Blue
The Quintet Blue is the stereo moving coil member of the same family, built for standard stereo LPs by reading both lateral and vertical groove information. The Quintet Mono is the specialist alternative, reading only lateral modulation so mono pressings sound quieter and more solidly centered. Choose the Blue for a general stereo collection and the Mono when you own true mono records that deserve dedicated playback. See the Ortofon MC Quintet Blue.
Ortofon MC Quintet Mono vs Audio Technica AT33xMONO/I
Both are low output moving coil cartridges made specifically for mono records, and both aim for quieter, more stable mono reproduction. The Audio Technica dual coil design and the Ortofon Quintet approach each bring their own tonal character to the task. Your choice comes down to system synergy and the sonic signature you prefer, since either is a proper mono tool rather than a stereo compromise. See the Audio Technica AT33xMONO/I.
Recommended Turntable and Phono Stage
The MC Quintet Mono is a low output moving coil cartridge, so it needs a capable turntable and tonearm plus a phono stage with a moving coil input. Ortofon makes only cartridges, so build around it with these catalog components.
- Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN Turntable A fully manual belt drive turntable with a stable arm that suits the Quintet Mono weight and level, giving you a clean platform for careful cartridge alignment.
- TEAC TN-3B-SE Turntable A manual belt drive deck that pairs well with a low output moving coil, offering a quiet, controlled foundation for mono playback.
- MoFi UltraPhono Pro MM/MC Phono Preamplifier Includes a dedicated moving coil input with the gain needed for the Quintet Mono low output, making it a straightforward and resolving match.
- Parasound JC3+ Phono Preamplifier A reference level phono stage with an excellent moving coil input, giving the Quintet Mono a very low noise, high resolution path when you want to hear all it can do.
- Luxman E-250 Phono Preamplifier Offers adjustable moving coil loading and gain so you can dial in the low output Quintet Mono precisely for the quietest mono presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ortofon MC Quintet Mono?
It is a dedicated mono moving coil phono cartridge from the Ortofon Quintet series, built specifically for playing mono LP records.
Is this a stereo or mono cartridge?
It is a mono cartridge. It responds only to lateral groove modulation, which is where genuine mono information is cut.
Can I play stereo records with it?
It is intended for mono LP records only. For stereo records you should use a stereo cartridge such as the Ortofon MC Quintet Blue.
Why use a mono cartridge instead of a stereo one for mono records?
Because it reads only lateral modulation and ignores vertical movement, it delivers a quieter, more solid, and more centered mono image with less surface noise.
Is this a moving coil or moving magnet cartridge?
It is a low output moving coil cartridge.
What kind of phono stage do I need?
You need a phono stage with a moving coil (MC) input, or a step-up transformer feeding a moving magnet (MM) input, because of its low output.
Will it work with a standard MM phono input alone?
Not directly. A moving magnet input alone will not provide enough gain, so you need an MC input or a step-up transformer.
What records is it best paired with?
It is best paired with true mono records, such as classic jazz, blues, and early rock reissues cut in mono.
Does it fit standard tonearms?
Yes. The Quintet series uses a compact, easy mounting design compatible with a wide variety of tonearms.
Which turntables do you recommend for it?
A stable manual deck such as the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN or the TEAC TN-3B-SE provides a good platform for careful alignment.
Which phono preamplifiers pair well with it?
The MoFi UltraPhono Pro, Parasound JC3+, and Luxman E-250 all offer moving coil inputs suited to its low output.
How is it different from the Ortofon MC Quintet Blue?
The Quintet Blue is a stereo cartridge for standard stereo LPs, while the Quintet Mono reads only lateral modulation for dedicated mono playback.
Does a mono cartridge reduce noise on mono records?
Yes. By ignoring vertical groove movement it lowers surface noise and produces a more solid mono presentation.
Can I use it with a step-up transformer?
Yes. A step-up transformer feeding a moving magnet input is a valid way to provide the required gain.
Is Ortofon a reputable cartridge maker?
Yes. Ortofon is a Danish company founded in 1918 and one of the world's leading phono cartridge makers.
Do I need to align it carefully?
Yes. Like any quality moving coil cartridge, careful alignment and tracking force setup will let it perform at its best.
Will it improve my existing mono records?
It is designed to get the most from true mono pressings by delivering quieter, more centered, and more solid playback than a stereo cartridge would.
Is it suitable for beginners?
It is a specialist mono cartridge, so it best suits listeners who own mono records and have a system with a moving coil capable phono stage.
What is the warranty?
It carries a one year parts and labor warranty from Ortofon for the original owner.
Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Ortofon dealer in MD with this cartridge in stock, so you receive a genuine product with full manufacturer warranty and expert setup guidance.
