Ortofon MC Quintet Red Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge
Usage Guide
Turntable
Our Hi-Fi specialists give free, honest advice — no commission, ever. Contact us by email or phone and we'll help you find the right cable for your system.
Item code: Quintet Red
Inc. VAT (20%) · Ex. VAT: £265.83 Ex. VAT · Inc. VAT (20%):
Lowest price in the last 30 days:
Request to Price Match
If you've seen a better offer for this product, we will endeavour to match it. The competing offer must be on brand-new boxed items, and in stock from another UK Online Authorised Retailer (excluding marketplaces). Price match quotations are valid for 7 days.
SPEAKER CABLES:
A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.
OTHER CABLES:
A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.
NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:
A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Ortofon MC Quintet Red Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge
Ortofon's MC Quintet Red is a perfect introduction to the world of Ortofon moving coils. It features an Elliptical diamond which is cut and polished to Ortofon’s standards. This entry-level MC cartridge has very high price-to-performance ratio and is a perfect all-rounder for the newcomers to the world of Moving Coil cartridges.
Each of the five Quintet Series cartridges has its own individual sonic expression, and all five models together represent the ensemble of five classic variations. MC Quintet Red is an all-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth.
Features
- Light weight and durable cartridge body made from a special ABS (Acrylonitrile/Butadiene/Styrene) thermoplastic material
- Neodymium magnets are implemented to achieve an optimal output
- All-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth
- Split pole pins with a copper wire
- Low internal impedance makes the cartridge less sensitive to load and therefore ensures compatibility with the widest range of preamps and transformers
- Elliptical stylus profile
- Supplied with 2 screws (M2.5 x 5)
The story behind the Quintet series
Nothing demonstrates Ortofon’s long-standing resilience more than its commitment to the refinement of analogue sound quality and its continued development of new cartridge models. Since 1948 Ortofon has introduced about 100 different moving coil models, with their latest being the Quintet Series.
Ortofon believe the cartridges in this new series are more than worthy successors to the long line of models that has made Ortofon the global leader in the manufacture and supply of phono cartridges
The MC Quintet Series is congruent with Ortofon’s unrelenting commitment to providing the most precise and accurate reproduction possible without coloration. A special ABS (Acrylonitrile/Butadiene/Styrene) thermoplastic material is used for manufacturing of the body. This light-weight, impact resistant material is very suitable for injection-moulding and provides a very durable scratch resistant surface. Neodymium magnets are implemented to achieve an optimal output. Low internal impedance makes the cartridge less sensitive to load and therefore ensures compatibility with the widest range of preamps and transformers.
Top-mounting of the Quintet cartridges is easy and secure using the screws supplied. The aluminuim frame has threaded mounting holes and is fitted easily with the 5mm or 7mm screws depending on the thickness of the headshell. The Quintet series’ right angles, straight lines, stylus visibility and ample distance between the record surface and the cartridge’s bottom will make it easy to mount and align the cartridge and tonearm correctly. The Quintet Series gives excellent results with most common tonearms.
Styli lifetime and care
With proper care, Ortofon finds that up to 1,000 hours is possible without degradation of performance. The stylus does begin to exhibit changes after 1,000 hours, but the stylus life as a whole is expected to top 2,000 hours. Proper care is comprised of the following:
- Cleaning of record by means of fibre brush before and after every use
- Cleaning of record by using a record cleaning machine once in a while
- Cleaning of the stylus by means of a fine antistatic brush. Please remember to remove dust from the diamond tip before and after playback of each record. Use the brush in the forward direction from the rear of the cartridge towards the stylus tip, never from stylus tip to the rear of the cartridge and never from side to side
- Proper adjustment of alignment, anti-skating, azimuth and tracking force
- Ortofon does not recommend the use of solvents of any kind for cleaning of either record surface or stylus.
|
|
|
"Ortofon cartridges are very informative...well extended at both frequency extremes...this one seems to fit the pattern." Hi-Fi Choice - May 2011 |
|
"Resolution from this cartridge is more than competent, and the sense of space and inflection on the world-weary I've Been To Town from Sinatra's A Man Alone sits well here. Like closely priced rivals, the 2M Red tracks at 1.8g, and we found it simple to fit and align, with its combination of a large, solidly built casing and captive nuts easy to manage" What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision - April 2010 |
|
"Its design is striking and evidently influenced by the facetting of gemstones, appropriately enough... ...It’s worth experimenting, because at best this is one of the most detailed cartridges we've come across at this kind of price." Tech Radar - April 2011 |
|
"...had a pleasing ambience...intimate, trembling quality. Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product - October 2008
|
Specification
- Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec: 0.5 mV
- Channel balance at 1 kHz: <1.5 dB
- Channel separation at 1 kHz: >21 dB
- Channel separation at 15 kHz: >14 dB
- Frequency range at -3 dB: 20 - 25,000 Hz
- Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz ±2.5 dB
- Tracking ability at 315 Hz at recommended tracking force: 65 μm
- Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 15 μm/mN
- Stylus type: Eliptical
- Stylus tip radius: r/R 8/18 μm
- Tracking force range: 2.1 - 2.5 g (21 - 25 mN)
- Tracking force recommended: 2.3 g (23mN)
- Tracking angle: 20°
- Internal impedance, DC resistance: 7 Ohm
- Recommended load impedance: >20 Ohm
- Cartridge body material: ABS/Alu.
- Coil wire material: Copper
- Cartridge colour, body/stylus: Red
- Weight: 9 g
- Dimensions: 23.1mm x 17mm x 19.2mm
About Ortofon
Ortofon is one of the world leader's in the development and manufacturing of turntable cartridges. The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Ortofon has been accumulating since 1918 with their first moving coil cartridge manufactured in 1948.
Today, Ortofon offers a wide range of cartridges for both DJ's and Hi-Fi audiophiles. Their offering includes moving magnets, moving coils, plug-and-play headshells, mono cartridges and 78RPM cartridges.
Throughout their range of cartridges, Ortofon maintains a set profile with each cartridge profile containing an individual sonic expression. All of Ortofon's range of cartridges includes a Red, Blue, Bronze and Black model.
First, in the range, are the Red cartridges which deliver open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth. Next, the Blue Cartridges offer greater dynamic soundstages with improved detail and resolution. Following on, the Bronze cartridges improve the details in a way that pays respects to all elements of the track. Lastly, the Black cartridges are the best at everything. They are true to the groove with resolution and accurate insight into each recording.
Ortofon have made their cartridges suitable for the majority of turntables on the market at the moment. With a wide range of available models, there is an Ortofon cartridge to suit everyone.
About Ortofon
Danish cartridge maker with models for hi-fi and DJ use, from moving magnet to moving coil and mono.
Ortofon is a Danish company that develops, manufactures and markets phono cartridges. The catalogue covers moving magnet and moving coil designs, plug-and-play headshells, mono cartridges and 78rpm cartridges, for both hi-fi and DJ use. Series names include OM, 2M, Concorde, Exclusive, MC Cadenza, MC X, MC Quintet, VNL and SPU.
Read more about Ortofon Show less
Colour names in the core ranges, numbers and names elsewhere
Ortofon's core ranges, 2M, MC Cadenza and MC Quintet, use colours to mark the steps, such as Red, Blue, Bronze and Black. Ortofon describes Red as open and dynamic with a touch of warmth, and Blue as adding detail and resolution. Other ranges use numbers, like MC X, or names, like Vertex and Verismo in the Exclusive series.
Moving magnet, moving coil and mono
Ortofon builds both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, so it covers the two main ways of generating a signal from a groove. It also makes mono and 78rpm cartridges for older records, and plug-and-play headshells, which arrive with the cartridge already mounted.
A series to suit most turntables
The catalogue is organised in series rather than a single line, and Ortofon says its cartridges suit the majority of turntables now on the market. You still need to check compatibility with your tonearm before buying, because a cartridge's weight and compliance have to suit it.
Why we stock Ortofon
Ortofon are the cartridge name most vinyl listeners already trust, and they cover the full span from a first serious upgrade to the high end. That range is why we carry them. Whether you are replacing a worn stylus or rebuilding a front end properly, you can be sent to one brand and be right.
Specification
- Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec: 0.5 mV
- Channel balance at 1 kHz: <1.5 dB
- Channel separation at 1 kHz: >21 dB
- Channel separation at 15 kHz: >14 dB
- Frequency range at -3 dB: 20 - 25,000 Hz
- Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz ±2.5 dB
- Tracking ability at 315 Hz at recommended tracking force: 65 μm
- Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 15 μm/mN
- Stylus type: Eliptical
- Stylus tip radius: r/R 8/18 μm
- Tracking force range: 2.1 - 2.5 g (21 - 25 mN)
- Tracking force recommended: 2.3 g (23mN)
- Tracking angle: 20°
- Internal impedance, DC resistance: 7 Ohm
- Recommended load impedance: >20 Ohm
- Cartridge body material: ABS/Alu.
- Coil wire material: Copper
- Cartridge colour, body/stylus: Red
- Weight: 9 g
- Dimensions: 23.1mm x 17mm x 19.2mm
We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.
Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.








Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
| 0g - 1000g | £3.95 |
| 1000g - 1400g | £4.95 |
| 1400g - 1800g | £5.95 |
| 1800g - 2000g | £6.95 |
| 2000g - 3000g | £8.95 |
* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.
Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability
- Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
