RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Ortofon Quintet Black S Phono Cartridge (MC) High end moving coil phono cartridge. This came bundled with a new Pro-ject turntable I purchased. While it's an excellent cartridge I personally preferred the sound of another cartridge I had on hand so this one isn't required. I probably put about ten hours on this one in testing, so probably not even really broken in yet. Effectively brand new. I don't have the packaging for shipping as it came pre-mounted on the turntable, but I can pack it safely for shipping with insurance if you are interstate/outside of Brisbane. Pick up West End, Bri
Generating expert take…
Ortofon: A Century of Precision Sound
Ortofon traces its lineage to October 9, 1918, when Danish engineers Axel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen founded the Electrical Phono Film Company in Copenhagen. The name itself derives from Greek, meaning "correct sound"—a philosophy that has guided the company's trajectory for over a century. Initially focused on synchronized sound film technology, Ortofon pivoted to audio reproduction after 1945, when the superior recording quality of new cutting equipment revealed the inadequacy of existing playback systems. This gap sparked the development of the pioneering Ortofon mono pickup in 1948, establishing the foundation for the company's future dominance.
Today, Ortofon is the world's largest manufacturer of magnetic cartridges for phonograph turntables, producing approximately 500,000 units annually. The company's product portfolio centers exclusively on phono cartridges—both moving magnet and moving coil designs—with over 300 distinct models developed since 1948. This singular focus reflects deep specialization rather than diversification, positioning Ortofon as a micro-mechanical specialist rather than a broad-based audio manufacturer.
Ortofon occupies the high-end segment of the audio market, commanding respect among vinyl enthusiasts and professional studios alike. The brand benefits from Denmark's established reputation for acoustic engineering and industrial design, supported by in-house research and development. For discerning turntable owners, Ortofon cartridges represent the gold standard—a heritage brand whose century-long commitment to cartridge excellence remains unmatched in the industry.
See all Ortofon listings on RADAR.
