Ortofon Concorde 5S

The Ortofon Concorde 5S represents the perfect blend of ease of use and sound quality for vinyl enthusiasts. Its distinctive, aerodynamic design is instantly recognizable, while its integrated construction eliminates the hassle of complex installation. Equipped with a spherical stylus mounted on an aluminum cantilever, this cartridge delivers a balanced and warm sound reproduction, ideal for everyday listening at home.

An Iconic and Practical Design

The Concorde 5S features the iconic design of the Concorde range, unmistakable with its shape reminiscent of the famous supersonic aircraft. This design is not just about looks: it directly integrates the cartridge body and headshell into a single piece, offering an unprecedented “plug & play” installation. No more complex wiring or tedious geometric alignment—just mount it directly onto tonearms equipped with a standard SME connector.

Its 18-gram weight is perfectly balanced to ensure optimal stability during playback, even on turntables that aren’t perfectly calibrated. The understated and elegant black body blends seamlessly with any turntable, whether modern or vintage.

Balanced Audio Performance

Fitted with a spherical stylus with an 18 μm radius, the Concorde 5S strikes a subtle balance between precision and forgiveness. Unlike DJ cartridges from the same range that require high tracking force, the 5S operates with a moderate pressure of 1.8 grams, helping to preserve your precious records during extended listening sessions.

Its lateral dynamic compliance of 20 μm/mN—significantly higher than DJ models like the Pro S (7 μm/mN)—allows it to smoothly track even the most complex grooves. The extended frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB) ensures faithful reproduction of the entire musical spectrum.

For audiophiles, the internal construction with four coils on split pole pieces and oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire contributes to detailed and transparent sound reproduction, with 20 dB channel separation at 1 kHz to preserve the stereo image of your recordings.

A Lively and Warm Sound

Like its siblings in the Music range, the Concorde 5S offers a lively and harmonious sound signature that highlights detail and soundstage. Its 4 mV output provides a comfortable level compatible with all standard MM phono inputs (47 kΩ), without the need for additional amplification.

Unlike some high-end models that can sound clinical, the 5S favors a warm and engaging presentation that serves all musical genres beautifully. You’ll especially notice its ability to deliver a balanced and immersive soundstage, with enough definition to appreciate the nuances of vinyl recordings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Concorde 5S suitable for scratching and advanced DJ techniques? No, the Concorde 5S is not designed for demanding DJ techniques like scratching or back-cueing. Its high compliance (20 μm/mN) and moderate tracking force (1.8 g) clearly make it more suitable for home listening. For DJs, Ortofon offers other models in the Concorde range, such as the Pro S or Mix, specifically designed to withstand the rigors of mixing and scratching.

What is the typical lifespan of this cartridge? Under normal home use, the spherical stylus can last between 500 and 800 hours of listening. This estimate varies depending on the quality of your records, the accuracy of your setup, and how often you clean the stylus. One advantage of the Concorde range is the ability to replace just the stylus when it wears out, without changing the entire cartridge.

Is it compatible with all turntables? The Concorde 5S is compatible with the vast majority of turntables equipped with a tonearm featuring a standard SME connector (universal 1/2-inch mount). Thanks to its integrated headshell+cartridge design, it fits both S-shaped and straight arms perfectly. Just make sure your turntable can accommodate an 18 g cartridge and allows for tracking force adjustment around 1.8 g.

How do I properly set the anti-skating with this cartridge? For the Concorde 5S, set the anti-skating to a value equivalent to the tracking force, i.e., about 1.8 on your turntable’s scale. If your turntable uses a basic anti-skating system (with weight and string), use the first or second notch. For precise adjustment, use a test record with unmodulated grooves, adjusting until the cartridge remains stable on these sections.

What is the sonic difference between the Concorde 5S and a model with an elliptical stylus? The 5S’s spherical stylus offers less detail in the high frequencies than an elliptical stylus, but is more forgiving of alignment errors and less sensitive to record imperfections. The sound is generally perceived as warmer and more homogeneous, while an elliptical stylus provides greater precision and finesse, especially in the treble.

Technical Specifications

Concorde 5S Cartridge Specifications

• Stylus type: spherical
• Stylus radius: R 18 µm
• Cantilever: aluminum

Audio Characteristics

• Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5 cm/sec: 4 mV
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±3 dB
• Channel balance at 1 kHz: 2 dB
• Channel separation at 1 kHz: 20 dB
• Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 20 μm/mN
• Tracking angle: 20° (typical value)

Electrical Characteristics

• Coils: 4 coils on split pole pieces (2+ and 2-)
• Coil wire: OFC (oxygen-free copper)
• Recommended load resistance: 47 kΩ
• Recommended load capacitance: 200 – 500 pF

Physical Characteristics

• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 g
• Cartridge weight: 18 g
• Cartridge and stylus color: black / black
• Compatibility: easily mounts on tonearms with SME connector (standard Concorde mount)

Benefits and Usage

• Main advantage: stable playback, even with rough settings or alignment
• Tolerance: ideal for non-optimized or vintage turntables
• Recommended use: casual home listening
• Sound: precise and warm, suitable for everyday listening

General Information

• Iconic design: inspired by the legendary Concorde MKI
• Ease of use: “plug & play” design, no tools required
• Robustness: solid and durable body, suitable for regular use
• Positioning: entry-level range just below the Concorde Music series