Ortofon Concorde 5S
Overview
Ortofon’s 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 balanced, 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, instantly recognizable with its shape reminiscent of the famous supersonic aircraft. This design is not merely aesthetic: it directly integrates the cartridge body and headshell into a single piece, offering unprecedented “plug & play” installation. No more complex wiring or tedious geometric alignment - it mounts directly onto tonearms fitted with a standard SME connector.
Its 18-gram weight is perfectly balanced to ensure optimal stability during playback, even on turntables whose setup is not perfect. The understated, elegant black body blends harmoniously with all vinyl turntables, whether modern or vintage.
Balanced audio performance
Featuring a spherical stylus with an 18 μm radius, the Concorde 5S offers a subtle balance between precision and forgiveness. Unlike DJ cartridges in the same range that require high tracking force, the 5S only needs a moderate 1.8 grams of pressure, preserving your precious vinyl during extended listening sessions.
Its lateral dynamic compliance of 20 μm/mN - significantly higher than that of DJ models such as the Pro S (7 μm/mN) - allows it to smoothly track even the most complex record grooves. The extended frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB) ensures faithful reproduction across the entire musical spectrum.
For connoisseurs, the internal construction with four coils on split-pole supports and oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire contributes to detailed, transparent sound reproduction, with 20 dB channel separation at 1 kHz that preserves the stereo image of recordings.
Lively, warm sound
Like its cousins in the Music range, the Concorde 5S offers a lively, harmonious sonic signature that highlights detail and soundstage. Its 4 mV output voltage provides a comfortable level compatible with all standard MM phono inputs (47 kΩ), without requiring additional amplification.
Unlike certain high-end models that can sound clinical, the 5S favors warm, engaging reproduction that admirably serves all musical genres. You will particularly notice its ability to reproduce a balanced, immersive soundstage, with enough definition to appreciate the nuances of vinyl recordings.
Documentation
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
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 such as scratching or back-cueing. Its high compliance (20 μm/mN) and moderate tracking force (1.8 g) clearly make it better suited to home listening. For DJs, Ortofon offers other models in the Concorde range, such as the Pro S or Mix, specifically designed to withstand the demands of mixing and scratching.
What is the typical lifespan of this cell?
Under normal home-use conditions, the spherical stylus can last between 500 and 800 hours of listening. This estimate varies depending on the quality of your vinyl records, the accuracy of your settings and how often the stylus is cleaned. The advantage of the Concorde range is that only the stylus needs to be replaced when the tip is worn, 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 perfectly on both S-shaped and straight tonearms. Simply check that your turntable supports a cartridge weight of 18 g and allows tracking force adjustment around 1.8 g.
How can 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. approximately 1.8 on your turntable’s scale. If your turntable has a basic anti-skating system (with weight and thread), use the first or second notch. Precise adjustment can be achieved using a test record with unmodulated tracks, adjusting until the cartridge remains stable on these areas.
What is the sonic difference between the Concorde 5S and a model fitted with an elliptical stylus?
The 5S spherical stylus provides less detailed high-frequency reproduction than an elliptical stylus, but has the advantage of being more forgiving of alignment errors and less sensitive to record imperfections. Sound reproduction is generally perceived as warmer and more uniform, while an elliptical stylus offers greater precision and refinement, particularly in the treble.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 5705796031829
