Ortofon Quintet Cartridges

Audiodistinction-You indirectly answered my question thx.

I now have the Quintet Black which replaced a Benz Glider SH mounted to an Origin Live Encounter arm on an OL table. I have it tracking at 2.3g and loaded at 100 ohms. This cartridge sounds simply fabulous on this table. Tonally it is spot on, the bass is punchy but well defined, the treble is open and airy with a well defined sound stage. Surface noise is also extremely quiet. There is not a single area that I feel the Benz was better.
The cartridge was easy to install as it comes with a stylus guard and the boxy shape helps with an initial setup. As noted in the TAS review, I found it critical to set the tone arm with a slight negative rake. With the tone arm level, there was a distinct lack of energy in the 1k-2k range that made female vocalists sound like they had a chest cold and an overall lack of air.
I am very happy with this cartridge and impressed by the performance available at what I consider to be a realistic price point.
The big problem now is this so kills listening to digital that I now need an upgrade in the digital department.

Rhljazz-That's a very strong statement regarding the Q-Black, congrats on finding a reasonably priced cartridge! I'm using an AT-OC9mk2 on a Rega P9/Allnic 1200 but would like a little more fullness/body/texture/fluidity without adding coloration. Does the Q-Black have these strengths I mentioned? I was considering a Transfiguration Aixa 2(reviews are outstanding) but at $2500 there could/should be a more cost effective option. Maybe the Ortofon Q-Black is that option?

As Rhljazz mentioned above, the newest issue of the absolute sound has a review of both the Red and Black Quintet cartridges. Pretty interesting read.

The reviewer really liked both of them at their respective price points...

Dayglow, I'm not familiar with the AT-OC9 so I can't compare. I will say the Quintet black is not at all thin sounding nor does it present any shrillness. Deep bass is there when called for but never omnipresent. Last night I played Fleetwood Mac Rumours and that is the best I've ever heard that LP. The vocals were spot on and there was a strong driving beat that propelled the music forward without being over the top. In addition, it is an old LP but sounded like a new audiophile pressing!