Ortofon Concorde 5E and 5S Bring Affordable Hi-Fi Tweaks to Vinyl Fans
Ortofon has introduced two new phono cartridges aimed squarely at the growing wave of vinyl newcomers and budget-conscious audiophiles, with the launch of the Concorde 5E and Concorde 5S.
The Danish cartridge giant is well known for its SPU and 2M lines, but the new Concorde 5 series marks a return to simplified, all-in-one design with plug-and-play appeal. Housed in the iconic Concorde form factor that integrates the cartridge and headshell, the new 5E and 5S promise a fuss-free setup with most standard tonearms and compatibility with all standard moving magnet phono stages.
While both cartridges offer the same ease of installation, they differ in stylus profile. The Concorde 5E features an elliptical stylus designed to track grooves more precisely, delivering clearer highs and tighter bass. The 5S, on the other hand, opts for a spherical stylus—less sensitive to worn records and aimed at users who value durability and a warm, forgiving sound character.
Ortofon says the Concorde 5E and 5S were developed to balance affordability and fidelity, offering a meaningful upgrade over bundled or entry-level OEM cartridges. They are ideal for pairing with popular entry-level turntables like the Audio-Technica AT-LP70X or Pro-Ject’s T1 series, bringing a step-up in sonic performance without adding complexity to the setup process.
The company, which has been designing and manufacturing phono cartridges for more than a century, says these new models carry forward its mission to make high-fidelity sound more accessible. A spokesperson for Ortofon told StereoNET:
These cartridges are a game-changer for vinyl enthusiasts. We’ve combined our expertise in audio engineering with a focus on accessibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the rich, immersive sound of vinyl.
With global vinyl sales on the rise and more listeners investing in turntables and cartridges, the Concorde 5E and 5S arrive at a perfect time to offer an accessible path into high-quality analogue playback.
The Ortofon Concorde 5E and 5S are available now via authorised retailers and online. pricing is set at £75 / €79 and £65 / €69 respectively (with pricing for other regions to be confirmed), placing them among the most affordable options in Ortofon’s current lineup.
For more information visit Ortofon
Gallery
Jason Sexton
Joining StereoNET in 2025 as Deputy Editor, Australia & New Zealand, Jason’s decades of experience comes from a marketing, brand development, and communications background. More recently, a decade in specialist retail has armed him with the knowledge required to deliver the right information to a captive and curious audience.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION
Want to share your opinion or get advice from other enthusiasts? Then head into the Message
Forums where thousands of other enthusiasts are communicating on a daily basis.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE MEMBERSHIP
Trending
1TechDAS Air Force IV Features Separate Motor & One-Piece Platter
2JBL’s Summit Series Soars Higher with New Flagship Loudspeakers
3Mark Levinson New 600 Series Redefines Reference Hi-Fi
4NAD Launches M33 V2 and M23 V2 at Munich High End
5Qobuz Connect Rolls Out Across Devices for Seamless Hi-Res Streaming
applause awards
Each time StereoNET reviews a product, it is considered for an Applause Award. Winning one marks it out as a design of great quality and distinction – a special product in its class, on the grounds of either performance, value for money, or usually both.
Applause Awards are personally issued by StereoNET’s global Editor-in-Chief, David Price – who has over three decades of experience reviewing hi-fi products at the highest level – after consulting with our senior editorial team. They are not automatically given with all reviews, nor can manufacturers purchase them.
The StereoNET editorial team includes some of the world’s most experienced and respected hi-fi journalists with a vast wealth of knowledge. Some have edited popular English language hi-fi magazines, and others have been senior contributors to famous audio journals stretching back to the late 1970s. And we also employ professional IT and home theatre specialists who work at the cutting edge of today’s technology.
We believe that no other online hi-fi and home cinema resource offers such expert knowledge, so when StereoNET gives an Applause Award, it is a trustworthy hallmark of quality. Receiving such an award is the prerequisite to becoming eligible for our annual Product of the Year awards, awarded only to the finest designs in their respective categories. Buyers of hi-fi, home cinema, and headphones can be sure that a StereoNET Applause Award winner is worthy of your most serious attention.