Ortofon Concorde 5E and 5S Bring Affordable Hi-Fi Tweaks to Vinyl Fans

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