Ortofon
Ortofon Super OM 5E MM Phono Cartridge
Best entry-level cartridge for budget-conscious vinyl enthusiasts seeking easy upgrades.
Experience superior vinyl playback with the Ortofon OM 5S MM Phono Cartridge. This robust and economical Moving Magnet cartridge is engineered for optimal sound reproduction, featuring a reliable Spherical stylus. Its unique, removable weight plate allows for precise tonearm matching, enhancing audio fidelity. Designed for upgradeability, you can easily swap the stylus to optimize sound without replacing the entire unit, offering excellent long-term value and versatility for your turntable.
$66.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1637
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-95%
Below average
Model
5
/ OMS
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking an immediate fidelity upgrade
- Vinyl enthusiasts planning future performance improvements
- Owners of vintage turntables with lightweight tonearms
Who should skip it
- Listeners who prefer a warm, bass-heavy sound signature
- Audiophiles demanding maximum detail and frequency extension
- Beginners intimidated by precise mounting and alignment
Performance breakdown
Upgrade Path
Modular stylus design makes future sound improvements simple and cost-effective.
Tonearm Compatibility
Removable weight plate ensures a perfect fit for most standard tonearms.
Tracking Reliability
Spherical stylus offers consistent, forgiving playback for everyday vinyl listening.
Installation Ease
Standard half-inch mounting makes setup straightforward for most turntable users.
Sonic Detail
Solid entry-level performance that prioritizes musicality over clinical high-frequency resolution.
Build Durability
Robust construction handles daily use with impressive long-term reliability.
Key Specs
Model
OM5S
Stylus Type
Spherical (R 18 µm tip radius)
Output voltage
4.5 mV at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec
Channel separation at 1 kHz
20 dB
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Tracking force range
1.5-2.0 g (17.5 mN recommended)
Internal impedance
750 Ohm
Cartridge weight
2.5 g (excl. extra weight)
Features
- Enhanced audio fidelity and separation
- Precise tonearm matching with weight plate
- Lowest-mass MM cartridge range
- Easy stylus interchangeability for upgrades
- Optimized sound without full replacement
- Robust and economic design
- Spherical stylus for reliable playback
What customers say
The Ortofon Super OM 5E earns high marks primarily for its outstanding value and surprising audio quality. Consumers consistently report that this cartridge provides a substantial upgrade over stock options, delivering clarity and detailed sound typically associated with much higher priced equipment. Its straightforward installation process also makes it a favorite among vinyl enthusiasts new to cartridge swapping. This combination of accessible pricing and genuine performance makes the Super OM 5E a celebrated entry point into refined analog playback.
Know before you buy
The removable weight plate allows you to adjust the cartridge's mass to better match the effective mass of your tonearm. This ensures optimal tracking and stability, which is essential for accurate sound reproduction.
Yes, the Super OM series is designed for easy stylus interchangeability. You can swap the included spherical stylus for a higher-performance model within the OM range as your system or listening preferences evolve, without needing to replace the entire cartridge.
The OM 5S uses a standard 1/2-inch mount, which is compatible with the vast majority of modern and vintage turntables. As long as your tonearm accepts a standard headshell mount, this cartridge should be a straightforward installation.
The recommended tracking force is 1.75 grams, with an acceptable operating range between 1.5 and 2.0 grams. Always use a tracking force gauge to ensure you are within this range to protect your records and maintain audio quality.
A spherical stylus is known for its durability and ease of setup. While it may not extract as much high-frequency detail as an elliptical or fine-line stylus, it is highly reliable and provides a forgiving, consistent playback experience for a wide variety of vinyl records.
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