Ortofon
Ortofon OM 5E Turntable Cartridge
Best entry-level cartridge for vinyl enthusiasts seeking versatile, balanced sound.
Experience balanced, distortion-free audio with the Ortofon OM 5E Turntable Cartridge. Crafted in Denmark, this magnetic phono cartridge features an elliptical stylus and a unique, lightweight design for exceptional compatibility. Its removable weight plate ensures easy tonearm matching for both standard and low-mass tonearms. As part of Ortofon's lightest moving magnet series, it offers broad compatibility with various playback systems and phono preamps. Enjoy the flexibility of easily interchangeable styli for future sound quality upgrades.
$85.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
227
/ 2003
#227 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-95%
Below average
Type
Moving Magnet (MM)
/ Moving Magnet (MM)
Who it's for
- Vinyl newcomers seeking high-quality sound on a budget
- Audiophiles who prefer natural, uncolored music reproduction
- DIY listeners wanting a quick, hassle-free installation process
Who should skip it
- Critical listeners demanding maximum sonic depth and soundstage
- Users who prioritize premium, heavy-duty build quality
- Future-focused hobbyists planning long-term system upgrades
Performance breakdown
Tracking Precision
Elliptical stylus offers reliable groove contact for clear, distortion-free playback.
System Compatibility
Removable weight plate makes this cartridge a universal fit for most tonearms.
Upgrade Path
Simple stylus swapping allows for easy sonic improvements without replacing the cartridge.
Setup Simplicity
Standard mounting and straightforward alignment make installation quick for beginners.
Audio Neutrality
Balanced sound profile delivers honest, uncolored reproduction of your favorite records.
Build Quality
Durable Danish engineering ensures consistent performance over years of daily listening.
Key Specs
Type
Moving Magnet (MM)
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz (+3/-3 dB)
Output Voltage
4 mV at 1 kHz
Channel Balance
2 dB at 1 kHz
Channel Separation
22 dB at 1 kHz
Tracking Force Range
1.5-2.0 g
Recommended Tracking Force
1.75 g
Tracking Ability
60 µm
Know before you buy
The OM 5E is designed with a low-mass profile and includes a removable weight plate, making it highly versatile. It works well with both standard tonearms and lighter, low-mass tonearm designs.
Yes, the OM 5E features an interchangeable stylus system. You can easily upgrade your audio performance by swapping the existing stylus for a higher-end model within the Ortofon OM series.
The OM 5E is a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge. It is designed to work with standard Moving Magnet phono stages found in most integrated amplifiers and dedicated external phono preamps.
The recommended tracking force is 1.75 grams. The cartridge is designed to operate effectively within a range of 1.5 to 2.0 grams.
The elliptical stylus shape provides a larger contact area with the record groove compared to a standard spherical tip. This results in more accurate tracking, better high-frequency detail, and reduced distortion during playback.
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