Ortofon
Ortofon Super OM 5E MM Phono Cartridge
Best entry-level upgrade for vinyl enthusiasts seeking improved sonic clarity.
The Ortofon Super OM 5E MM phono cartridge builds upon the acclaimed OM 5E design with significant refinements for enhanced audio performance. It features an elliptical diamond stylus for accurate groove tracking and reduced distortion, delivering balanced and clear playback. Advanced split pole PINs minimize magnetic losses in the treble range, extending the frequency response and improving phase linearity. Constructed from a rigid Noryl plastic and glass compound, the cartridge body resists resonances. Its innovative design includes a removable weight-plate, allowing for optimal matching with various tonearm masses, ensuring superior sound reproduction.
$99.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
599
/ 1637
#599 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-92%
Below average
Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.
4
/ mV
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking high-quality analog sound
- Music lovers wanting a versatile, balanced listening experience
- Vinyl newcomers planning for future system upgrades
Who should skip it
- Audiophiles demanding maximum resolution and expansive soundstages
- Heavy listeners preferring low-maintenance, long-lasting stylus profiles
- Listeners seeking high-impact, punchy dynamic performance
Performance breakdown
Tracking Precision
Elliptical stylus geometry ensures accurate groove tracing and minimal playback distortion.
Tonearm Compatibility
Removable weight-plate allows for seamless integration with diverse tonearm mass requirements.
High-Frequency Clarity
Split pole PIN design significantly improves treble response and phase linearity.
Resonance Control
Rigid Noryl and glass compound body effectively dampens unwanted mechanical vibrations.
Installation Ease
Straightforward mounting system makes alignment simple for most standard headshells.
Upgrade Path
Interchangeable stylus options provide a clear route for future system improvements.
Key Specs
Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.
4 mV
Channel balance at 1 kHz
1.5 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz
22 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz
15 dB
Frequency response
20-20,000 + 3 / - 3 dB
Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force
-60 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral
20 µm/mN
Stylus type
Elliptical
Features
- Refined and upgraded design for improved linearity and channel separation.
- Elliptical stylus for accurate tracking and reduced distortion.
- Split pole PINs enhance treble response and phase linearity.
- Noryl body provides high rigidity and resonance-free performance.
- Lowest-mass moving magnet cartridge from Ortofon.
- Adjustable weight for optimal tonearm matching.
- Convenient stylus interchangeability for system optimization.
- Easy mounting and alignment on various headshells.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ortofon Super OM 5E MM Phono Cartridge for its exceptional sound quality and outstanding value. Many reviewers highlight its ability to deliver a clear, detailed, and balanced audio experience, often noting a significant improvement over standard cartridges. It is widely regarded as an excellent entry point for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a noticeable upgrade without a premium price tag, making it a highly recommended choice for its impressive performance to cost ratio.
Know before you buy
The removable weight-plate allows you to adjust the cartridge's mass to better match your specific tonearm. By removing the plate, you reduce the weight from 5g to 2.5g, which helps achieve optimal tracking and resonance control on lighter tonearms.
Yes, the Super OM 5E is compatible with other styli in the Ortofon OM series, such as the Stylus 10. This allows you to improve your audio performance in the future without needing to replace the entire cartridge body.
The Noryl plastic and glass compound is highly rigid, which helps the cartridge body resist unwanted vibrations and resonances. By minimizing these internal distortions, the cartridge delivers a cleaner, more accurate signal from your vinyl grooves.
Due to its adjustable weight and high dynamic compliance, this cartridge is versatile enough to work well with a wide range of standard tonearms. It is particularly effective on low-to-medium mass tonearms where precise tracking is essential.
No, this is a standard moving magnet (MM) cartridge with an output voltage of 4mV. It is designed to work perfectly with any standard MM phono input found on most integrated amplifiers, receivers, or external phono stages.
The recommended tracking force is 1.75 grams. You can safely adjust this within the 1.5 to 2.0-gram range depending on your specific setup and listening preference.
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