Ortofon Stylus 20

Product Information

Choosing between the Ortofon OM10 and OM20 ultimately depends on your specific audio requirements, budget, and the level of fidelity you seek. Treble: More extended, lively, but the upper end never becomes aggressive or shrill. How much of this is the Denton speakers remains to be seen. In this department the Shure was more rolled-off, and perhaps more pleasing on some hotly recorded albums. The AR-2, AR-2a, and AR-2ax, all of which I've owned, are not refined enough for my tastes. I really wanted to like the AR-4, but the same was true for the pair that I tried. I'd be curious to try them again at some point, though. What's the difference between the 2M Red or Blue and the OM 10, 20, 30, 40? The only thing I can seem to find is that the 2M Red/Blue are maybe Ortofon's newer versions of the 10, 20, etc? And they're just as good - if not better - and less expensive? Seems too good to be true? Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance has a voice that is both ethereal and powerful. The Mobile Fidelity pressing of Spiritchaser showcases her vocals wonderfully, as does the Ortofon OM 20. The notes from that golden throat soar above the primeval music, and roll around, expand, and then come together like I'm under the effects of a psychedelic drug. This is about as close as one can get to being high without taking an illicit substance. I've heard this record done a little better on more expensive systems, but not by leaps and bounds. Nor have I ever heard the Dual CS5000 sound this good. Sure isn't in VPI Aries 1 territory, and any sins are ones of omission, but I am loving the overall sound coming out of the Wharfedale Denton speakers. Considering the budget, very impressive.

The mix was amazing. Each sound is predominant. No sound is overshadowed. Neither is any put in the spotlight ahead of the others. It blends beautifully and is balanced. It gives a clean and neat overall sound. Sound tests simply have to do with testing the sound quality for the major parts and as always (almost always), I enjoyed the sound test. The 2M serie that comes with a built-in headshell, they are for S-shaped or curved tonearms. You have a straight tonearm where the headshell is at an angle. If you want the 2M, then you should buy the version that sells without the headshell. Ortofon also developed a technique to "slit" the less than 1 mm diameter hollow pole pins, thus significantly reducing "eddy current" losses caused by magnetic hysteresis. This sophisticated technology extends the frequency range and improves phase linearity. I now start wondering if I would be happy even with the genuine OM20 or if the OM10 would be closer to what I'm looking for (given the Super S really came with a 10) with my gear. Or maybe I just keep using the well-kept but decades-old original (OM10?) needle but then again I don't want to damage my records.I understand the power requirements of the AR-3a. But they seem to do rather well with the Eico HF-60's, which are really quite powerful, in my small-ish room. I don't try to push them and I've never had any problems. b) Frequency Response: The OM20 offers a wider frequency response range compared to the OM10. With its extended high-frequency capabilities, the OM20 captures more delicate nuances and details in the music, providing a more immersive listening experience. All Super OM models have the same body, construction, and magnetic circuitry. The only difference is the interchangeable stylus unit. Thus, when your level of musical sophistication improves, you can simply switch the existing stylus to the Ortofon Stylus 30 or for pinnacle performance the Ortofon Stylus 40. The Stylus 40 offers pinnacle performance for the most demanding listener. However, if the slight thinness could be ignored, you’d appreciate what it can give. It actually can give you that liveliness and upbeat-ness- if you are looking out for that. If you are looking for deep warmth, you’ll be disappointed. You’d be better off using the SHURE M95ED for warmth.

Midrange: full-bodied but no excessive warmth. In comparison the Shure could overdo this portion of the spectrum. The upper midrange of the Ortofon is definitely more lively but still captures the huskiness of Waylon's vocals.

Ortofon 20 Replacement Stylus

When it comes to the 2M series, I was considering trying one, but I was suspicious that it may be little more than a Super OM body in a heavy plastic body; I believe it was a a Fred (Lini) who confirmed this suspicion, so I would agree that although it will work with Dual ULM arms, and is well within their capability, the mass of the 2M series would defeat the concept of the ULM arms. At the time of its review, the Ortofon Super OM20 was rated in the same performance category as the Shure V15VxMR. The bass was the last and best sound I tested. Before testing, I hoped it would have a very noticeable and yet measured presence. I wanted it to have a punch that would cover up for the slight inadequacies of the treble.

I tested the midrange first and it convinced me that the ortofon super om 20 wasn’t a bad buy. The midrange expressed a hint of richness I liked. It had the markings of a fullness to its midrange that you’d definitely notice if you have a good ear. However, I still felt it left a little to be desired. I wondered if I could adjust my settings a little more to give the richness I wanted but that was apparently the best I could get from it.

NF15EMkII Elliptical Stylus replacement for Ortofon FF15EMkII White Ref 717E

For a cheaper alternative to the (standard) OM20 that is not too far removed in terms of sound quality, you need look no further than the Super OM10 which, in my opinion, strikes a better balance than the Super OM20. Note that the above assumes a phono-cable capacitance of 125pF for the Technics SL1200 Mk5. This value may be higher (likely) or lower for other turntables. Typically, a value in the range 150-200pF is assumed. Comparison My phono stage is an NAD 7250PE, which should at least be decent. I can also blame some of this on my old speakers (mini Optimus) which have since been traded out for an older pair of Cerwin-Vega bookshelfs (not the best, but oh well) that are currently sitting on the floor until I get some time to make some stands. I have one of these. Was less than impressed with it on my Rega Planar 3 with early tonearm. But it did liven up my Technics SL2000 which preceded the Rega.