Audio T Verdict
The Super OM 5E takes everything that makes Ortofon's long-running OM concept so practical and gives the cartridge body a worthwhile technical upgrade. You still get the lightweight design, removable weight plate and easily replaceable Elliptical stylus, but the Super version adds split pole pins, refined suspension geometry and a rigid Noryl body.
That makes it particularly appealing if you want a straightforward moving magnet cartridge with plenty of future potential. The supplied Elliptical stylus is a sensible starting point, but the OM platform gives you a remarkably broad choice of replacement and upgrade styli without having to remove and realign the complete cartridge.
It is also very easy to accommodate electrically. A 4mV output and conventional 47kOhm loading mean it works with a normal MM phono stage, while the removable weight makes it unusually flexible when matching standard and low-mass tonearms.
Ortofon Super OM 5E
The Ortofon Super OM 5E is an upgraded moving magnet cartridge based on the lightweight OM platform, combining an Elliptical diamond stylus with Ortofon's split pole pin generator technology and a rigid Noryl cartridge body.
Designed for easy mounting, broad tonearm compatibility and straightforward stylus upgrades, it offers a useful step beyond the standard OM 5E without sacrificing the practical advantages that have made the OM range so enduring.
- Moving magnet cartridge
- Super OM generator system
- Split pole pin technology
- Optimised suspension geometry
- Rigid Noryl cartridge body
- Elliptical diamond stylus
- r/R 8/18µm stylus radii
- 4mV output voltage
- 1.5dB channel balance at 1kHz
- 22dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 20Hz to 22kHz frequency response
- 60µm tracking ability at 315Hz
- 20µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 1.75g recommended tracking force
- 47kOhm recommended load resistance
- 200 to 500pF recommended capacitance
- Removable weight plate
- 5g with weight fitted
- 2.5g with weight removed
- Half-inch mounting
- Extensive range of interchangeable styli
What Makes the Super OM 5E Different?
The Super OM 5E is more than simply an OM 5E with a different name.
Ortofon revised the cartridge body and generator to improve linearity, channel behaviour and high-frequency performance while retaining the lightweight OM format.
Three areas distinguish the Super version in particular:
- Optimised mechanical suspension geometry
- Split pole pin generator technology
- Rigid Noryl cartridge body
Split Pole Pin Technology
The Super OM generator uses split pole pins.
Ortofon developed this arrangement to reduce magnetic losses at higher frequencies. The company says this extends the useful frequency range and improves phase linearity compared with a conventional moving magnet generator.
The same fundamental split pole pin principle also appears elsewhere in Ortofon's modern moving magnet cartridge designs.
Why Does This Matter?
A moving magnet cartridge generates its signal through the interaction between a moving magnet and fixed coils.
Magnetic losses within that system can affect how accurately the generator responds as frequency increases.
By refining the pole structure, Ortofon aims to make the generator behave more consistently across the cartridge's operating range.
Super OM 5E vs Standard OM 5E
Both cartridges use an Elliptical stylus and produce 4mV, but the Super OM 5E uses the enhanced split pole pin generator, optimised suspension geometry and Noryl body. It also achieves tighter specified channel balance and an extended upper frequency response.
Optimised Suspension Geometry
Ortofon used computer simulation to identify the natural pivot point of the moving system with greater precision.
The aim was to achieve a more controlled oscillation balance and improve linearity while reducing distortion.
This refinement forms part of the mechanical difference between the standard OM and Super OM cartridge bodies.
Noryl Cartridge Body
The Super OM body is manufactured from Noryl, a plastic and glass compound selected for its rigidity and resistance to unwanted resonance.
A cartridge body provides the mechanical reference for the generator and stylus assembly, so keeping that structure stable helps prevent unwanted movement from interfering with the information being traced from the groove.
Elliptical Diamond Stylus
The Super OM 5E is supplied with an Elliptical diamond stylus.
Ortofon specifies stylus radii of r/R 8/18µm.
The Elliptical profile has different radii across its two axes, allowing it to follow finer groove modulation than a basic Spherical stylus.
It provides a good balance of detail retrieval, tracking and relatively straightforward cartridge setup.
Why Elliptical?
The physical variations within a record groove become extremely small, particularly at higher frequencies and towards the inner grooves of an LP.
The narrower tracing radius of an Elliptical stylus helps it follow those changes more accurately than a simple round-tipped profile.
That can reduce tracing distortion and improve the retrieval of fine musical information when the cartridge is correctly aligned.
4mV Moving Magnet Output
The Super OM 5E produces 4mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
This is a conventional moving magnet output level and makes the cartridge straightforward to partner with the MM phono stages fitted to many amplifiers and turntables.
You do not need the additional gain required by a low-output moving coil cartridge.
47kOhm Loading
Ortofon recommends a load resistance of 47kOhm, the standard value used by the majority of moving magnet phono stages.
Recommended total load capacitance is 200 to 500pF.
Which Phono Stage Do I Need?
Use a conventional moving magnet, or MM, phono input. The Super OM 5E's 4mV output and 47kOhm loading make it considerably easier to accommodate than a low-output moving coil cartridge.
1kOhm Internal Resistance
The Super OM 5E has an internal DC resistance of 1kOhm and internal inductance of 580mH.
These electrical characteristics differ from the standard OM 5E and form part of the revised Super OM generator system.
60µm Tracking Ability
Ortofon's current specification gives a tracking ability of 60µm at 315Hz.
Tracking ability describes how successfully the stylus can remain in stable contact with demanding groove modulation.
Correct alignment, tracking force and anti-skate all contribute to achieving the intended performance.
1.75g Recommended Tracking Force
Ortofon specifies a tracking-force range of:
- Minimum: 1.5g / 15mN
- Recommended: 1.75g / 17.5mN
- Maximum: 2.0g / 20mN
For normal installation, start at the recommended 1.75g.
Don't Deliberately Track Too Light
Reducing tracking force below the manufacturer's specified range does not automatically protect your records. A mistracking stylus can increase distortion and groove stress. Keep the Super OM 5E between 1.5 and 2.0g.
20µm/mN Compliance
Dynamic lateral compliance is specified at 20µm/mN.
Compliance describes how readily the stylus suspension moves and is one of the factors involved when matching a cartridge to the effective mass of a tonearm.
The OM platform's removable weight plate makes this relationship particularly flexible.
Removable Weight Plate
One of the cleverest aspects of the OM cartridge design is the small removable weight housed above the mounting bracket.
For a standard tonearm, Ortofon recommends leaving the weight in place.
If the cartridge is being used with a low-mass tonearm, the plate can be removed to reduce the cartridge's overall mass.
5g or Just 2.5g
With the extra weight fitted, the Super OM 5E weighs 5g.
With the plate removed, cartridge mass falls to just 2.5g.
This flexibility is one of the reasons Ortofon describes the OM family as its lowest-mass range of moving magnet cartridges.
Should I Remove the Weight?
Not automatically. Leave the weight fitted with a conventional tonearm. Removal is primarily intended for low-mass tonearms where reducing cartridge mass provides a better mechanical match. Audio T can help check which arrangement is appropriate for your turntable.
20-Degree Tracking Angle
Ortofon specifies a tracking angle of 20 degrees.
The cartridge should still be aligned correctly for the geometry of the particular tonearm rather than simply being mounted parallel by eye.
1.5dB Channel Balance
Channel balance is specified at 1.5dB at 1kHz.
This is tighter than the current 2dB specification of the standard OM 5E and forms part of the Super model's upgraded performance.
22dB Channel Separation
Channel separation is specified at 22dB at 1kHz.
Good separation between information in the left and right groove walls helps produce stable stereo imaging and clearer placement of voices and instruments.
Extended Frequency Response
Ortofon's current dedicated specification gives the Super OM 5E a response of 20Hz to 22kHz at +3 / -3dB.
The standard OM 5E is currently specified to 20kHz, illustrating one of the measurable differences associated with the Super model's revised generator.
Half-Inch Mounting
The Super OM 5E uses conventional half-inch mounting.
The OM body has been designed for easy mounting and alignment on both top-mount and bottom-mount headshell arrangements.
Once fitted, cartridge overhang, offset angle, tracking force and anti-skate should still be set correctly for the particular turntable.
A Huge Choice of Replacement Styli
One of the strongest long-term advantages of the OM platform is that upgrading does not necessarily require replacing the complete cartridge.
Ortofon currently lists the following styli as interchangeable within the OM 5 family:
- Stylus 3E
- Stylus 5E
- Stylus 10
- Stylus 20
- Stylus 30
- Stylus 40
- Stylus 78
- D 25 M
This allows the Super OM body to remain in place while the stylus is replaced or upgraded.
An Upgrade Without Realigning the Cartridge
If the cartridge body is already correctly aligned, replacing the stylus assembly does not require removing the complete cartridge from the tonearm.
This makes the OM platform particularly attractive if you want to improve performance later without repeating a complete cartridge installation.
Reset Tracking Force After a Stylus Upgrade
Compatible OM styli do not necessarily use the same recommended tracking force. Whenever you fit a different stylus model, reset tracking force according to the specification of that stylus rather than continuing to use the Super OM 5E's 1.75g setting.
Super OM 5E or OM 5E?
The two cartridges share the same basic OM format and Elliptical stylus geometry, but the Super version upgrades the cartridge body and generator.
OM 5E
- Elliptical stylus
- 4mV output
- 2dB channel balance
- 22dB channel separation
- 20Hz to 20kHz response
- 750-ohm internal resistance
- 450mH internal inductance
- 1.8g recommended tracking force
Super OM 5E
- Elliptical stylus
- Split pole pin generator
- 4mV output
- 1.5dB channel balance
- 22dB channel separation
- 20Hz to 22kHz response
- 1kOhm internal resistance
- 580mH internal inductance
- 1.75g recommended tracking force
The Super OM 5E therefore makes most sense when you want to retain the lightweight OM format while starting with the more sophisticated cartridge body and generator.
Super OM 5E or a Stylus Upgrade?
If you already own an OM cartridge, it is worth considering whether your money is better spent replacing the complete cartridge or moving to a higher-grade compatible stylus.
The answer depends on which OM body you currently own, the condition of the cartridge and how ambitious the rest of the turntable is.
Audio T can help identify the existing cartridge and work out which upgrade route makes the most sense.
Key Features
- Ortofon Super OM 5E
- Moving magnet cartridge
- OM 5 Series
- Half-inch mounting
- Elliptical diamond stylus
- r/R 8/18µm stylus radii
- Split pole pin technology
- Optimised suspension geometry
- Noryl cartridge body
- 4mV output voltage
- 1.5dB channel balance at 1kHz
- 22dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 20Hz to 22kHz frequency response
- +3 / -3dB response tolerance
- 60µm tracking ability at 315Hz
- 20µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 1.5 to 2.0g tracking-force range
- 1.75g recommended tracking force
- 20-degree tracking angle
- 1kOhm internal DC resistance
- 580mH internal inductance
- 47kOhm recommended load resistance
- 200 to 500pF recommended capacitance
- Removable weight plate
- 5g weight with plate fitted
- 2.5g weight with plate removed
- Wide range of interchangeable styli
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ortofon Super OM 5E still current?
Yes. Ortofon continues to list the Super OM 5E as one of the three core cartridges in its current OM 5 Series.
Is the Super OM 5E moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a moving magnet cartridge.
What is different about the Super OM 5E?
The Super version uses an enhanced generator with split pole pins, optimised suspension geometry and a rigid Noryl cartridge body.
What stylus does it use?
An Elliptical diamond with r/R 8/18µm stylus radii.
Is the Super OM 5E stylus nude?
Ortofon's current product specification describes it simply as Elliptical and does not describe it as a nude diamond.
What is the output voltage?
4mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
Which phono stage do I need?
Use a conventional moving magnet, or MM, phono input.
What load resistance does Ortofon recommend?
47kOhm.
What capacitance does Ortofon recommend?
200 to 500pF.
What tracking force should I use?
Ortofon recommends 1.75g.
What is the tracking-force range?
1.5 to 2.0g.
What is the tracking ability?
Ortofon's current dedicated specification gives 60µm at 315Hz.
What is the dynamic compliance?
20µm/mN.
What is the tracking angle?
20 degrees.
What is the channel separation?
22dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
1.5dB at 1kHz.
What is the current frequency response?
Ortofon currently specifies 20Hz to 22kHz at +3 / -3dB.
What is the internal resistance?
1kOhm DC resistance.
What is the internal inductance?
580mH.
How much does the cartridge weigh?
It weighs 5g with the removable weight plate fitted and 2.5g with the plate removed.
Should I remove the weight plate?
Ortofon recommends leaving it fitted for standard tonearms and removing it for low-mass tonearms where the lighter configuration is appropriate.
What is the body made from?
Ortofon describes the Super OM cartridge body as Noryl, a plastic and glass compound selected for high rigidity and low resonance.
What cantilever does the Super OM 5E use?
Ortofon's current product comparison data does not publish a cantilever material, so we do not quote an unverified specification.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
Yes. The OM platform is specifically designed around interchangeable stylus assemblies.
Which styli are compatible with the Super OM 5E?
Ortofon currently lists Stylus 3E, 5E, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 78, together with D 25 M, as interchangeable options within the OM 5 family.
Do all compatible styli use the same tracking force?
No. Always reset tracking force to the manufacturer specification of the stylus being fitted.
What is the difference between OM 5E and Super OM 5E?
Both use an Elliptical stylus and produce 4mV, but the Super OM 5E adds split pole pins, optimised suspension geometry and a Noryl body. It also has tighter specified channel balance and a wider current frequency-response specification.
Related Ortofon Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy an Ortofon Cartridge From Audio T?
The Super OM 5E is easy to own, but its removable weight and extensive stylus compatibility mean there are several ways to get more from it. Audio T can help check tonearm compatibility, fit and align the cartridge correctly and advise whether a replacement or upgraded OM stylus is the best next step.
- Turntable and tonearm compatibility advice
- Standard and low-mass tonearm guidance
- Removable weight-plate advice
- Professional cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Anti-skate guidance
- MM phono-stage matching
- Capacitance and loading advice
- Replacement stylus guidance
- OM stylus upgrade advice
- OM 5E and Super OM 5E comparison
- Turntable upgrade advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Ortofon Super OM 5E is the right cartridge for your turntable or which stylus upgrade best suits an existing OM cartridge.