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Ortofon OM – Substitutes

Raphaz

Raphaz

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Anybody knows of a good quality substitute for the Ortofon OM-30 or OM-20 stylus?
Trying to upgrade the needle that originally came with the Concord Pro S – I'd like to get more detail, wider soundstage, more clarity... (it's for a Technics TT).

Any experiences in terms of reliability and quality (how close to the original Ortofons) with Jico?
I also came across cheaper versions (see picture) on LP Gear or LP Tunes websites (looks cheap, probably is...). Any of you tried one of these?
- Any other stylus suggestions? I'd like to keep it under $130.00 if possible.

How big is the difference btw. the OM-30 and the OM-20 anyway?

Thank you!
 
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There is a biG difference in detail. Try the Jico om30, Lp gear om 30 or oem. I've used the pfanstiehl as well with good results but you'll have to add slightly more weight until it breaks in. The Jico has more in the upper and than the oem as does the Lp gear.

The concorde is a dj cartridge so there's a slight difference in them vs the om and super om series. I actually like brighter carts so I preferred the Jico over oem for the 20 and 30.
 
A Jico Stylus 30 would get you close to a real Stylus 20 from Ortofon for a good price. Some of my repair customers had them (or EVG Japan) on their cartridges. The ones I have had experience with were reasonably good. LPGear/LPTunes is now the USA distributor for Jico styli by the way.
 
Raphaz said:
Anybody knows of a good quality substitute for the Ortofon OM-30 or OM-20 stylus?
Trying to upgrade the needle that originally came with the Concord Pro S – I'd like to get more detail, wider soundstage, more clarity... (it's for a Technics TT).

Any experiences in terms of reliability and quality (how close to the original Ortofons) with Jico?
I also came across cheaper versions (see picture) on LP Gear or LP Tunes websites (looks cheap, probably is...). Any of you tried one of these?
- Any other stylus suggestions? I'd like to keep it under $130.00 if possible.

How big is the difference btw. the OM-30 and the OM-20 anyway?

Thank you!
Click to expand...

Ortofon OM 20 - Nude Elliptical

Ortofon OM 30 - Nude Fine Lin
https://www.ortofon.com/om-series-p-550

Alternative - Vivid line stylus ($129.00 USD)
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ORTSOM30.html :music:
 
I find the difference between the (OEM) OM20 and the OM30 stylus to be night and day,with the OM30 being sonically the best ''value for money'' in the range. While the OM40 may be the highest in the foodchain and price range,it can be very difficult to set up, and is extremely unforgiving of less than perfect recordings or vinyl quality.

Frankly,the OEM stylus is still available,and the OM20&30 is a nude,unlike the aftermarket replacements.If you can afford it,I would recommend the original,with the nod to the OM30.
 
The Concorde Stylus will not work. There is a notch in the stylus that prevents it from going on the OM 10, 20 or 30 cartridge. There is also a difference in the distance the cantilever goes inside the cartridge body.
 
Thunderbox said:
The Concorde Stylus will not work. There is a notch in the stylus that prevents it from going on the OM 10, 20 or 30 cartridge. There is also a difference in the distance the cantilever goes inside the cartridge body.
Click to expand...
Pio1980 said:
Does Jico also do the O'fon Digitrac T4-P stylii?
Click to expand...

In my experience, the current numbered Ortofon styli fit the current OM, OMP, TM, and Concorde bodies. The numbered styli were a little different for the LM and the early Concordes. JICO does not appear to make Digitrac styli, but the numbered OM styli will work on Digitrac bodies. The Digitrac styli will fit on the OM and Concordes after trimming some plastic off the stylus.
 
KentTeffeteller said:
Digitrac is NOT T4p. Tracks heavier than T4p spec, intended for DJ's
Click to expand...
I believe there's some confusion between the Ortofon Digitrack and the Digitrac branded Digitrac 200NE cartridges. The Ortofon Digitrack is a DJ cartridge where the Digitrac is a T4p cartridge.that tracks at T4p standards I have a couple Digitrac 200NE's. They're great sounding cartridges.
 
ronaldw441 said:
I believe there's some confusion between the Ortofon Digitrack and the Digitrac branded Digitrac 200NE cartridges. The Ortofon Digitrack is a DJ cartridge where the Digitrac is a T4p cartridge.that tracks at T4p standards I have a couple Digitrac 200NE's. They're great sounding cartridges.
Click to expand...
Yes, the old Digitrac was T4p mount. The newer Digitrack is 1/2" mount, and a heavier tracker.
 
KentTeffeteller said:
Yes, the old Digitrac was T4p mount. The newer Digitrack is 1/2" mount, and a heavier tracker.
Click to expand...

Main diffrerence is, that Digitrac was a daughter brand/sub-brand of Ortofon (and not all Digitrac models are T4P/P-mount - like the Digitrac 25S and 50E (while the Digitrac 25SP and 50EP are T4P/P-mount versions)) - whereas on the regular Ortofon side the Digitracks are specific DJ models (Concorde Digitack (Limited/Green) & OM Digitrack). So it's Digitrac = brand name vs. Digitrack = model designation.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
 
Why not try one of the new Ortofon MC X series of cartridges? Better sound for sure to be enjoyed for many years to come. There are 4 choices.
 
Man this is an old thread! but it reminds me I found a NOS Digitrac 200NE stylus in the basement the other day. They were decent, very much equivalent to the OM20. Think I'll throw that on Barter Town.
 
twiiii said:
Why not try one of the new Ortofon MC X series of cartridges? Better sound for sure to be enjoyed for many years to come. There are 4 choices.
Click to expand...
Some of us need user replaceable styli, higher output, and don't want to buy a SUT, or replace a phono stage, and take an input needed for other things. And the cost involved.
 
So its it not willing to invest to make our systems better, its all about the almighty dollar. I have had to deal with that for years, but try to improve when the opportunity comes along. In other words bite the bullet.
 
Wow, it’s been a while since I started this thread. Can’t even remember what I ended up with. I think I tried the Jico 20 and wasn’t convinced, and ended up with the original OM30 which I liked. I think it’s what’s still on the Concorde now. Sometimes you have to spend a little more to get something satisfying, and compared to other parts in most setups it’s probably a small investment but can make a huge difference.

Time to play some vinyl!

Live happened, plus I went (and still am going) through some changes in my set up — right now mainly speakers and amplification, and added streaming and wireless rears, and new shelving for records and stereo a while ago. It never ends…
 
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