Ortofon OM 10 Super VS Ortofon OM3E

[progger7]

I'm considering upgrading the Ortofon OM3E cartridge that came with my Dual CS 5000 (when I bought it on eBay). I was just going to replace the stylus which needs it. Replacement styli for this cart are only $35. So wondering if I should just take a step up to the Ortofon OM 10 with the OM10 styi but wondering if I would notice much difference. Opinions?

 

[OvenMaster]

Treble, channel separation, and compliance should be better with the 10 stylus, especially if it's aligned properly. Depending on your other gear, the CS 5000 cries out for at least an OM20. But you should move quickly; the OM series is pretty much discontinued in favor of the new 2M series. http://www.ortofon2m.com
Tom

 

[sssmokin99]

I agree- the OM20 would be one heck of an upgrade. I am running one in my Dual CS530 which replaced the original Ortofon/Dual cart (which looks the same as the OM series). the difference was remarkable, so much so that I purchased an extra OM20 that I may use in another Dual I have on the bench (on its way to the turntable factory, probably!)

 

[Fred Longworth]

The Super OM series line is being discontinued, although (I correspond with Ortofon frequently) the Super OM 10, 20 and 30 are still available (the 40 is NLA.)

The new 2M Red and 2M Blue appear to use the same cartridge body as the Super OM series but enclosed in a red or blue plastic housing.

In auditioning the Red, I've found it to be somewhere between the 10 and the 20 in its sound. Because the Red and Blue have a wider frame than the Super OM's, there may be a problem mounting in narrower headshells. Also, the Red and Blue use taps instead of flanges for mounting. This means that only screws are required to mount a Blue or Red, whereas on the Supers you needed screws and nuts.

Fred