Definitely recommended for the novice, who can take the advantage of this specific design of stylus exchangeability by planning to save his cost in getting up the audio staircase with upgrades to OM-20, and then to OM-40. Skiping the OM-30 stylus is a wise choice in this. The body of the acoustic guitar was about as real as it can get, and so were the vocals. The effect is similar to sitting mid-row in a small coffee shop. So a very personal album. Micro and macro dynamics of the guitar and the piano were fairly realistic, only bettered by the Aries 1 turntable and UREI speakers of yore. Once again I heard shorter depth and a bit less detail than my older systems, but there was still a cohesiveness that really brought my enjoyment factor to a very high level. 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. I have done this and the jico is far better than the om10 it replaced, more detailed and just better sounding.

At the time of its review, the Ortofon Super OM20 was rated in the same performance category as the Shure V15VxMR. 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.Additionally, a new technique was developed and applied: slit less than 1 mm dia. hollow pole pins, thus significantly reducing eddy current losses caused by magnetic hysteresis. This sophisticated technology extends the frequency range and improves phase linearity. 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. DUAL Turntables* 505, CS503-2, CS503-5, CS505, CS505-2, CS505-3, CS505-4, CS430, CS515 & CS5000 DN165E, DN166E, DN167E, DN168E, DN20NE ULM65E, ULM66E, ULM67E & ULM68E

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. 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. The capacitive load setting that you use is important with a moving magnet. You should be able to tell if your setting is working for you by the sound it gives out. If it sounds too dull, it is likely that your setting is much too low. If it sounds too bright and perhaps even the tiniest bit shrill, then you might need to take it higher a bit. While a lot of people embrace bright sounds, it contaminates the purity of the sound and sooner than later, you’ll realize that a nice balance is preferred.

NF15XEMkII Elliptical Stylus replacement - Ortofon FF15XEMkII Ref 341E

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. 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. 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. Still using it on a Dual 1219 and it sounds great on this, better than it ever did on the Rega or Technics. So it's turntable dependant. OK value for money but were I buying now I would go for the plus version with its upgrade possibilities that this version does not have. 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.

Personally I would look up an OM20 or OM30 stylus and use that. For example https://www.lpgear.com/product/ORS020.html Choosing between the Ortofon OM10 and OM20 ultimately depends on your specific audio requirements, budget, and the level of fidelity you seek. 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? By means of computer simulations it has been possible to define the natural pivot point of the system with unprecedented accuracy while achieving an optimum oscillation balance. The result: improved linearity, higher channel separation and reduced distortion.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.

My Lenco is modified; a Linn tonearm and I'm in the process of upgrading the plinth, so it's more in the category of a modern turntable now.By means of advanced computer simulation methods, Ortofon is able to define the natural pivot point of the system with unprecedented accuracy while achieving an optimum oscillation balance. This results in improved linearity, higher channel separation, and reduced distortion. PRO-JECT* Pro-Ject DEBUT II, Pro-Ject DEBUT III, Pro-Ject ESSENTIAL, Pro-Ject DEBUT S, Pro-Ject DEBUT E3, Pro-Ject VT-E, Pro-Ject JUKEBOX E, Pro-Ject ELEMENTAL & Pro-Ject PRIMARY 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. I would also like to add that if you try or have tried an Ortofon OM 20 and you find it too bright or harsh, I would suggest that your problem lies elsewhere in the system and should be explored. I know that this is an old, standard audiophile sales argument to explain awful sounding gear...but in this case I believe it's actually the truth.