Ortofon Super OM 5e Moving Magnet DJ Cartridge

I have a Pioneer PLX-500 turntable as my home Hi-Fi music player. I got it because it's a durable, functional product that has VERY good sound quality. And I've had it for quite some time now. A friend asked me about how old the stylus was and I said it was the factory stylus. He told me that it's recommended to replace the stylus every 150-200 hours of use. For me, that number was long past.I always thought turntable needles were expensive and hard to replace. Having some mechanical knowledge, I figured I was slightly smarter than the average bear. My friend recommended Ortofon, a name I was not unfamiliar with. I had told my friend that there are so many choices, and I was overwhelmed by what to buy - price vs. quality vs. value, etc. Being a professional DJ (not a wedding DJ, a performance venue DJ), and having an extensive vinyl collection at home, my friend recommended Ortofon because of the quality their styli at every price point they offer. He told me he'd played with just about every one they offer and although their much higher-end styli are worth every penny, he told me I could get very close to that level for a fraction of the price. He recommended this Super OM 5E because it hit all the right points for my needs: Sound Quality, Durability and Longevity, Affordability.After receiving the stylus, I was still a bit apprehensive installing it myself. It would be the first time I've ever tackled a delicate job like this. And I was concerned about making sure the stylus was properly aligned and all that - as I don't have the templates for this. I saw where my factory stylus was aligned, removed it from the tonearm, and gently reconnected all four wires to their new, respective home on the Ortofon. I did my best recalling where the original stylus was aligned (distance from the tip of the tonearm head to the actual diamond needle), adjusted for height and weight, and made it secure with the two head screws that came with the tonearm.I was already accustomed to hearing vinyl on my original stylus, so I put on a favorite album, one which I was VERY familiar with - every sound, every nuance, every tone - and was blown away at how much clearer and fuller the sound was using the new Ortofon. I figured there were better styli available, but had no idea one could achieve THIS level of sound quality at this price point. The distortions I thought were just part of my old vinyls were, in fact, a result of the old stylus coming to the end of its life cycle. With the Ortofon, the distortions disappeared completely... COMPLETELY... (yes, I was super surprised hearing these tunes in such detail and fullness). THIS is what a vinyl experience should be like. Very musical stylus.Would I buy this Ortofon again to replace mine when it gets old? Very likely. Although my curiosity is now piqued to try other brands and models, I've come to understand and respect just how important it is to have a quality stylus that's in excellent working order. And this Ortofon Super OM 5E has done my Hi-Fi rig justice.

Easy to install. Sounds as I expected.

I have this on a rather inexpensive turntable with a light tone arm and it performs exceptionally. Full, articulated bass, no real colouring to the mids with smooth detailed highs. I’m going to order a second for my fathers old Dual turntable as it also has a low mass tonearm and should work well as a modern upgrade/ replacement for it.

I like this just as well as my Red.

El sonido es excelente, ahora se puede diferenciar Grabes, medios y agudos. La calidad de sonido es notable. Llevo más de 30 años siendo DJ y no duda del sonido q sacan esas cápsulas y la aguja. En cuanto pueda compraré dos 20 ya q la 5 es la más baja de la gama.Muy contento

it sounds awesome

The cartridge is great. Just what I expected.When I have bought Ortofon cartridges before, they have always come with a little weight scale packaged with them. My package had obviously been opened before I got it and there was a place for a small scale, but there was none in it. I think someone returned the cartridge, but kept the scale. CAREFUL, AMAZON!I already have a couple of Ortofon's scales anyway.

Great solid bass and clear highs. If you look at the specifications, this cartridge is excellent. It has a great soundstage and seems to track accurately. Highly recommended!