Ortofon Stylus 30

Bought to replace the OM5e.Superior sound.Further improved by Series cartridge.

Like many, I found myself with an Ortofon OM 10 via my purchase of a Pro-Ject turntable. I had always used Shure (M95ED) before, so I had rather high expectations. The OM 10 didn't really do much for me so it didn't take long before I wanted to upgrade to the OM 20 or OM 30. In a 'oh what the hell' moment I purchased the OM 30, not really knowing why I would want to spend over £200 on an itsy bitsy stylus! Needless to say, once it was installed I realised why I had made such a brilliant decision! The difference just leaps out at you. I listen to a lot of Autechre and I know that my vinyl copies are immaculate, yet I was occasionally hearing some distortion with the OM 10, but with the OM 30 it is perfectly clear, and with such an expansive sound. As others have said, it's like listening to something you have not heard before. It is a lot of money for a stylus, but it is so worth it.

I decided to treat myself and buy this stylus for £174.99 (August 2013). It will fit on an OM ortofon cartridge and is an ideal way of upgrading the sound from an OM5, OM10 or even an OM20. Now I can tell you that having owned an OM10 (ok sound-budget stylus)and OM20 (excellent all rounder and definitely hi-fi), that this OM30 is simply mind blowing and justifies the price tag. I can't believe the extra detail that I am hearing, the lack of any inner groove distortion and the incredible bass. In fact, the bass has noticeably improved upon the OM20, which is itself a terrific stylus. There are also less clicks/pops with this stylus-a real bonus!This stylus is described as a fine line stylus which means it basically traces the grooves of the record very accurately. In other words it tracks like a beast! I did gulp a bit at the price, but actually you do have to pay for quality in this world. This is truly a luxury to hear so much great music made even greater. I cannot recommend this stylus more highly.

Great sound, bass extension is the real treat here, this stylus has it in spades, swap to an SUPER OM cart and you'll be chuffed to bits .

Excellent

I upgraded from an Ortofon OM10 to the OM30. First off, you can CLEARLY hear the difference. The OM30 provides a lot more clarity and high-end than the OM10 and it's definitely resulted in my vinyls sounding a lot better. I can't comment against the OM20, but if you have an OM10, this is a great way to give your vinyl deck a noticeable quality boost.

I've used this stylus to upgrade an old Super OM-10 and I have to say that it sounds wonderful in my SME 3009 arm on a Technics SL150 Mk1 turntable into a Pro-Ject RIAA preamp. It's not cheap, tho'.