Ortofon OM 5E Moving Magnet Cartridge
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Ortofon OM 5E Moving Magnet Cartridge
Overview
A tonearm that's mismatched with its cartridge's mass can throw off tracking before a needle ever settles into the groove, which is part of why cartridge weight matters just as much as the stylus riding at the end of it.
The Ortofon OM 5E is a moving magnet phono cartridge built as one of the lowest-mass cartridges in Ortofon's lineup, pairing an elliptical stylus with a removable weight plate that lets it sit at 2.5 grams for lighter tonearms or 5 grams with the plate installed for tonearms that call for more mass. It mounts to any standard half-inch headshell, so it drops into most existing turntable setups without an adapter.
Rated for a recommended tracking force of 1.8 grams and a 4mV output at 1kHz, the OM 5E is built to work with the standard 47kOhm input and 200 to 500pF load capacitance range found on the large majority of moving magnet phono stages, so it's a straightforward drop-in without extra adjustment on most setups.
Simcoe Audio Video Insight
Because the OM 5E's weight plate is removable, it's worth checking your tonearm's effective mass before deciding whether to keep it in place — we're happy to help match cartridge mass to tonearm compliance if you're not sure which setup your turntable calls for.
More Info
Why the Ortofon OM 5E Stands Out
Elliptical Stylus
An 8/18 micron tip radius improves tracking and detail retrieval over a basic conical stylus.
Low-Mass Cartridge Design
Built as one of the lowest-mass moving magnet cartridges Ortofon offers, for tonearms that call for a lighter cartridge.
Removable Weight Plate
Adjusts total cartridge weight between 2.5 grams and 5 grams to match different tonearm mass requirements.
4mV Output
Compatible with the standard 47kOhm input found on most moving magnet phono stages.
1.8g Recommended Tracking Force
A light tracking force that helps reduce record wear over time.
Standard Half-Inch Mount
Fits any standard half-inch headshell without an adapter.
Buyer's Guide
Who It's For
- The Budget-Conscious Vinyl Listener: wants a genuine step up from a stock cartridge without a big spend.
- The Lightweight Tonearm Owner: needs a cartridge built at a lower mass to stay within the tonearm's compliance range.
- The First-Time Cartridge Upgrader: wants a straightforward elliptical-stylus cartridge that mounts to any standard half-inch headshell.
How It Compares
Where Ortofon's 2M series represents the brand's current generation of moving magnet cartridges, the OM 5E comes from Ortofon's longer-running OM line and sits at the most affordable end of that lineup, built as one of the lowest-mass cartridges Ortofon offers for tonearms that call for a lighter cartridge.
Ortofon OM 5E Moving Magnet Cartridge Specifications
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Model | Ortofon OM 5E |
| Product Line | OM Series |
| Type | Moving Magnet (MM) Cartridge |
| Stylus & Tracking | |
| Stylus Type | Elliptical (r/R 8/18 µm) |
| Recommended Tracking Force | 1.8g |
| Tracking Ability | 60µm at 315Hz |
| Dynamic Lateral Compliance | 20µm/mN |
| Vertical Tracking Angle | 20° |
| Electrical Specifications | |
| Output Voltage | 4mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (+3/-3dB) |
| Channel Separation | 22dB at 1kHz |
| Channel Balance | 2dB at 1kHz |
| Internal Impedance | 750 Ohm DC Resistance |
| Internal Inductance | 450mH |
| Recommended Load Resistance | 47kOhm |
| Recommended Load Capacitance | 200-500pF |
| Physical Specifications | |
| Weight | 2.5g (Excl. Weight Plate), 5g (Incl. Weight Plate) |
| Cartridge Colour | Black/Black |
| Mount Type | Standard Half-Inch |