Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Ortofon Super OM40 Phono Cartridge by Karma Pastures

Model:	Super OM40
Category:	Phono Cartridge
Suggested Retail Price:	$unknown
Description:	Moving magnet phono cartridge with Gyger stylus
Manufacturer URL:	Ortofon
Model Picture:	View

Review by Karma Pastures ( A ) on January 12, 2004 at 02:58:06
IP Address: 211.28.114.153

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for the Super OM40

Several months ago I purchased a Super OM catridge, OM 5 and OM 40 stylii, to compliment my existing OM 30 catridge and stylii. The OM 30 had provided excellent service, though as I was attmepting to get the best possible sound out of my faithfull AR XB1 turntable (modified with a Grace 707 arm) I thought I'd try the better stylus ( the 40). The sound improved with greater detail in the high end, and overall it's the most detailed catridge I've used. ( Others include Shure 75B, 91ed, 95HE, Ortofon VMS20, VMS 30). I know the AR turntable probably limits the sound, but with a CLEAN record listening to vinyl from the last 50 years is a total pleasure. An A-B comparison with a Yamaha PF-800 turntable/ Ortofon OM 30 combination, revealed subtle differences overall, though with a very distinct increase in clarity in the higher frequencies. Lots of space, and if the recordings good so is the sound, and if the recordings bad........

Product Weakness: Ask me after I replace my speakers for improved bass
Product Strengths: Easy to set up, clean sound, cost (OM 40 stylus - AUD $275)

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Yamaha A 1020 100w+RMS, with catridge cap. selector
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Turntable
Speakers:	Philips drivers.....see above
Cables/Interconnects:	Standard / OFC speaker
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, classical, Latin samba
Room Size (LxWxH):	8 x 4 x 3
Room Comments/Treatments:	Sitting room - carpet, glass
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Days
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Ask me after I replace my speakers for improved bass
Product Strengths:	Easy to set up, clean sound, cost (OM 40 stylus - AUD $275)