Ortofon Stylus 78

The Stylus 78, a Diamond Dedicated to 78 RPM Records

The Stylus 78 is a replacement diamond specifically designed for playing 78 RPM records. These records, produced until the 1950s, are made of shellac, a more fragile material than vinyl. Their grooves are also wider, requiring a suitable stylus.

Mounted on an aluminum cantilever, the Stylus 78 diamond has a spherical tip with a radius of 65 microns, which is 3 to 4 times wider than a tip intended for modern vinyl. This geometry allows it to properly read the grooves of 78 RPM records without damaging them.

Compatibility

The Stylus 78 diamond can be mounted on many Ortofon cartridges from the following ranges:

• Super OM
• OM
• OMB
• OMP
• TM
• Concorde STD

This allows these cartridges to be given a second life for listening to 78 RPM records. An interesting choice for collectors who want to play their old records with quality equipment without investing in a dedicated cartridge.

A Blend of Craftsmanship and High-Tech

The manufacturing of an Ortofon cartridge involves four areas of expertise: acoustics, magnetism, materials science, and micro-mechanics. Each component is optimized, from the diamond stylus tip to the coil winding, which is done by hand under a microscope for high-end models.

This blend of craftsmanship and high technology is Ortofon’s signature. It guarantees consistent quality and exceptional musical performance, regardless of the model. From the Stylus 78 at under €100 to the MC (Moving Coil) cartridges costing several thousand euros, the same philosophy applies: ease of use, durability, and musicality.

Advantages of the Ortofon Stylus 78 Diamond

• 65-micron spherical tip suitable for 78 RPM record grooves
• Optimized tip profile for precise groove tracking and low distortion
• Rigid aluminum cantilever for excellent transient response
• Compatible with many Ortofon cartridges (OM, Concorde, etc.)
• Handcrafted in Denmark ensuring high quality
• Allows you to play 78 RPM records with an affordable hi-fi cartridge
• Ideal for collectors and enthusiasts of old records

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

• Diamond: spherical
• Tip color: black
• Tracking angle: 20°

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 20-12,000 Hz +2/-3 dB
• Tracking ability (315 Hz at recommended tracking force): 60 µm
• Lateral dynamic compliance: 15 µm / mN

Usage Parameters

• Stylus tip radius: 65 µm
• Tracking force range: 1.75-2.25 g (17.5-22.5 mN)
• Recommended tracking force: 2.0 g (20 mN)

Compatibility

Replacement stylus for Ortofon Super OM, OM, OMP, TM, Concorde cartridges for playing 78 RPM records