The Stylus 78 is Ortofon's dedicated 78 RPM replacement stylus for the OM-series moving magnet cartridge bodies. It is intended for the playback of shellac 78 RPM records, where the wider groove and heavier modulation of pre-LP discs require a tip profile and tracking force optimised for the format. The OM Series is Ortofon's lowest-mass moving magnet line, with the OM name standing for "Optimum Match", reflecting Ortofon's intent for the range to suit a wide variety of turntables.
Stylus Design
The Stylus 78 uses a spherical diamond tip with a contact radius optimised for the larger groove dimensions of 78 RPM shellac records. Spherical profiles are well suited to older formats because they bridge over surface noise and minor groove damage rather than tracing every fine modulation, which on shellac discs is rarely musical information. Tracking ability measures 60 micrometres at 315 Hz at the recommended tracking force, with dynamic lateral compliance of 15 micrometres per millinewton and a tracking angle of 20 degrees.
Cartridge Compatibility
The Stylus 78 is designed exclusively for use on Ortofon cartridges. It clips onto any cartridge body in the Super OM, OM, OMP, TM and Concorde ranges, all of which share Ortofon's common stylus fitting. A cartridge body originally supplied with a Stylus 5, Stylus 5E, Stylus 10, Stylus 20, Stylus 30 or Stylus 40 unit can therefore be repurposed for 78 RPM playback simply by clipping on the Stylus 78. The stylus itself is supplied without a cartridge body.
Performance and Setup
Frequency response is rated at plus 2 / minus 3 dB across the audible range. The recommended tracking force is 2.0 grams, within a permitted range of 1.75 to 2.25 grams; this is a higher figure than Ortofon's hi-fi LP styli, reflecting the format's heavier groove. The stylus must be mounted only on Ortofon cartridge bodies and must not be used on shellac records below the recommended tracking force, where insufficient downward pressure can damage both the stylus and the disc.