I got this needle as a replacement for my LMA12 cartridge (having a 12 stylus), sound is pretty much the same, but the output is lower with 10 stylus, due to a shorter magnet (there is a visible difference in the cantilever between old 12 stylus and new 10). Sound is more compact and not that elaborate as on a new 2M red cartridge, even if their styli are very similar (tried it also with OM cartridge, very similar to LMA12). Overal, it's worth the money as an upgrade for any 3 or 5 stylus, but don't expect to be wow !