I bought the Optimum, and yes, it's definetly better than any Rovner. It's gold plated, so it's got nice response. It also as 3 interchangeable faces plates, a resonant one, a centered one, and a bright one. By it from Woodwind Brasswind without the $30 extra cap, and buy an ootional plastic cap from an ebay based store, search and you'll find it. A 5m will not boost your projection, but a 6m, or an Otto Link 6* will. It has a bigger chamber, so you can get more air through, and get a bigger sound.