- Improved engine, which provides an output of 5.5mV
- Improved dynamics and resolution, sounds more open and reproduces greater details
- Also available with integrated headshell or verso version
Each 2M cartridge model is also available as a 2MR variant. Here, the "R" stands for “Reduced” and relates to the lower cartridge body height. This is suited to certain types of tonearms from manufacturers such as Pro-Ject, Linn and Rega, in order to achieve the correct VTA. To learn more about whether the 2MR might be useful for your system, visit our handy technical page Ortofon 2MR - The Technical Argument Suitable For Riga Turntables
2M Series
The 2M Red and 2M Blue are designed for precise and accurate retrieval of the information in the record groove. Indeed, it is Ortofon's lasting philosophy to only ever play the recorded sound, without colouration. To obtain a flat frequency response, as with a Moving Coil cartridge, Ortofon are using split pole pins in the 2M design, to reduce the eddy current. The split pole pins are an Ortofon invention which was originally presented in the 500 and Super OM series, to great effect. The 2M Red and 2M Blue both use the same engine with split pole pins. With this improved engine Ortofon have been able to increase the output to an impressive 5.5 mV.
The 2M technology
Both the 2M Red and 2M Blue have diamonds which are polished to the highest standards of the industry. 2M Red has a tipped elliptical diamond, and the 2M Blue has a nude elliptical diamond. The design has been optimized for easy mounting on to a tonearm; the weight and size of all 2M models is well-suited to fit the most common turntables on today's market. The 2M Red and 2M Blue also have interchangeable stylus units, and replacement styli are readily available in the UK.
About the unique 2M design
2M was developed by Ortofon in conjunction with "Møller Jensen Design" from Copenhagen, Denmark - the same designer who collaborated on the award-winning MC Jubilee cartridge, and the coveted Kontrapunkt series. The inspiration for designing the 2M was related to the facets of the diamond - elegantly concentrating its contours against the grooves on the record surface. The name 2M was selected among several ideas. Ortofon wanted a modern name which would be easy to pronounce around the world, and to remember. Therefore an alpha-numerical name was chosen... 2M means MM, which is simply the common abbreviation for Moving Magnet.
The 2M range has been structured in the same way as the popular Rondo and Cadenza Moving Coil series, with ascending quality as you move from Red - Blue - Bronze - Black. The spectacular 2m Black has become the flagship of 2M, and all Ortofon moving magnet cartridges. 2M was also the last product designed by Ortofon's former chief engineer, Per Windfield. He developed the 2M series over the final 2 years of his 30 year tenure with Ortofon.
2M Verso
The 2M series of cartridges are now also available in a special version, suited for bottom-mount tonearms. The 2M Verso are available to special order. Head-Shell shown for illustration purposes only and not included with cartridge