Ortofon
2M Red Verso
Best entry-level cartridge for vinyl enthusiasts with bottom-mount headshells.
Discover the Ortofon 2M Red Verso, a moving magnet cartridge designed for bottom-mount headshells. This entry-level model from the acclaimed 2M series brings your vinyl to life with exceptional clarity and detailed sound reproduction. Its optimized weight and streamlined design ensure easy installation and alignment on most common turntables. Featuring Ortofon's innovative split pole pins, it delivers a flat frequency response comparable to moving coil cartridges. The polished elliptical stylus offers precise tracking, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality.
$139.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
681
/ 1637
#681 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-89%
Below average
Output voltage at 1kHz 5cm/sec.
5.5
/ mV
Who it's for
- Vinyl enthusiasts using tonearms with bottom-mount headshells
- Entry-level audiophiles seeking a significant sonic upgrade
- Budget-conscious listeners planning a future stylus upgrade
Who should skip it
- Audiophiles with high-gain or sensitive phono stages
- Critical listeners sensitive to inner groove distortion
- Users with standard top-mount headshell configurations
Performance breakdown
Sonic Clarity
Delivers impressive detail and warmth for an entry-level moving magnet cartridge.
Installation Ease
Streamlined design makes mounting and alignment straightforward for most turntable setups.
Tracking Precision
Polished elliptical stylus maintains stable contact with the record groove.
Frequency Balance
Split pole pins provide a remarkably flat response across the spectrum.
Versatility
Specifically engineered for bottom-mount headshells, limiting use on some tonearms.
Build Quality
Robust construction ensures long-term reliability for daily vinyl listening sessions.
Key Specs
Output voltage at 1kHz 5cm/sec.
5.5mV
Channel balance at 1kHz
1.5dB
Channel separation at 1kHz
22dB
Channel separation at 15kHz
15dB
Frequency range at -3dB
20 - 25000Hz
Frequency response
20 - 22000Hz +3/-1dB
Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force
70μm
Compliance dynamic lateral
20μm/mN
Features
- Designed for bottom mount headshells
- Exceptional entry-level performance
- Clarity and detail in sound
- Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge type
- Split pole pins for flat frequency response
- Optimized weight and size for common turntables
- Polished elliptical stylus for precise tracking
- Easy mounting and alignment
What customers say
The Ortofon 2M Red Verso is celebrated as an outstanding value for dedicated vinyl enthusiasts. Its sound is consistently described as energetic and lively, with clear highs and a detailed midrange that brings music to life. The unique bottom mounting design simplifies installation for many. Reviewers appreciate its excellent tracking and straightforward alignment, making it user friendly for those new to cartridges. While some setups might find its presentation a bit bright, its upgrade path is a significant advantage. The ability to easily switch to a 2M Blue stylus within the same body makes this an intelligently designed, high performing choice for future listening enjoyment.
Know before you buy
The Verso version is specifically engineered for bottom-mount headshells. While the internal performance remains identical to the standard model, the Verso features a mounting configuration that allows for easier installation on tonearms that require screws to be inserted from the top of the headshell.
Yes, as a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge with a standard output voltage of 5.5mV, it is compatible with virtually all standard MM phono stages and integrated amplifiers with a dedicated phono input.
The recommended tracking force is 1.8 grams (18mN). You can safely adjust this within the specified range of 1.6 to 2.0 grams depending on your tonearm setup and personal preference.
Yes, like all cartridges, precise alignment is essential for optimal sound quality. The 2M Red Verso is designed for standard 1/2-inch mounting, and you should use a protractor to ensure the stylus is correctly positioned to minimize tracking distortion.
Yes, the 2M series allows for stylus interchangeability. You can upgrade to a higher-tier stylus from the Ortofon 2M range, such as the 2M Blue, without needing to replace the entire cartridge body.
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