Ortofon
2M 78 Verso
Best choice for vintage shellac record collectors using bottom-mount headshells.
Rediscover the warmth of vintage vinyl with the Ortofon 2M 78 Verso MM Phono Cartridge. Expertly crafted for playing 78 rpm shellac records, this cartridge delivers authentic mono sound with exceptional precision. Its specialized Spherical stylus ensures optimal playback and preservation of your cherished 78s. The Verso design is ideal for bottom-mount headshells, offering a universal fit for many turntables. Enjoy true mono reproduction, even on stereo systems, thanks to its innovative strapped output design.
$199.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1637
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-84%
Below average
Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec
4
/ mV
Who it's for
- Vintage collectors seeking authentic shellac record playback
- Audiophiles using tonearms requiring bottom-mount cartridge configurations
- Vinyl enthusiasts needing seamless integration with standard MM preamps
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners with limited collections of 78 RPM records
- Listeners wanting a versatile cartridge for modern vinyl records
- Beginners intimidated by complex cartridge alignment and mounting processes
Performance breakdown
78 RPM Fidelity
Specialized engineering captures the unique nuances of vintage shellac records perfectly.
Stylus Precision
The spherical diamond tip balances playback accuracy with essential groove preservation.
Installation Versatility
The Verso design simplifies mounting for challenging bottom-mount headshell configurations.
Mono Signal Integrity
Strapped output ensures authentic mono sound across modern stereo playback systems.
Tracking Stability
Reliable tracking force range keeps playback consistent across older, worn discs.
Build Quality
Robust construction reflects Ortofon's high standards for long-term analog performance.
Key Specs
Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec
4 mV
Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
3 / - 1 dB
Tracking ability at 315 Hz
70 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral
18 µm/mN
Stylus type
Spherical
Stylus tip radius
R 65 µm
Tracking force range
1.6-2.0g (16-20 mN)
Tracking force, recommended
1.8 g (18 mN)
Features
- Dedicated 78 rpm shellac record playback
- Authentic mono sound reproduction
- Spherical diamond stylus
- Verso model for bottom-mount headshells
- Universal turntable compatibility
- Strapped output for true mono on stereo systems
- High-fidelity listening experience
- Ortofon's renowned engineering
What customers say
Dedicated 78 RPM enthusiasts highly praise the Ortofon 2M 78 Verso for its specialized performance with vintage shellac. Users consistently note the 3.0 mil spherical stylus excels at tracking noisy grooves, significantly reducing surface noise while revealing surprising detail and warmth. The high output voltage ensures robust signal strength across various preamplifiers. While the inverted mounting configuration is niche, it solves critical setup challenges for specific users. Reviewers agree that this cartridge extracts superior musicality from records previously considered unlistenable. Despite its specialized nature and premium cost, the investment is justified by the exceptional sound quality achieved for serious 78 playback.
Know before you buy
The 2M 78 Verso is specifically engineered with a wider spherical stylus tip radius (65 µm) designed to track the larger grooves of vintage 78 rpm shellac records. It also features a strapped output, which combines the signal into a true mono output, reducing surface noise and improving playback quality for older mono recordings.
Yes, it is compatible with standard 1/2-inch mount tonearms. Because it uses a strapped output, it will play back mono records through both speakers of your stereo system without needing any additional equipment.
The Verso model is specifically designed for headshells that require bottom-mount installation, where the screws are inserted from the top of the headshell into the cartridge. It includes the necessary hardware to ensure a secure fit for these specific mounting configurations.
No, it is designed to protect them. The spherical stylus is specifically sized for the groove geometry of 78s, ensuring proper contact and tracking that prevents the excessive wear caused by using a modern micro-groove stylus.
No, the 2M 78 Verso is a standard Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge. It works perfectly with any standard MM phono stage or integrated amplifier with a dedicated phono input.
The recommended tracking force is 1.8 grams, with an acceptable range between 1.6 and 2.0 grams. We suggest using a stylus pressure gauge to ensure you are within this range for optimal sound quality and record longevity.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.