2MR Blue
Best high-fidelity upgrade for Rega turntable owners seeking precision.
The Ortofon 2MR Blue is a special edition moving magnet phono cartridge featuring a low-profile design specifically for Rega turntables. It boasts a new, improved engine delivering an increased output of 5.5mV for enhanced sonic accuracy and dynamics. With an elliptical diamond stylus and innovative split pole pins, it achieves a flat frequency response comparable to higher-priced moving coil cartridges. This cartridge offers a highly resolving, full-range presentation with excellent detail retrieval, making it an easy and enjoyable listen for audiophiles seeking precision and clarity in their record playback.
$219.99
More 2M Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
681
/ 1637
#681 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-83%
Below average
Output voltage
5.5
/ mV
Who it's for
- Rega turntable owners needing a perfect fit without VTA spacers
- Audiophiles seeking superior high-frequency clarity and tracking precision
- Vinyl collectors planning future performance upgrades on a budget
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners seeking an affordable entry-level cartridge
- Beginners intimidated by precise tonearm and cartridge alignment
- Users preferring a low-maintenance, durable stylus for daily play
Performance breakdown
Rega Compatibility
Low-profile design eliminates the need for cumbersome tonearm spacers.
Sonic Resolution
Split pole pins deliver detail usually reserved for moving coil cartridges.
Installation Ease
Simple two-screw mounting makes cartridge alignment straightforward and stress-free.
Output Efficiency
High 5.5mV output ensures a robust signal for most phono stages.
Frequency Accuracy
Flat response across the spectrum provides a balanced and neutral presentation.
Stylus Versatility
Full compatibility with the entire 2M stylus range offers easy upgrades.
Key Specs
Output voltage
5.5 mV
Channel balance
1.5 dB
Channel separation
25 dB
Frequency response
20-20,000 Hz
Tracking force range
1.6-2.0g
Recommended tracking force
1.8g
Internal impedance
1.3 kOhm
Recommended load resistance
47 kOhm
Features
- Ultra-slim profile for low-profile turntables
- Seamless fit without spacers
- Easy two-screw mounting
- High-performance motor system with quad coils
- Split pole pins for flat frequency response
- Compatible with all 2M styli
- Elliptical diamond stylus
What customers say
The Ortofon 2MR Blue is widely praised as a benchmark mid-range phono cartridge offering superb value. Customers consistently highlight the significant sonic upgrade, noting exceptional clarity and detail retrieval from the Nude Elliptical stylus. The sound signature is described as vibrant and engaging, delivering airy high frequencies and tight, punchy bass that reveals subtle nuances in complex recordings. This cartridge transforms the listening experience, providing depth often found in much costlier components. Furthermore, the 2MR variant earns commendation for its straightforward installation and perfect alignment with specific popular turntables. It delivers near audiophile performance, cementing its status as a reliable workhorse that dramatically elevates vinyl enjoyment.
Know before you buy
Rega turntables have a lower tonearm height that often requires spacers when using standard cartridges. The 2MR Blue features an ultra-slim housing that allows for a perfect fit without the need for spacers or modifications.
Yes, the 2MR series is compatible with all Ortofon 2M styli. This means you can easily upgrade to a 2M Bronze or 2M Black stylus in the future without replacing the entire cartridge body.
No, it is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge with a standard output of 5.5mV. It is designed to work perfectly with any standard MM phono input on your amplifier or external phono preamp.
Installation is straightforward and follows the standard two-screw mounting process used by most turntable manufacturers. Because it is designed to fit Rega tonearms without spacers, the setup is actually simpler than installing a standard-height cartridge.
The recommended tracking force is 1.8g. While the cartridge is designed to perform within a range of 1.6g to 2.0g, 1.8g provides the optimal balance of tracking stability and sound quality.
Thanks to its split pole pins and improved motor system, the 2MR Blue offers a flatter frequency response and higher resolution than many entry-level cartridges. It provides a detailed, full-range sound that approaches the clarity typically associated with more expensive moving coil designs.
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