Ortofon
Ortofon 2M Red Premounted MM Phono Cartridge
Best plug-and-play solution for vintage 78 rpm record collectors.
Rediscover the charm of vintage audio with the Ortofon 2M 78 Mono Premounted Cartridge, expertly crafted for playing 78 rpm shellac records. Its specialized spherical diamond stylus ensures authentic sound reproduction. This cartridge comes conveniently premounted on a sturdy SH-4 headshell, simplifying setup. Experience true mono playback on any stereo system thanks to its innovative strapped output, eliminating the need for dedicated mono equipment. Designed for stability and ease of use, it's the perfect choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking to enjoy their classic record collection with clarity and fidelity.
$169.99
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Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1637
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-87%
Below average
Stylus type
Spherical
/ Spherical
Who it's for
- Audiophiles looking for seamless integration with standard turntable setups
- Vinyl newcomers wanting a quick, stress-free installation process
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking an immediate upgrade in sound quality
Who should skip it
- Value-focused shoppers who prefer manual mounting to save money
- Critical listeners sensitive to inner-groove distortion on complex records
- Owners of bright-sounding systems prone to listening fatigue
Performance breakdown
Setup Convenience
Premounted design eliminates tedious alignment and wiring headaches for the user.
78 RPM Fidelity
Spherical stylus geometry is perfectly optimized for vintage shellac record grooves.
Mono Compatibility
Strapped output allows seamless mono playback through standard stereo phono stages.
Tracking Stability
Robust construction ensures consistent contact even on older, imperfect record surfaces.
Tonearm Versatility
Standard SME mount ensures broad compatibility with most S-shaped tonearms.
Handling Ergonomics
Integrated finger lift provides precise control when cueing delicate vintage records.
Key Specs
Stylus type
Spherical
Stylus tip radius
R 65 µm
Tracking force range
1.6-2.0g (16-20 mN)
Output voltage
4 mV
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz (+3 / -1 dB)
Cartridge weight
7.2 g
Premounted cartridge weight
16.7 g
Compatibility
S-shaped tonearm
Features
- Optimized for 78 rpm shellac records
- Delivers true mono reproduction
- Premounted on SH-4 Headshell
- Spherical diamond stylus
- Enhanced stability and refined design
- Ergonomic finger lift for easy handling
- Strapped output for stereo systems
- Straightforward installation
What customers say
The Ortofon 2M Red is celebrated for its remarkable sound quality, significantly enhancing the listening experience. Many appreciate its premounted design for easy installation, allowing for immediate enjoyment. This cartridge offers outstanding value, making it an ideal choice for those new to serious vinyl listening who desire audiophile performance at an accessible price. It is widely considered a valuable and recommended upgrade for any vinyl enthusiast seeking improved audio fidelity.
Know before you buy
No, this specific model is optimized exclusively for 78 rpm shellac records. The spherical stylus tip radius is designed to fit the wider grooves of shellac discs and will not track standard microgroove vinyl records correctly.
No, you can use your standard stereo MM phono stage. The cartridge features a strapped output, which combines the signal to provide a true mono sound through both speakers of your existing stereo system.
The SH-4 headshell uses a standard SME-style mount, making it compatible with most S-shaped tonearms that feature a removable headshell. Please ensure your tonearm supports this connection type before purchasing.
Yes, the total weight of the premounted unit is 16.7 grams. You will need to rebalance your tonearm and adjust the tracking force to the recommended 1.6–2.0g range after installation to ensure proper playback.
Shellac records from the 78 rpm era often have varying groove dimensions and higher surface noise. A spherical stylus is more forgiving and better suited to tracking these older, often worn grooves compared to more precise elliptical or fine-line styli.
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