Ortofon
Ortofon 2M 78
Best choice for collectors playing vintage 78 rpm shellac records.
The Ortofon 2M 78 is a Moving Magnet phono cartridge specifically designed for playing 78 rpm shellac records. It features a spherical diamond stylus, ideal for the larger profile required by these older formats. The cartridge body is constructed from Hopelex, an environmentally friendly material that offers high rigidity and minimizes unwanted resonances. This cartridge utilizes a patented Split Pole Technology for improved frequency response and accurate channel phasing. Its strapped output ensures true mono reproduction on any stereo system, offering excellent compatibility with a wide range of turntables and phono preamps.
$169.99
More 2M Options
Stylus 2M Bronze
$251.00
Ortofon 2M Blue with SH-4 Headshell
$269.99
Ortofon Stylus 40
$647.00
Ortofon 2M LVB 250
$749.99
Ortofon 2M 78 Replacement Stylus
$137.99
Ortofon 2MR 78 Cartridge
$169.99
Ortofon 2M Bronze Phono Cartridge
$289.00
Ortofon 2MR Mono Cartridge
$459.99
2M Blue Premounted
$269.99
Stylus 2M Black
$649.99
Ortofon 2M Cartridge and Stylus Pre-Mounted on SH-4 Black
$270.00
Ortofon 2MR Black Cartridge
$749.99
Ortofon 2M Blue Verso MM Phono Cartridge
$229.99
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Ortofon 2M Blue MM Phono Cartridge
$269.99
Ortofon 2M Bronze Stylus Only
$344.99
Stylus 540 MK II
$579.00
Ortofon Stylus 10
$64.00
2M Mono SE
$596.99
2MR Black LVB 250
$1149.99
Ortofon 2M Mono
$459.99
Ortofon 2M Red Premounted MM Phono Cartridge
$169.99
Ortofon Stylus 20
$225.99
2MR Blue
$219.99
2M Red Upgrade
$92.00
Stylus 530 MK II
$397.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1637
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-87%
Below average
Frequency range
2022000
/ -, Hz
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking authentic detail from vintage shellac pressings
- Collectors wanting cleaner playback from noisy, aged records
- Listeners needing a durable stylus for imperfect vintage discs
Who should skip it
- Users looking for a versatile cartridge for stereo playback
- Listeners who want a single cartridge for all record speeds
- Collectors preferring a seamless, low-maintenance listening experience
Performance breakdown
Shellac Playback Fidelity
Spherical stylus geometry perfectly matches the wider grooves of vintage records.
Mono Signal Integrity
Strapped output ensures authentic mono sound without phase cancellation issues.
Resonance Control
Hopelex body construction effectively dampens vibrations for a cleaner signal.
System Compatibility
Standard output voltage integrates seamlessly with most modern phono preamps.
Tracking Stability
Reliable tracking force range keeps the stylus secure in older grooves.
Installation Ease
Universal mounting design simplifies setup on most standard S-shaped tonearms.
Key Specs
Frequency range
20-22,000 Hz
Tracking force
1.6-2.0 g
Recommended tracking force
1.8 g
Tracking angle
20°
Output voltage
5.5 mV
Stylus tip radius
65 µm
Compliance
18 µm/mN
Headshell length
52mm
Features
- Optimized for 78 rpm shellac records
- High rigidity and resonance-free playback
- Flatter frequency response
- Accurate phase between channels
- True mono reproduction on stereo systems
- Excellent compatibility across various playback systems
- Spherical diamond stylus
- Strapped output for consistent signal
- Universal mount for S-shaped tonearms
- Resistant to vertical movement and dust
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ortofon 2M 78 for its exceptional sound quality when playing 78 RPM records. Many highlight its ability to extract rich detail and minimize surface noise, transforming the listening experience for vintage shellac. Users appreciate its specialized design, which delivers accurate tracking and a warm, authentic reproduction of historical recordings. The consensus points to a significant upgrade for enthusiasts seeking to fully enjoy their 78 RPM collections, making it a highly regarded choice for its specific purpose.
Know before you buy
No, this cartridge is specifically engineered for 78 rpm shellac records. Its spherical stylus tip radius of 65 µm is much larger than standard vinyl styli and will cause significant damage to modern microgroove records.
Not necessarily. The 2M 78 features a strapped output, which allows it to deliver a true mono signal through standard stereo phono preamps and amplifiers without needing additional equipment.
The 2M 78 uses a standard half-inch mount, making it compatible with the vast majority of S-shaped tonearms found on modern and vintage turntables. Ensure your tonearm can accommodate the 1.8g recommended tracking force.
Shellac records from the 78 rpm era have much wider grooves than modern vinyl records. The 65 µm spherical stylus is designed to sit properly within these larger grooves to ensure accurate tracking and reduced surface noise.
Hopelex is a high-rigidity material that helps eliminate unwanted internal resonances. By minimizing these vibrations, the cartridge provides a cleaner, more stable signal and a flatter frequency response.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.