Ortofon
Ortofon 2MR Mono Cartridge
Best mono cartridge for Rega turntable owners seeking authentic vintage sound.
The Ortofon 2MR Mono is a moving magnet phono cartridge designed for playing mono microgroove vinyl records. It features a special low-profile design for seamless integration with Rega turntables. The cartridge body is constructed from Hopelex for high rigidity and resonance elimination, while an improved engine ensures sonic accuracy. Its spherical diamond stylus and strapped output provide true mono reproduction, delivering a more forceful and stable image with fuller sound. This cartridge is also immune to vertical movement, reducing noise from dust and wear for a clean listening experience.
$459.99
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Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1637
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.
4
/ mV
Who it's for
- Vinyl listeners wanting cleaner playback from worn records
- Audiophiles seeking authentic vintage mono sound reproduction
- Turntable owners needing a simple, hassle-free cartridge installation
Who should skip it
- Listeners wanting a single cartridge for their entire collection
- Casual collectors with limited mono record libraries
- Beginners intimidated by precise tonearm alignment requirements
Performance breakdown
Mono Sonic Accuracy
Strapped output delivers a forceful, stable image for authentic mono playback.
Rega Integration
Low-profile design ensures seamless, hassle-free mounting on Rega tonearms.
Surface Noise Reduction
Immunity to vertical movement effectively masks dust and record wear.
Build Rigidity
Hopelex construction eliminates unwanted resonance for a cleaner, tighter sound.
Tracking Stability
Spherical stylus provides reliable, consistent performance across older microgroove pressings.
Ease of Alignment
Straightforward mounting process makes setup accessible for most vinyl enthusiasts.
Key Specs
Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.
4 mV
Frequency range
20-20,000 Hz
Frequency response
20-20.000 Hz + 2 /- 1 dB
Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force
70 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral
18 µm/mN
Stylus type
Spherical
Stylus tip radius
rR18 µm
Tracking force range
1.6-12.0g (16-20 mN)
Features
- MM phono cartridge optimized for monaural records
- Special low-profile design for Rega turntables
- Hopelex cartridge body for high rigidity and resonance elimination
- Improved engine for enhanced sonic accuracy
- Split pole pins with silver-plated copper wire
- R 18µm Nude Spherical diamond stylus
- Strapped output for true mono reproduction on stereo systems
- Easy mounting and alignment
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ortofon 2MR Mono Cartridge for its exceptional sound quality, noting a significant improvement in mono record playback. Users frequently highlight its ability to extract rich detail and provide a clear, focused soundstage, making beloved mono recordings truly shine. Many consider it a worthwhile investment for dedicated mono enthusiasts, appreciating the distinct sonic benefits it brings to their vinyl collection. The cartridge is celebrated for delivering an authentic and immersive listening experience, solidifying its position as a premium choice for mono playback.
Know before you buy
A dedicated mono cartridge like the 2MR Mono is designed to ignore vertical movement, which significantly reduces surface noise, pops, and clicks caused by dust or wear in the grooves. By using a strapped output, it provides a more stable, forceful, and centered sound image that stereo cartridges simply cannot replicate with mono records.
Yes, the 2MR series features a low-profile body specifically engineered to fit Rega turntables without the need for spacers. This ensures proper alignment and tracking geometry right out of the box.
No, this cartridge is strictly intended for mono microgroove vinyl. Playing stereo records with a mono cartridge can potentially damage the grooves because the stylus is not designed to track the vertical modulation present in stereo pressings.
Hopelex is a high-rigidity material that effectively eliminates unwanted internal resonances. By keeping the cartridge body stable, it ensures the engine can track the record grooves with greater accuracy and sonic clarity.
Yes, the stylus unit is interchangeable. You can easily swap it out for a replacement 2M Mono stylus or even a 2M 78 stylus if you decide to explore 78 RPM records.
The recommended tracking force is 1.8g (18 mN). The cartridge is designed to operate within a range of 1.6g to 2.0g, but 1.8g provides the optimal balance for tracking ability and sound quality.
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