Ortofon
Ortofon 2MR 78 Cartridge
Best specialized cartridge for Rega owners playing vintage 78 rpm records.
The Ortofon 2MR 78 is a specialized mono phono cartridge designed for playing 78 rpm shellac records. This version features a low-profile design, making it ideal for use with Rega turntables. It utilizes a spherical diamond stylus, perfectly suited for the larger groove profile of 78 rpm records, and an improved engine for high sonic accuracy. The "strapped output" ensures an identical signal from both pole pins, enabling true mono reproduction on any stereo system without the need for specialized mono equipment. This design significantly reduces issues like crosstalk, noise, and distortion, providing a more stable, forceful, and cleaner sound.
$169.99
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Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
681
/ 1637
#681 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-87%
Below average
Frequency range at -3 dB
2022.000
/ - Hz
Who it's for
- Vintage record collectors seeking authentic, high-fidelity playback
- Audiophiles demanding clear, dynamic sound from legacy media
- Vinyl enthusiasts needing versatile, easy-to-mount hardware
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners wanting a single, all-purpose cartridge
- Budget-conscious buyers avoiding extra equipment costs
- Users preferring low-maintenance, long-lasting stylus options
Performance breakdown
Shellac Playback Fidelity
Spherical stylus geometry perfectly tracks the wider grooves of vintage records.
Rega Compatibility
Low-profile housing eliminates the need for spacers on Rega tonearms.
Mono Signal Integrity
Strapped output design effectively minimizes noise and crosstalk on stereo systems.
Vibration Control
Medical-grade compound body significantly reduces unwanted resonance during playback.
Setup Simplicity
Pre-mounted configuration makes installation straightforward for most universal tonearms.
Sonic Accuracy
Refined engine delivers clean, forceful audio from aging shellac pressings.
Key Specs
Frequency range at -3 dB
20-22.000 Hz
Frequency response
20-20.000 Hz + 3 / - 1 dB
Tracking ability at 315Hz
70 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral
18 µm/mN
Stylus tip radius
R 65 µm
Tracking force range
1.6-2.0 g
Tracking force, recommended
1.8 g
Tracking angle
20°
Features
- Special low-profile design for Rega turntables
- Spherical diamond stylus optimized for 78 rpm shellac records
- Improved engine for high sonic accuracy
- Strapped output for true mono reproduction on stereo systems
- Headshell body made from a high-rigidity, vibration-reducing medical compound
- Provides correct Baerwald alignment with specific Ortofon tonearms and most universal mount tonearms
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ortofon 2MR 78 Cartridge for its exceptional sound quality and specialized performance with 78 RPM records. Reviewers frequently highlight the cartridge's ability to accurately reproduce the unique audio characteristics of shellac discs, bringing new life to vintage collections. Many appreciate its robust construction and the noticeable improvement it offers over standard cartridges for this specific format. The consensus points to a premium product that delivers outstanding audio fidelity and a dedicated solution for 78 enthusiasts, making it a highly valued component for their turntables.
Know before you buy
The 2MR 78 features a specialized low-profile housing designed to fit the unique tonearm geometry of Rega turntables. This ensures proper clearance and alignment without requiring additional spacers or modifications.
No, you can use your standard stereo phono stage. The cartridge uses a 'strapped output' design, which combines the signal internally to provide a true mono output through your existing stereo system.
No, this cartridge is specifically engineered for 78 rpm shellac records. The spherical diamond stylus has a 65 µm radius, which is much too large for the narrow grooves of microgroove vinyl records and will cause significant damage if used on them.
By outputting an identical signal from both channels, this design minimizes phase cancellation and reduces surface noise. It results in a more stable, centered mono image and a cleaner sound profile from older shellac discs.
Yes, while it is optimized for Rega, it is compatible with most universal mount tonearms. It is designed to provide correct Baerwald alignment on many standard setups, though you should verify your tonearm's effective length and mounting distance.
The recommended tracking force is 1.8 grams, with an acceptable range between 1.6 and 2.0 grams. Staying within this range ensures optimal tracking ability and prevents unnecessary wear on your shellac records.
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