Ortofon
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Available to Order
Ortofon 2M Red
The 2M Red is Ortofon's entry-level moving magnet cartridge in the 2M series, and it makes an immediate case for itself as the natural first step into quality analogue replay. It uses a standard elliptical diamond stylus mounted on an aluminium cantilever — a pairing that Ortofon have refined across decades of cartridge manufacture, and one that offers a broad, forgiving compatibility with the widest range of turntables and tonearms on the market today.
Elliptical Diamond Stylus
The 2M Red uses an elliptical diamond stylus with a tip radius of r/R 8/18 μm, mounted on an aluminium cantilever. The coil system uses quad-coils with split pole pins and OFC wire. Output voltage is 5.5 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec. Recommended load resistance is 47 kOhm and recommended load capacitance is 150–300 pF.
The cartridge body is constructed from a combination of polymer and aluminium, finished in the 2M series' characteristic black and red. At 7.2 g it shares its weight and body dimensions with every other model in the 2M range.
The 2M Series
The 2M series comprises seven models — Red, Blue, Bronze, Black, Black LVB 250, 78, and Mono — each sharing the same body format in three configurations: standard top-mount, Verso bottom-mount, and Premounted for direct fitting to S-shaped arms with universal mount. The 2M Red is available in all three configurations.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec | 5.5 mV |
| Channel balance at 1 kHz | 1.5 dB |
| Channel separation at 1 kHz | 22 dB |
| Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz | +3/–1 dB |
| Tracking ability at 315 Hz | 70 μm |
| Compliance, dynamic, lateral | 20 μm/mN |
| Stylus type | Elliptical diamond |
| Stylus tip radius | r/R 8/18 μm |
| Cantilever material | Aluminium |
| Coil system | Quad-coils with split pole pins and OFC |
| Coil wire material | OFC Wire |
| Tracking force range | 1.6–2.0 g (16–20 mN) |
| Tracking force, recommended | 1.8 g (18 mN) |
| Tracking angle | 20° |
| Internal impedance, DC resistance | 1.3 kOhm |
| Internal inductance | 700 mH |
| Recommended load resistance | 47 kOhm |
| Recommended load capacitance | 150–300 pF |
| Cartridge body material | Polymer and aluminum |
| Cartridge colour | Black/Red |
| Cartridge weight | 7.2 g |
| Premounted cartridge weight | 16.7 g |
Who Is It For?
The 2M Red is the right starting point for anyone setting up their first quality turntable, or for anyone upgrading from a budget cartridge who wants a meaningful step forward without the complication of a moving coil setup. Those ready to step further up the 2M range should consider the Ortofon 2M Blue — which uses a nude elliptical stylus for a meaningful gain in resolution — or, for those considering the move to moving coil, the Ortofon Quintet Blue MC. The Ortofon Quintet Bronze sits further up the MC range for those thinking ahead.
Buying from Martins Hi-Fi
Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.
You're welcome to hear the 2M Red at our Norwich showroom — we can advise on matching it to your turntable and tonearm, and talk through the upgrade path within the 2M range when you are ready.
When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave and Chris — experienced specialists who can advise on this product and your whole system.
Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.
