Ortofon
Ortofon 2M Black Cartridge
Ortofon 2M Black Cartridge
Available to Order
Ortofon 2M Black
The 2M Black is fitted with a Nude Shibata diamond stylus mounted on an aluminium cantilever — a stylus geometry that Ortofon describe as giving the cartridge contact with the groove.
Nude Shibata Diamond
The 2M Black uses a Nude Shibata diamond with a stylus tip radius of r/R 6/50 μm. The coil system uses quad-coils with split pole pins and silver-plated OFC wire. Output voltage is 5 mV at 1 kHz.
The cartridge body is constructed from a combination of polymer and aluminium. Recommended load resistance is 47 kOhm and recommended load capacitance is 150–300 pF.
Where It Sits in the 2M Range
The 2M Black has a cartridge weight of 7.2 g, shared with every other model in the 2M series. Those considering the move from moving magnet to moving coil should look at the Ortofon Quintet Blue MC or, for a step further up, the Cadenza Red.
Technical Specifications
| Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec | 5 mV |
| Channel balance at 1 kHz | 1 dB |
| Channel separation at 1 kHz | 26 dB |
| Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz | +2/–0 dB |
| Tracking ability at 315 Hz | 80 μm |
| Compliance, dynamic, lateral | 22 μm/mN |
| Stylus type | Nude Shibata diamond |
| Stylus tip radius | r/R 6/50 μm |
| Cantilever material | Aluminium |
| Coil system | Quad-coils with split pole pins and silver-plated OFC |
| Coil wire material | Silver-plated OFC Coil Wire |
| Tracking force range | 1.4–1.7 g (14–17 mN) |
| Tracking force, recommended | 1.5 g (15 mN) |
| Tracking angle | 20° |
| Internal impedance, DC resistance | 1.2 kOhm |
| Internal inductance | 630 mH |
| Recommended load resistance | 47 kOhm |
| Recommended load capacitance | 150–300 pF |
| Cartridge body material | Polymer and aluminum |
| Cartridge colour | Black/Black |
| Cartridge weight | 7.2 g |
Who Is It For?
The 2M Black suits the committed analogue listener who wants the best a moving magnet cartridge can offer — and who values the practical advantages of the MM format: no step-up transformer required, straightforward phono stage compatibility, and the ability to swap the stylus unit without disturbing the cartridge body. It is a particularly strong choice for anyone already running a 2M cartridge who wants a meaningful upgrade without changing their tonearm setup. Those ready to move into moving coil territory should consider the Cadenza Blue or the Ortofon Windfeld Ti for a view of what lies further up the range.
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 Black at our Norwich showroom — we can demonstrate it on a suitable turntable so you can judge the Shibata stylus in the context of your own system requirements.
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.
