Ortofon 2M Red

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Moving Magnet Cartridge System

Elliptical diamond stylus
Output voltage: 5.5mV
Frequency range: 20-22,000 Hz
Tracking ability at 315Hz: 70µm
Recommended tracking force: 1.8 g (18 mN)
Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm
Recommended load capacitance: 150-300 pF
Weight: 7.2g
Colour: Red

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Available since March 2020
Item number 487843
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Stylus Shaping elliptical
Require Headshell Yes
Colour Black/Red
Twin/Single Single
Application Home/Hifi/Rec
Output Voltage in mV 5.5
Including Case No
Replacement Stylus No

£77

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A top-quality entry-level turntable cartridge

The Ortofon 2M Red is a universally compatible turntable cartridge that delivers an open, dynamic, and warm sound, with clearly defined spatial imaging even in dense musical passages. Its bonded diamond stylus, featuring a classic elliptical cut, traces a broad contact area of the groove wall, enabling a wide frequency response of 20Hz to 22kHz, good phase behaviour, and low distortion. Despite its relatively modest price, the 2M Red consistently performs at a level associated with far more expensive cartridges. A cleaning brush, headshell screws, and a suitable screwdriver are included in the package.

Ortofon 2M Red, moving magnet turntable pickup

A small price to pay...

The Ortofon 2M Red is the most affordable cartridge in Ortofon's widely respected 2M series. Fitted with a bonded diamond stylus, it delivers a balanced and engaging sound character, with articulate bass, well-resolved midrange, clear highs, and precise spatial imaging. Despite its accessible price point, the 2M Red incorporates several innovations found in Ortofon's higher-end moving magnet cartridges. Among them is Split Pole Pin technology, in which the pole pins are machined with an extremely fine slot to improve signal transfer and high-frequency response. The cartridge body itself is made from Hopelex, a rigid polycarbonate resin designed to minimise unwanted resonances and preserve signal integrity.

...for an industry classic

The Ortofon 2M series has established itself as a widely recognised reference point among moving magnet cartridges, and the 2M Red represents an especially attractive option for cost-conscious hi-fi enthusiasts. Installation is straightforward, and the cartridge performs reliably on virtually any modern turntable; thanks to its healthy output voltage of 5.5mV, it also pairs well with older hi-fi equipment. The 2M Red shares its housing, motor, coils, and magnet configuration with the higher-priced 2M Blue, allowing it to benefit from the same proven platform. This consistency has led many turntable manufacturers to include the 2M Red as standard, effectively making it an industry benchmark. As it's supplied with the necessary mounting hardware, the cartridge can be fitted to any compatible headshell and is ready for immediate use.

About Ortofon

Founded in Denmark in 1918 by engineers Axel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen, Ortofon has been at the forefront of phono technology for more than a century. The company introduced its first magnetic pickup system, the M-15, in 1969, marking a major milestone in cartridge design. In 1982, Ortofon launched the now-iconic Concorde series, whose futuristic design went on to become a regular fixture in clubs and broadcast environments worldwide. Today, Ortofon designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, covering everything from accessible hi-fi solutions to uncompromising high-end systems for the most demanding listeners.

A really reliable all-rounder

The Ortofon 2M Red is a solid choice for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a dependable and musically engaging cartridge. Its elliptical stylus profile is gentle on records and, under normal conditions, supports a service life of up to 1,000 hours without noticeable degradation in sound quality. The cartridge's balanced tonal character and good level of detail make it equally suitable for everyday listening or for reviving an older turntable with a fresh, more modern sound. While it is not designed for DJ use or heavy cueing, the 2M Red is a versatile and reliable option for enjoying records at home, and it is also well suited to careful digitisation of a vinyl collection.

Ortofon 2M Red, moving magnet turntable pickup with accessories

In the spotlight: Bonded diamonds

Bonded diamonds offer a cost-effective way of equipping a phono cartridge with a high-quality diamond stylus. In this design, a small diamond tip is bonded to a metal shank, which is then attached to the cantilever. While this construction is more economical than a fully integrated nude diamond, it still allows for accurate groove tracking and consistent performance. With the 2M Red, Ortofon demonstrates that a well-executed bonded diamond stylus can deliver impressive sound quality, making it an excellent choice for accessible, high-fidelity vinyl playback.

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4.8 / 5

quality

sound

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21 Reviews

Great quality

Philippos W.F 25.01.2023

One very good cartridge for this budget!

If you're looking mostly for listen your records with a decent and quality cartridge system, this one is a good option!

Low noise, good frequency response and good price.

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Great Sound

Peterob 24.03.2020

Great Sound and build quality

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excellente cellule

Jankoun 15.11.2020

Utilisation

J'ai achetée cette cellule pour équiper une platine d'époque, la Marantz TT4200. Dans mon système, elle se combien à un ampli, également des années 80, le Technics SU-C03, ainsi qu'à des enceintes type colonne, les Focal Chorus 615.

Le son :

La qualité de restitution de la 2M Re est étonnante, la réponse est précise et dotée d'une grande sensibilité. Que ce soit au casque ou directement sur enceintes, on ne peut que constater la qualité sonore.

La fabrication :

L'ensemble étant pré-monté, il est facile de faire l'installation. Il y a également un petit cache en plastique, clipsable, pour protéger le diamant. C'est pratique mais pas toujours évident à utiliser : il m'est arrivé une fois de toucher le diamant en voulant le protéger. Il faut donc être précautionneux, comme toujours avec le matériel hifi.

Conclusion :

La cellule Ortofon 2M Red représente un petit investissement mais bon rapport qualité prix, avec une excellent qualité sonore. De plus elle présente une esthétique sympathique, entre moderne et vintage.

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Super System

Joebo 07.05.2021

Ich habe meinen alten Technics SL-Q3 mit diesem System ausgerüstet und bin Begeistert.
Nach erfolgter Einstellung und den ersten Hörproben kann ich nur sagen Klasse. Hätte nie gedacht einen so akzentuierten Sound aus dem alten Gerät und den alten Platten heraus zu holen. Bässe, Mitten und Höhen, alles passt. Auch der Output ist recht hoch.
Alles in allem ein Super System um zu einem annehmbaren Preis seinen Plattenspieler aufzuwerten. Klare Kaufempfehlung.

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Ortofon 2M Red

Moving Magnet Cartridge System