Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge

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“The sound had the immediacy that I associate with good carts but it also had a sweetness that I’ve experienced with good MCs like a Benz Glider. It had a little Sumiko Blue Point edginess in the upper strings and a stridency from trumpets that may not stand the test of time, but for two and a quarter, there is no arguing the Blue is a cartridge performing well above its price point. When I first heard it, I’d have guessed it was in the $7/800 range.” – Audiophilia

Design Elements

The 2M Series is developed in conjunction with the Danish Industrial designer Møller Jensen Design – the same designer who designed the award winning MC Jubilee and Kontrapunkt series. Inspired by the facets of a diamond, whose contours gracefully trace the grooves on a record’s surface, the 2M’s handsome elegance establishes a great combination of form and functionality.

The name 2M was selected from among several ideas. We wanted a modern name that would be easy to pronounce and remember, and therefore an alphanumerical name was chosen. 2M means MM, which is the abbreviation for moving magnet. Of course the 2M isn’t just another pretty face. It has been engineered to the highest standards and is congruent with Ortofon’s unrelenting commitment to providing the most precise and accurate reproduction possible without coloration.

Ortofon 2M Sonics

The 2M series of cartridges feature Ortofon’s trademark split-pole pins, an invention that enables moving-magnet cartridges to have a flat frequency response, as with a moving-coil cartridge. Split-pole pins were invented by Ortofon, and were originally presented in the 500 and OM Super series. We have optimized the design for ease of mounting the cartridge, and the weight and size to fit the most common turntables on the market today. The 2M Series provides excellent compatibility when used in an assortment of playback systems and with a wide variety of phono preamps.

Features

• Improved engine (over the OM series) which provides an increased output of 5.5mV, optimized reproduction and a high level of sonic accuracy
• Elliptical diamond and split-pole pins with a copper wire
• 2m Red – all-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a hint of warmth

NEW!

Ortofon’s all-new 2MR series features a low-profile body for convenient mounting on Rega turntables with no shims required.  Say goodbye to expensive counterweight upgrades and aftermarket shims – the 2MR makes it easier than ever!

Technical

• Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.: 5,5 mV
• Channel balance at 1 kHz: 1,5 dB
• Channel separation at 1 kHz: 25 dB
• Channel separation at 15 kHz: 15 dB
• Frequency range at – 3dB: 20-25.000 Hz
• Frequency response: 20-20.000 Hz + 2 / – 1 dB
• Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force: 80 µm
• Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 20 µm/mN
• Stylus type: Nude Elliptical
• Stylus tip radius: r/R 8/18 µm
• Tracking force range: 1,6-2,0g (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 colour, body/stylus: Black/Blue
• Cartridge weight: 7,2 g
• Replacement stylus unit: 2M Blue (interchangeable with 2M Red and 2M Silver)