2M Series
The 2M Red and 2M Blue are designed for precise and accurate retrieval of the information in the record groove. Indeed, it is Ortofon's lasting philosophy to only ever play the recorded sound, without colouration. To obtain a flat frequency response, as with a Moving Coil cartridge, Ortofon are using split pole pins in the 2M design, to reduce the eddy current. The split pole pins are an Ortofon invention which was originally presented in the 500 and Super OM series, to great effect.
The 2M Red and 2M Blue both use the same engine with split pole pins. With this improved engine Ortofon have been able to increase the output to an impressive 5.5 mV.
The 2M technology
Both the 2M Red and 2M Blue have diamonds which are polished to the highest standards of the industry. 2M Red has a tipped elliptical diamond, and the 2M Blue has a nude elliptical diamond. The design has been optimized for easy mounting on to a tonearm; the weight and size of all 2M models is well-suited to fit the most common turntables on today's market. The 2M Red and 2M Blue also have interchangeable stylus units, and replacement styli are readily available in the UK.
About the unique 2M design
2M was developed by Ortofon in conjunction with "Møller Jensen Design" from Copenhagen, Denmark - the same designer who collaborated on the award-winning MC Jubilee cartridge, and the coveted Kontrapunkt series. The inspiration for designing the 2M was related to the facets of the diamond - elegantly concentrating its contours against the grooves on the record surface. The name 2M was selected among several ideas. Ortofon wanted a modern name which would be easy to pronounce around the world, and to remember. Therefore an alpha-numerical name was chosen... 2M means MM, which is simply the common abbreviation for Moving Magnet.
The 2M range has been structured in the same way as the popular Rondo and Cadenza Moving Coil series, with ascending quality as you move from Red - Blue - Bronze - Black. The spectacular 2m Black has become the flagship of 2M, and all Ortofon moving magnet cartridges. 2M was also the last product designed by Ortofon's former chief engineer, Per Windfield. He developed the 2M series over the final 2 years of his 30 year tenure with Ortofon.
Key Features:
- Improved engine, which provides an output of 5.5mV
- Optimised sound reproduction and high level of sonic accuracy
- Tipped Elliptical diamond
- Split pole pins with a copper wire
- All-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth
- Supplied with 2 different sets of screws (M2.5 x 5 & M2.5 x 7)
- Stylus brush included
- Also available with integrated headshell or verso version
Hi-Fi Choice, May 2011 - Recommended
Hi-Fi News, October 2008 - Outstanding Product
What Hi-Fi?, April 2013 - 4 Stars
Ortofon 2M Red
Output Voltage (at 1kHz, 5cm/sec): 5.5mV Channel Balance at 1kHz: 1.5dB Channel Separation at 1kHz: 22dB Channel Separation at 15kHz: 15dB Frequency Range (at -3dB): 20Hz - 22kHz Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz: +3 / -1dB Tracking Ability at 315Hz: Typically 70μm Compliance, Dynamic, Lateral: 20μm / mN Stylus Type: Elliptical Stylus Tip Radius r / R: 8 / 18μm Tracking Force Range: 1.6 - 2.0g (16 - 20mN) Recommended Tracking Force: 1.8g (18mN) Tracking Angle: 20º Internal Impedance / DC Resistance: 1.3kΩ Internal Inductance: 700mH Recommended Load Resistance: 47kΩ Recommended Load Capacitance: 150 - 300pF Cartridge Colour Body / Stylus: Black / Red Cartridge Weight: 7.2g