Ortofon

Ortofon 2M 78 Cartridge

  • Ortofon 2M 78 Cartridge - Alma Music and Audio - San Diego, California
  • Ortofon 2M 78 Cartridge - Alma Music and Audio - San Diego, California

Ortofon

Ortofon 2M 78 Cartridge

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2M 78 features:

- An improved engine, which provides a high level of sonic accuracy

- Spherical diamond that is perfect for playback of 78 rpm shellac records, which require a larger stylus profile

- 2M 78 uses a strapped output to deliver the same output signal from both sets of pole pins. This effectively eliminates the need for mono-specific equipment, making it possible to enjoy true mono reproduction on any stereo playback system. 

Read more about Ortofon True Mono cartridges range »

The 2M Series is designed for precise and accurate retrieval of the information in the record groove

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.

Each of the 2M Series cartridges has its own individual sonic expression, and all five models together represent the ensemble of five classic variations:

  • 2M Mono SE2M Mono and 2M 78 are a true mono cartridges for playing mono vinyl records
  • 2M Red is an all-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth
  • 2M Blue adds more dynamics and resolution, sounds more open and reproduces more details
  • 2M Bronze adds even more details and resolution but in a very evenhanded way that pays respect to all elements
  • 2M Black is the best of everything, true to the groove with resolution and accurate insight into each recording

The 2M series of cartridges features 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 series and Super OM 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.

2M 78 Technical data

Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec. - 4 mV
Channel balance at 1 kHz     -
Channel separation at 1 kHz     -
Channel separation at 15 kHz     -
Frequency range at - 3dB  -  20-20.000 Hz
Frequency response  -  20-20.000 Hz + 3 / - 1 dB
Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force - 70 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral -  18 µm/mN
Stylus type  - Spherical
Stylus tip radius  -  R 65 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 -  700 Ohm
Internal inductance  -  300 mH
Recommended load resistance  -  47 kOhm
Recommended load capacitance  -  150-300 pF
Cartridge colour, body/stylus  -  Black/Grey
Cartridge weight without screws  -  7,2 g
Replacement stylus unit  -  2M 78 (interchangeable with 2M Mono)

Download the 2M series userguide

Download the 2M series brochure

Review quote 2M 78

Hi-Fi World April 2013
Reviewed by Tony Bolton

Sensational schellac!

"...Well thought out MONO, standard groove version of respected 2M Series of cartridges...

- Detailed sound
- Low surface noise
- Fast and punchy rhythmus
- Excellent tracking at the recommended 1.8 g"