Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM Cartridge

The Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 is a top-class MM cartridge that mounts the 2M Black's nude Shibata stylus on a boron cantilever – a limited edition honouring Ludwig van Beethoven's 250th birthday. This exact combination also shaped Ortofon's celebrated MC Cadenza Black.

Why the 2M Black LVB 250?

Because it pushes the already outstanding 2M Black further in the areas that matter. The extremely stiff, lightweight boron cantilever delivers more transparency, speed and responsiveness than the standard Black. On top of that comes a newly developed damping system based on a nano-filler (MWCNT) for the optimal compromise between compliance and control.

What you hear

Fine resolution right up into the highest frequencies that leaves some Moving Coil cartridges looking dated – and still the uncomplicated handling of an MM. The slim, highly polished Shibata profile hugs the groove walls over a large contact area: detailed, fast, with authority in the bass. MC territory, without the MC effort.

Who is the 2M Black LVB 250 for – and who isn't it for?

Ideal for analogue enthusiasts with a high-quality turntable and a good tonearm who want the absolute maximum from the 2M world. Bottom line: On a mediocre turntable or with a weak phono stage, the premium over the standard Black simply can't be justified – this edition only pays off with an equally capable setup.

Our verdict

The Beethoven Edition is the pinnacle of the 2M series: Shibata on boron, MC-level fine detail, MM-level convenience. The European trade press named it the best cartridge of its year with the EISA Award "Best Phono Cartridge 2021-2022". On an equally capable turntable, a small revelation – and a nice piece of hi-fi history to go with it.

Technical specifications

• Cartridge type: MM (Moving Magnet)
• Edition: Ludwig van Beethoven 250 (limited)
• Stylus tip: Shibata, nude
• Cantilever: boron
• Tip radius: r/R 6/50 µm
• Output voltage: 5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Frequency range: 20–31,000 Hz · frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (+2/−1 dB)
• Channel separation: 27 dB (1 kHz) / 15 dB (15 kHz)
• Stylus compliance: 22 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 1.6 g (1.5–1.7 g)
• Recommended load: 47 kOhm · 150–300 pF
• Internal impedance: 1.2 kOhm · inductance: 630 mH
• Winding: silver-plated OFC copper wire · damping: MWCNT nano-filler
• Body material: Lexan DMX · height: 18 mm
• Weight: 7.2 g
• Replacement stylus: Stylus 2M Black LVB 250
• Included: cartridge, stylus brush, screwdriver, mounting screws, alignment gauge (the 2M packaging serves as an alignment gauge)

Frequently asked questions

What sets the LVB 250 apart from the regular 2M Black?

Mainly the cantilever: boron instead of aluminium. That further reduces moving mass and brings more transparency and speed, plus the new MWCNT damping. Both share the same stylus tip (nude Shibata) and generator – sonically the LVB 250 plays audibly finer and more controlled.

Can I upgrade an existing 2M Black or Bronze to LVB 250?

Yes. Generator and body are the same across the 2M cartridges – you simply plug the Stylus 2M Black LVB 250 replacement stylus into an existing 2M Black or Bronze body and get the Beethoven technology with boron cantilever and Shibata stylus. Considerably cheaper than a complete cartridge and done in two minutes.

Why buy the Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 at HD Zürisee?

Because a cartridge of this class deserves a perfect setup and an honest assessment – we'll tell you whether your turntable is worth the premium. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil has served demanding analogue customers for decades and, on request, sets up the LVB 250 with millimetre precision. Call us or send us a message.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a high-quality phono preamp, a first-rate turntable as a foundation, and other cartridges to compare.