Ortofon 2M Bronze MM Cartridge (Fine Line)

The Ortofon 2M Bronze is an MM cartridge with a nude Fine Line stylus – the audiophile tier of the 2M series, one step below the Black. Here the series finally leaves the all-rounder territory and becomes fine work.

Why the 2M Bronze?

The nude Fine Line stylus has a narrower tip radius than the elliptical diamonds of the Red and Blue – it sits deeper and more precisely in the groove and reads high frequencies cleanly too. On top of that, as with the Black, there's a winding of silver-plated OFC copper. You hear it as finer treble resolution and more calm in the detail.

What you hear

Noticeably more fine detail and space than the Blue. The Bronze draws overtones and fine structures out of the groove that were previously lost – strings gain shimmer, cymbals a real shell of sound, and complex passages stay well organised. An audible step towards high end, still within the convenient MM world.

Who is the 2M Bronze for – and who isn't it for?

Ideal for ambitious listeners with a high-quality turntable who want to get close to the maximum of the 2M series but shy away from the Black's premium. Bottom line: On a mediocre turntable or a simple phono stage, the Fine Line stylus's benefit evaporates – its advantage only shows once the rest is right. And for anyone already eyeing the Black: the difference is there, but smaller than that between Red and Blue.

Our verdict

The 2M Bronze is the sensitive tier of the 2M series – Fine Line stylus and silver winding bring you noticeably closer to high end without giving up the convenience of Moving Magnet. On a good turntable, it's a small revelation.

Technical specifications

• Cartridge type: MM (Moving Magnet)
• Stylus tip: Fine Line, nude
• Tip radius: r/R 8/40 µm
• Output voltage: 5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (+2/−0 dB)
• Frequency range: 20–29,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 26 dB (1 kHz) / 15 dB (15 kHz)
• Channel balance: 1 dB (1 kHz)
• Tracking ability: 80 µm (315 Hz)
• Stylus compliance: 22 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 1.5 g (range 1.4–1.7 g)
• Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm · capacitance: 150–300 pF
• Internal impedance (DC): 1.2 kOhm · inductance: 630 mH
• Recommended tonearm mass: light to medium
• Body material: Lexan DMX · winding: silver-plated OFC copper wire
• Weight: 7.2 g
• Replacement stylus: Stylus 2M Bronze
• Included: cartridge, stylus brush, screwdriver, mounting screws, alignment gauge (the 2M packaging serves as an alignment gauge)

Frequently asked questions

What does the Fine Line stylus offer over the elliptical diamond?

The Fine Line stylus has a slimmer tip radius (r/R 8/40 µm) than the elliptical cut. As a result, it has more contact with the groove wall, tracks more finely and reproduces treble and fine detail especially cleanly. The result is more resolution and less distortion with demanding material.

Which phono input does the 2M Bronze need?

An MM input (Moving Magnet) with 47 kOhm and 150–300 pF capacitance. Practically every phono preamp has one, as do many integrated amps with a phono stage – an MC input or step-up transformer isn't necessary. That keeps the Bronze as uncomplicated as the rest of the 2M series.

Why buy the Ortofon 2M Bronze at HD Zürisee?

Because a cartridge of this class deserves a proper setup – and an honest assessment of whether your system is up to it. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil has served analogue customers since the 1990s; we mount and align it on request and tell you where your system stands. Get in touch by phone or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

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