Ortofon 2M Red Verso MM Cartridge (Bottom-Mount)

The Ortofon 2M Red Verso is an MM cartridge that's screwed in from below – with interchangeable threaded pins instead of the usual screws from above. That makes it fit tonearms and headshells that require bottom mounting, as many Thorens and Revox tonearms do.

Why the 2M Red Verso?

Because not every tonearm accepts a cartridge from above. Where a standard 2M won't sit properly, the Verso variant solves it elegantly: insert the threaded pins, secure from below, done. Sonically you get exactly the 2M Red – elliptical diamond, honest all-rounder – just in the mounting form that fits.

What you get

The proven entry-level classic with a balanced, neutral sound across every genre, combined with bottom mounting. The elliptical grind reads the groove more precisely than simple conical styli: cleaner treble, clearer voices, calmer loud passages.

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

Ideal if your tonearm or headshell needs bottom mounting (Thorens, Revox and similar). Straight talk: if your turntable has a normal tonearm with screws from above, you don't need the Verso version – then the cheaper standard 2M Red is the right choice. If in doubt, ask us briefly before ordering.

Our verdict

The 2M Red for tonearms that are screwed in from below – the same honest sound, different mechanics. If your Thorens or Revox demands it, the Verso is exactly right; otherwise the standard version does the job.

Technical specifications

• Cartridge type: MM (moving magnet)
• Mounting: from below, interchangeable threaded pins – e.g. Thorens, Revox
• Tracking diamond: elliptical (bonded)
• Tip radius: r/R 8/18 µm
• Output voltage: 5.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (+3/−1 dB)
• Channel separation: 22 dB (1 kHz)
• Stylus compliance: 20 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 g (1.6–2.0 g)
• Recommended load: 47 kOhm · 150–300 pF
• Recommended tonearm: light to medium mass
• Weight: 7.2 g
• Replacement stylus: Stylus 2M Red (upgrade: Stylus 2M Blue)
• What's included: cartridge, stylus brush, screwdriver, threaded pins (2× M2.5×5, 2× M2.5×7) for bottom mounting, alignment gauge (the 2M packaging doubles as an alignment gauge)

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my tonearm needs the Verso version?

If the cartridge is screwed in from below instead of from above. This applies to some tonearms and headshells, typically various Thorens and Revox designs. Check your tonearm documentation or ask us – we'll clarify before you buy so you don't order the wrong cartridge.

What's the difference between the Verso and the standard 2M Red?

Only in the mounting. The Verso is fitted from below with threaded pins, the standard from above with screws. Cartridge, diamond and sound are identical. So you choose not by sound but by what your tonearm mechanically requires – if in doubt, a quick look at the tonearm mounting or a question to us helps.

Why buy the Ortofon 2M Red Verso at HD Zürisee?

Because the mounting form quickly causes confusion – and an incorrectly ordered cartridge is annoying. We'll clarify beforehand whether your tonearm really needs the Verso variant. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil has cared for analogue technology for decades and will fit the cartridge for you on request. Get in touch, we'll help you choose.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a matching phono preamp, a solid turntable as a base and more cartridges to compare.