Ortofon 2MR 78 MM Cartridge for Rega

The Ortofon 2MR 78 is a moving magnet cartridge for 78 rpm shellac records, whose housing is built for the three-point mounting of Rega tonearms. It combines the spherical shellac stylus and mono generator of the 2M 78 with the narrow, lightweight 6-gram body made specifically for Rega.

If you want to play shellac on a Rega turntable that can handle 78 rpm, this gives you the right combination – no spacers, no fiddling with weight.

Why the 2MR 78?

Shellac records have a noticeably wider groove than vinyl. The 2MR 78's 65 µm spherical stylus sits correctly in it and picks up the music instead of the groove floor. The mono generator sums both channels, suppresses vertical rumble and noticeably reduces crackle. All of it a perfect fit on a Rega arm – narrow, light, no spacer.

What you get

Shellacs that sound like music again, cleanly mounted on your Rega. The 2MR 78 draws surprising amounts of body and directness out of historical recordings – and spares you the mounting tricks a 78 rpm cartridge otherwise demands on a Rega.

Who is the 2MR 78 for – and who isn't it for?

For shellac listeners with a Rega turntable that spins at 78 rpm. Straight talk: for standard 33 and 45 rpm vinyl, the 2MR 78 is the wrong choice – its thick stylus won't track cleanly in a fine vinyl groove. And without a Rega turntable, you don't need the 2MR body – then the standard 2M 78 is right.

Our verdict

The 2MR 78 is the uncomplicated way to make a shellac collection audible on a Rega – the right stylus, mono generator, and a perfect mounting fit. A specialist with a clear job.

Technical specifications

• Type: MM cartridge (moving magnet), mono generator, for Rega tonearms
• Series: 2MR 78 (for 78 rpm shellac)
• Stylus profile: spherical
• Tip radius: 65 µm
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 g (1.6–2.0 g)
• Load resistance: 47 kOhm
• Load capacitance: 150–300 pF
• Mounting: Rega three-point mounting, no spacer
• Weight: 6 g
• What's included: cartridge, stylus brush, screwdriver, mounting screws (Rega three-point mounting)

Frequently asked questions

Does my Rega even spin at 78 rpm?

Not every Rega can do that out of the box – many only run at 33 and 45 rpm. Without 78 rpm speed, even the best shellac cartridge is no use. Some models can be retrofitted with a belt or pulley conversion. Tell us your model and we'll tell you whether and how 78 rpm can be achieved.

What's the difference between the 2MR 78 and the standard 2M 78?

Only in the mounting. The 2MR 78 sits in the narrow 6-gram Rega body with three-point mounting, the 2M 78 uses half-inch mounting. The 65 µm spherical shellac stylus and mono generator are identical. Without a Rega arm, take the 2M 78; on a Rega, the 2MR body spares you the spacers and weight fiddling.

Why buy the 2MR 78 at HD Zürisee?

Because shellac reproduction is a specialist subject that our experienced team looks at closely – from a 78-capable turntable to the right preamp for the mono signal. We'll check whether your Rega can handle 78 rpm, set everything up properly, and as an authorised Ortofon dealer in Wädenswil we're there for you afterwards too. At HD Zürisee, you get the specialist knowledge included.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a mono-capable phono preamp, a 78-capable turntable or more cartridges from the 2MR range.