Ortofon 2MR black LVB 250 (Rega, Shibata/Boron)

The Ortofon 2MR black LVB 250 is a moving magnet cartridge from the Beethoven anniversary edition, whose housing is designed for the three-point mounting of Rega tonearms. It combines the nude Shibata stylus on a boron cantilever with the narrow 6-gram body made specifically for Rega.

It's the strongest thing the 2MR range has to offer: the flagship LVB 250 technology of the Black series, purpose-built for a Rega turntable – with no spacer fiddling.

Why the 2MR black LVB 250?

The boron cantilever is stiffer and lighter than aluminium and guides the Shibata stylus more precisely through the groove. Combined with the LVB 250 edition's optimised damping, that produces a fine resolution and calm that reach into MC territory – here in the uncomplicated MM form and purpose-built for a Rega arm.

What you get

The highest-quality reproduction you'll get on a Rega with a 2M-based cartridge: extremely fine treble, deep spatial layering, and confident tracking even in the trickiest passages. A limited edition that lives up to its claim.

Who is the 2MR black LVB 250 for – and who isn't it for?

For discerning Rega owners with a high-resolution system who want the very best. Straight talk: on a simple chain, the budget is better spent on the amplifier or speakers – this cartridge wants an equally capable environment. And without a Rega turntable, you don't need the 2MR body.

Our verdict

The 2MR black LVB 250 is the flagship cartridge for Rega owners who don't compromise – boron, Shibata, a perfect mounting fit. At its core is the same cartridge that, as the 2M Black LVB 250, won the EISA Award "Best Phono Cartridge 2021-2022", here fitted perfectly into the Rega body. Anyone who wants the best 2MR reproduction has found it here.

Technical specifications

• Type: MM cartridge (moving magnet), for Rega tonearms
• Series: 2MR black LVB 250 (Ludwig van Beethoven edition)
• Stylus profile: nude Shibata
• Cantilever: boron
• Tip radius r/R: 6/50 µm
• Output voltage: 5 mV
• Channel separation: 27 dB (1 kHz)
• Stylus compliance: 22 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 1.6 g (1.5–1.7 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

What does the boron cantilever give over the standard 2MR black?

The stiffer, lighter boron cantilever transfers the finest groove information with less loss than aluminium – you hear that as more calm, finer detail and deeper layering. On a correspondingly resolving system, the difference is clear; on a simpler one, smaller. We'll give you an honest read for your specific system on whether the edition is worth it.

What's special about the LVB 250 edition?

It's Ortofon's tribute to Beethoven's 250th birthday and combines the Black series' flagship technology – nude Shibata on a boron cantilever, optimised damping – in a limited run. Sonically it reaches into MC territory, but remains uncomplicated MM technology with a 47 kOhm input. In the 2MR body, it all sits perfectly and spacer-free on a Rega arm.

Why buy the 2MR black LVB 250 at HD Zürisee?

Because a cartridge of this class deserves advice and careful alignment – you get both from us. We'll tell you honestly whether your system does the cartridge justice, set it up perfectly on your Rega, and as an authorised Ortofon dealer in Wädenswil handle the warranty correctly. At HD Zürisee, the result is what counts.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a first-class phono preamp, a high-quality turntable or more cartridges from the range.