Ortofon 2MR blue MM Cartridge for Rega

The Ortofon 2MR blue is a moving magnet cartridge with a nude elliptical stylus, whose housing is designed for the three-point mounting of Rega tonearms. Technically it corresponds to the popular 2M Blue, but comes in the narrow 6-gram body made specifically for Rega.

The 2M Blue is considered by many the sweet spot of the series – and here you get exactly that sound in the form that sits directly on a Rega turntable, with no spacers or weight fiddling.

Why the 2MR blue?

The 2M Blue's nude elliptical stylus tracks more finely than the Red's bonded version – more detail, more calm, more space. In the 2MR housing, that sound meets the perfect Rega fit: narrow body, light weight, correct height with no spacer. That gets noticeably more out of your Rega without tinkering with geometry.

What you get

A noticeably more mature reproduction than the entry-level model: finer treble, better resolution, more three-dimensional voices. The 2MR blue is the cartridge where many Rega owners settle – and for good reason.

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

For Rega owners who want to go beyond entry-level without reaching straight for the top of the range. Straight talk: without a Rega turntable, you don't need the 2MR variant – then take the standard 2M Blue with half-inch mounting. And anyone who already has a 2M Blue on a non-Rega arm gains nothing sonically by switching.

Our verdict

The 2MR blue is the feel-good cartridge for many Rega owners: clearly better than the entry level, mounted to fit exactly, fairly priced. A safe recommendation.

Technical specifications

• Type: MM cartridge (moving magnet), for Rega tonearms
• Series: 2MR blue
• Stylus profile: nude elliptical stylus
• Tip radius r/R: 8/18 µm
• Output voltage: 5.5 mV
• Channel separation: 25 dB (1 kHz)
• Stylus compliance: 20 µm/mN
• 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

Is it worth stepping up from the 2MR red to the 2MR blue?

Audible in most systems, yes. The Blue's nude elliptical stylus resolves more finely and sounds calmer than the Red's bonded one. Whether the extra cost is worth it for your chain depends on the amplifier and speakers – we'll audition it with you and give you an honest read.

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

Only in the mounting. The 2MR blue sits in the narrow 6-gram Rega body with three-point mounting, the 2M Blue uses the usual half-inch mounting. Generator, nude elliptical stylus and sound are identical. Without a Rega arm, take the 2M Blue; on a Rega, the 2MR blue is the spacer-free solution.

Why buy the 2MR blue at HD Zürisee?

Because we've been building turntables since 1997 and know when which upgrade is worthwhile. Instead of simply selling you the most expensive cartridge, we tell you what actually improves your chain – including fitting and alignment by our technician. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you get advice, not just a box.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a good phono preamp, the right turntable or the stronger cartridges in the range.