Ortofon Stylus 2M Black LVB 250 Replacement Stylus

The Ortofon Stylus 2M Black LVB 250 is the 2M series' top replacement and upgrade stylus for the cartridges Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 as well as 2M Black and 2M Bronze (and their 2MR versions) – a nude Shibata stylus on a boron cantilever as a plug-in unit.

Why the Stylus 2M Black LVB 250?

It's the crowning achievement of the series: the same nude Shibata cut as the Black, but on a cantilever made of boron instead of aluminium. Boron is stiffer and lighter – bringing more transparency, speed and responsiveness. Plus a damping based on MWCNT nano-filler for the optimal compromise between compliance and control. The combination of Shibata on boron is known from the celebrated MC Cadenza Black.

What you'll get

Fine resolution right up to the highest frequencies that puts some moving-coil systems to shame – rich in detail, fast, with authority in the bass. The special part: you lift even a 2M Bronze or Black to flagship level in a single step, without changing the body.

Who's the Stylus 2M Black LVB 250 for – and who isn't it for?

Fits any body in the 2M Bronze / 2M Black / 2M Black LVB 250 group (including the 2MR versions). Straight talk: you'll only hear the boron advantage on a high-quality, properly aligned system; on an entry-level deck it's overkill. It doesn't belong on Red/Blue bodies.

Our verdict

The best stylus in the 2M series: Shibata on boron, MC virtues without MC effort. The most direct way to lift a Bronze or Black body to flagship level – by stylus swap alone.

Technical specifications

• Type: Top replacement/upgrade stylus (stylus unit) for Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 (Beethoven edition)
• Stylus type: Nude Shibata
• Cantilever: Boron
• Tip radius: r/R 6/50 µm
• Damping: MWCNT rubber compound
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (+2 / −1 dB)
• Tracing ability (315 Hz): 80 µm
• Stylus compliance: 22 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 1.6 g (1.5–1.7 g)
• Tracking angle: 20°
• Interchangeable within: 2M Bronze / 2M Black / 2M Black LVB 250

Frequently asked questions

Can I upgrade my 2M Black or Bronze with the LVB 250 stylus?

Yes. 2M Bronze, 2M Black and 2M Black LVB 250 (and their 2MR versions) use the same generator. Plug the LVB 250 stylus onto a Black or Bronze body and you sonically have the series flagship – by a pure stylus swap, without a new cartridge.

What does the boron cantilever bring compared with the normal Black stylus?

Boron is stiffer and lighter than aluminium and guides the Shibata stylus more precisely. That gives more transparency, speed and calm. However, you'll only hear the difference on a correspondingly high-quality, well-tuned chain.

Do I need to be more careful with the boron cantilever?

Boron is stiff but thin – so no lateral pressure and never touch the stylus or cantilever with your finger. Brush dry with a soft brush from back to front and keep records clean. That preserves the fine resolution. Ortofon states around 1,000 playing hours for the 2M series before a change.

Why buy the Stylus 2M Black LVB 250 at HD Zürisee?

Because we've listened to the flagship against the aluminium Black in Wädenswil and can tell you precisely whether your chain makes the extra cost audible. Genuine Ortofon, fitted and aligned by Mauri, at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

Goes well with: high-quality Turntable Accessories, careful Record Cleaning, and everything around Vinyl.