Ortofon 2M 78 Cartridge for Shellac Records

The Ortofon 2M 78 is an MM cartridge with a mono generator and spherical stylus, designed specifically for tracking 78 rpm shellac records. It belongs to the 2M series but is optimised for the wider grooves of old shellac discs rather than modern vinyl micro-grooves.

Why the 2M 78?

Shellac records have a much wider groove than vinyl – tracking them with a fine stereo vinyl stylus mostly gets you noise and distortion, because the stylus simply doesn't fit the groove. The 2M 78's spherical stylus with a 65 µm radius sits in it the way it should, picking up the music instead of the groove floor. On top of that, the mono generator sums both channels: less vertical rumble, more substance, noticeably less crackle.

What you get

Shellacs that finally sound like music instead of a frying pan. The 2M 78 draws surprising amounts of body and directness out of historical recordings. It shares its body with the proven 2M family – the stylus sits in the familiar plug-in system.

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

For anyone with a collection of 78 rpm shellac records and a turntable that handles 78 rpm. Bottom line: For regular 33 and 45 rpm vinyl, the 2M 78 is the wrong choice – its thick stylus doesn't track cleanly in the fine vinyl groove. For vinyl, go with 2M Red, Blue or higher.

Our verdict

The 2M 78 is the straightforward, clean way to make a shellac collection listenable again. A specialist with a clear job – and it does that job well.

Technical specifications

• Cartridge type: MM (Moving Magnet), mono generator
• Series: 2M 78 (for 78 rpm, shellac)
• Stylus tip: spherical
• Tip radius: 65 µm
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 g (range 1.6–2.0 g)
• Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm · capacitance: 150–300 pF
• Mounting: half-inch (1/2"), two screws
• Weight: 7.2 g
• Included: cartridge, stylus brush, screwdriver, mounting screws, alignment gauge (the 2M packaging serves as an alignment gauge)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2M 78 need a special turntable?

You need a turntable that spins at 78 rpm – not every modern turntable can do that, some only offer that speed via an adapter or pulley swap. Otherwise you mount it like any 2M cartridge, with a half-inch fitting and two screws. We're happy to check beforehand whether your deck is 78-capable.

Which phono preamp do I need for the 2M 78?

An MM input with 47 kOhm, which almost every phono stage offers. 78s don't follow an RIAA curve; run through a normal RIAA input, the 2M 78 works as a good compromise, and you get its full potential from a preamp with selectable equalisation curves. The mono generator keeps rumble out.

Why buy the Ortofon 2M 78 at HD Zürisee?

Because playing shellac needs experience, and we have it. We'll give you honest advice on whether your turntable is suitable, which preamp works well with the mono signal, and how to get the best out of your historical collection. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, you get the cartridge with real advice, not just an item number.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a mono-capable phono preamp, a 78-capable turntable, or other cartridges for your vinyl records.