Ortofon 2M Blue Verso MM Cartridge (Under-Mount)

The Ortofon 2M Blue Verso is an MM cartridge with a nude elliptical diamond that's screwed from below – via interchangeable threaded studs (2 and 2.5 mm) instead of the usual screws from above. It's designed for tonearms and headshells that specifically require this mounting from below, such as many Thorens and Revox designs.

Why the 2M Blue Verso?

Because your tonearm requires it – and you still don't have to give up sound quality. The Blue is regarded as the sweet spot of the 2M series: the nude elliptical diamond resolves more finely than the Red's glued one, and sounds calmer and more detailed. The Verso version delivers exactly this cartridge, just with the matching mounting mechanics.

What you get

More air, texture and calm than the Red, with the same balanced core character – combined with under-mounting. Voices gain body, cymbals decay naturally, fine spatial information becomes audible. Mature sound for turntables that don't accept mounting from above.

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

Ideal if your tonearm needs mounting from below and you want the Blue sound. Bottom line: With a normal tonearm using top screws, the Verso version is unnecessary – then get the cheaper standard 2M Blue. The Verso is only worthwhile if the mechanics require it.

Our verdict

The sweet spot of the 2M series for tonearms with under-mounting. Same Blue sound, different screws – if your Thorens or Revox requires it, the right choice.

Technical specifications

• Cartridge type: MM (Moving Magnet)
• Mounting: from below, interchangeable threaded studs (2 / 2.5 mm) – e.g. Thorens, Revox
• Stylus tip: elliptical, nude
• Tip radius: r/R 8/18 µm
• Output voltage: 5.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (+3/−1 dB)
• Channel separation: 25 dB (1 kHz)
• Stylus compliance: 20 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 g (1.6–2.0 g)
• Recommended load: 47 kOhm · 150–300 pF
• Recommended tonearm mass: light to medium
• Weight: 7.2 g
• Replacement stylus: Stylus 2M Blue
• Included: cartridge, stylus brush, screwdriver, screws (2× M2.5×5, 2× M2.5×7)

Frequently asked questions

What does Verso mean at Ortofon?

Verso means: mounting from below with threaded studs instead of screws from above. This is the solution for headshells where you can't screw through from above – common with Thorens and Revox. The cartridge and sound are identical to the standard version, only the mounting differs.

How do I know whether my tonearm needs under-mounting?

By whether the cartridge is screwed through the headshell from below instead of from above – typical for many Thorens, Revox and quite a few integrated tonearms with a fixed fingerlift plate. If you're unsure, send us the brand and model of your turntable and we'll tell you whether you need the Verso version.

Why buy the Ortofon 2M Blue Verso at HD Zürisee?

Because choosing the wrong mounting form is the most common mistake when buying cartridges. We'll check with you whether your tonearm really needs the Verso, and set up the cartridge on request. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorised Ortofon partner with its own technician – just ask us.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a matching phono preamp, a good turntable, and other cartridges for comparison.