Ortofon 2M mono Premounted (Mono System)

The Ortofon 2M mono Premounted is a moving magnet cartridge with a genuine mono generator, delivered pre-mounted from the factory onto an Ortofon headshell. You clip the finished package onto your tonearm's bayonet connector, set the tracking force – and your mono records play.

Especially handy if you switch between mono and stereo: a second, ready-loaded headshell swaps in seconds, instead of removing one cartridge and fitting the next every time.

Why the 2M mono Premounted?

It brings genuine mono tracking – horizontal groove tracing, suppression of vertical noise, a nude spherical R18 stylus, strapped output – into a ready-to-go package. That gives you the calm, focused mono sound and lets you switch between mono and stereo without touching your main cartridge. The mechanical alignment is done at the factory; you fine-tune it on the tonearm.

What you get

A swap-in headshell that brings mono pressings to life with body and a stable centre image – and swaps for your stereo headshell in moments. For collectors with a mixed collection, that's a genuine relief: two worlds, one tonearm, no toolbox needed.

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

For mono listeners with a tonearm that takes bayonet or SME headshells and who want to switch systems quickly. Straight talk: if your tonearm has a fixed headshell – as many Rega arms do – the Premounted version won't help you; then the standard 2M mono is the right choice. And for stereo records, a stereo cartridge remains the better pick, no matter how convenient the headshell is.

Our verdict

The 2M mono Premounted is the convenient solution for anyone who listens to mono and stereo side by side. Ready-mounted, swapped in seconds, with the full mono advantage – convenience that actually pays off day to day.

Technical specifications

• Type: MM cartridge (moving magnet), genuine mono generator, pre-mounted on headshell
• Series: 2M mono (for mono LPs, 33/45 rpm)
• Stylus profile: nude spherical stylus (Nude Spherical, R18 µm)
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV
• Frequency response: 20–22,000 Hz
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 g (1.6–2.0 g)
• Load resistance: 47 kOhm
• Load capacitance: 150–300 pF
• Housing material: Hopelex
• Output: strapped output (same signal on both pole pairs)
• Mounting: bayonet/SME headshell connector
• Weight: 7.2 g (cartridge) plus headshell
• Replacement stylus: Stylus 2M mono
• What's included: cartridge pre-mounted on Ortofon headshell SH-4, stylus brush

Frequently asked questions

What does the Premounted version give me over the standard 2M mono?

Speed when switching cartridges. Pre-mounted on the Ortofon headshell SH-4, you swap between mono and stereo in seconds without removing your main cartridge. To be honest: you'll still need to briefly reset tracking force and anti-skate after the swap – "never adjust again" would be a lie. The generator and sound are identical to the standard 2M mono.

Does the 2M mono Premounted fit every tonearm?

No. It needs a tonearm with a removable bayonet or SME headshell – standard on many turntables. Tonearms with a fixed headshell, such as many Rega models, can't take the pre-mounted package; there, the standard 2M mono is the right fit. If in doubt, tell us your turntable and we'll check compatibility.

Why buy the Ortofon 2M mono Premounted at HD Zürisee?

Because we put together the right combination of mono cartridge, preamp and turntable from experience and set it up properly. We'll tell you honestly whether the Premounted version suits your tonearm, and as an authorised Ortofon dealer we handle the warranty correctly. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you get advice that nobody delivers online.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a matching phono preamp, the right turntable and more cartridges for the second headshell.