Ortofon 2M Red MM Cartridge (Elliptical)

The Ortofon 2M Red is an MM cartridge with an elliptical diamond – the entry point into the 2M series and one of the best-selling cartridges ever. If you have a decent turntable and want to move on from the stock system it came with, the 2M Red is almost always the sensible first step.

Why the 2M Red?

Because it gets the important things right and doesn't promise anything it can't deliver. The elliptical diamond tracks the groove noticeably more precisely than the simple conical styli of many entry-level systems – you hear that as cleaner treble, clearer voices and less sibilance in loud passages. No magic, just solid engineering at a fair price.

What you hear

An honest, balanced sound across every genre. The 2M Red doesn't push itself forward; it plays neutral and effortless. Jazz, classical, rock, electronic – it holds its own with all of them without weakening anywhere. That's exactly what makes it such a reliable all-rounder.

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

Ideal for beginners and anyone who wants to move their turntable up from the stock cartridge to a proper branded one without spending a lot of money. Straight talk: the diamond is elliptical, but bonded rather than nude – if you already know you want the last bit of resolution, look straight at the 2M Blue instead. The nice part: you can later simply clip on the 2M Blue's stylus assembly and be a class up, without swapping the whole cartridge.

Our verdict

The 2M Red is the most sensible first step into the branded world of cartridges – and for many, it's already the destination. Clean, honest, genre-proof, affordable and easy to upgrade later. That Stereophile itself lists even this entry-level cartridge as a Recommended Component says it all really. Hand on heart: starting here, you rarely go wrong.

Technical specifications

• Cartridge type: MM (moving magnet)
• Tracking diamond: elliptical (bonded)
• 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)
• Frequency range: 20–22,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 22 dB (1 kHz) / 15 dB (15 kHz)
• Channel balance: 1.5 dB (1 kHz)
• Tracking ability: 70 µm (315 Hz)
• Stylus compliance: 20 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 g (range 1.6–2.0 g)
• Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm · capacitance: 150–300 pF
• Internal resistance (DC): 1.3 kOhm · Inductance: 700 mH
• Recommended tonearm: light to medium mass
• Housing material: Lexan DMX
• Weight: 7.2 g
• Replacement stylus: Stylus 2M Red (upgrade possible: Stylus 2M Blue)
• What's included: cartridge, stylus brush, screwdriver, mounting screws, alignment gauge (the 2M packaging doubles as an alignment gauge)

Frequently asked questions

What phono input does the 2M Red need?

An MM input (moving magnet) at 47 kOhm. Practically every phono preamp and many integrated amplifiers with a built-in phono stage have one – you don't need an MC input or step-up transformer. With 150–300 pF capacitance, you're on the safe side. That keeps getting started uncomplicated.

Is upgrading from the 2M Red to the 2M Blue worthwhile?

Yes, and it's remarkably easy. Red and Blue share the same generator – you just clip the Stylus 2M Blue assembly onto the Red and get the Blue's nude elliptical diamond. No need to buy a new cartridge or realign much. A cheap, clearly audible step up.

Why buy the Ortofon 2M Red at HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you honestly whether the Red suits your turntable or whether another step would bring more – and mount and align it properly for you if you'd like. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorised Ortofon partner with an experienced team; call or write to us, we'll help match it to your setup.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a matching phono preamp, a solid turntable as a base and more cartridges to compare.