Ortofon Stylus 2M Black Replacement Stylus

The Ortofon Stylus 2M Black is the original replacement and upgrade stylus for the cartridges Ortofon 2M Black and 2MR Black (Rega) – a nude Shibata stylus as a plug-in unit.

Why the Stylus 2M Black?

The nude Shibata stylus traces the groove more finely than elliptical or fine-line cuts and has an especially large contact area against the groove walls – that brings out the finest treble detail and confident tracking right into the inner grooves. As a plug-in unit, it brings your 2M Black back to factory condition without any installation drama: pull off the old stylus, plug on the new one, done.

What you'll get

The Black's big, exhilarating playing style back: open highs without harshness, voices with body, a bass that drives. And you protect your vinyl, because a fresh Shibata stylus preserves the groove instead of milling it.

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

Fits any 2M Black and 2MR Black body – and as an upgrade also fits a 2M/2MR Bronze, since Bronze, Black and Black LVB 250 use the same generator. Straight talk: the Black stylus doesn't belong on Red/Blue bodies; those play in the Red/Blue group. If you want even more, plug on the Stylus 2M Black LVB 250 (Shibata on boron).

Our verdict

The series flagship's Shibata stylus as a pure stylus replacement. Brings your 2M Black back up to par – or lifts a 2M Bronze to Black level in a single step.

Technical specifications

• Type: Replacement/upgrade stylus (stylus unit) for Ortofon 2M Black & 2MR Black
• Stylus type: Nude Shibata
• Tip radius: r/R 6/50 µm
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (+2 / −0 dB)
• Tracing ability (315 Hz): 80 µm
• Stylus compliance: 22 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 1.5 g (1.4–1.7 g)
• Tracking angle: 20°
• Interchangeable within: 2M Bronze / 2M Black / 2M Black LVB 250

Frequently asked questions

Does the Stylus 2M Black also fit my 2M Bronze?

Yes. 2M Bronze, 2M Black and 2M Black LVB 250 (and their 2MR versions) use the same generator, so the styli are interchangeable. Plugging a Black stylus onto a Bronze body sonically gives you a 2M Black – without a new cartridge.

What's the difference between the Black stylus and the Bronze stylus?

The cut: nude Shibata (Black) instead of nude fine line (Bronze). The Shibata has even more contact area with the groove, resolves more finely in the treble and images more spatially. On a resolving system, the difference is clearly audible.

How do I care for the delicate Shibata stylus?

Brush it dry from back to front with a soft stylus brush, never sideways and never touch it with your finger. The fine Shibata cut rewards this with long, clean tracking. Keep your records dust-free. Ortofon states around 1,000 playing hours for the 2M series before a stylus change.

Why buy the Stylus 2M Black at HD Zürisee?

Because a Shibata stylus demands proper alignment, and we'll tell you whether a replacement or the step up to the LVB 250 stylus is worthwhile. Genuine Ortofon, fitted and aligned by our technician Mauri, at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

Goes well with: matching Turntable Accessories for alignment, thorough Record Cleaning, and more from the world of Vinyl.