Ortofon Hifi 2MR RED

A reference in the 2M range, designed for modern turntables

The 2MR Red belongs to the 2M cartridge family, known for offering a very "plug and play" approach to vinyl: simple mounting, clear adjustments, and a balanced sound signature. The 2MR version carries the DNA of the 2M Red, with a format adapted to setups where the available height at the tonearm may be more limited, facilitating integration on many turntables.

Its positioning is clear: to provide a genuine quality leap compared to a stock cartridge, while remaining accessible and maintaining upgrade potential through stylus replacement.

Who is this cartridge for and in which applications?

The Ortofon 2MR Red targets users who want to get the best out of their collection, whether for Hi-Fi listening at home, in dedicated vinyl setups, or in DJ setups focused on selection and listening (bars, lounges, radio, record recording). Its elliptical diamond favors finesse and definition: perfect for details, vocals, stereo imaging, and dynamics of a well-pressed record.

It is well suited for home turntables and users demanding high sound quality, while remaining easy to adjust. For very aggressive DJ practices (intensive back-cueing, scratching), more specialized cartridges are generally preferred, whereas here the main goal is fidelity and listening comfort over time.

Features and innovations

As a MM (moving magnet) type, the 2MR Red offers an output level of 5.5 mV, ensuring good gain margin on the MM phono input of many amplifiers and preamps. Channel separation (22 dB at 1 kHz, 15 dB at 15 kHz) contributes to a clear stereo image and well-structured soundstage, while channel balance (1.5 dB at 1 kHz) promotes coherent listening.

The elliptical diamond optimizes contact with the groove, improving precision in the high frequencies and reproduction of micro-details. The stated frequency response (20 to 20,000 Hz, +3 / -1 dB) reflects a desire for full reproduction without excessive coloration. Regarding adjustments, the tracking force range (1.6 to 2.0 g) with a recommendation at 1.8 g facilitates optimization according to the tonearm and turntable. Finally, the recommended load (47 kOhm and 150 to 300 pF) corresponds to MM standards, ensuring simple and effective compatibility.

Technical specifications

DJing type	Monitoring	Diamond tip	elliptical
Category	cell	Color	Red
Type	Moving magnet	Quantity	1
Destination	hifi

Diamond	Elliptical	Recommended tracking force	1.8 g (18 mN)
Stylus tip radius	r/R 8/18 µm	Tracking angle	20 degrees
Cartridge and stylus color	Black/Red	Internal impedance	1.3 ohms
Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5 cm/sec	5.5 mV	Internal inductance	700 mH
Frequency response	20-20,000 Hz (+3 / -1 dB)	Recommended load resistance	47 kOhm
Channel balance at 1 kHz	1.5 dB	Recommended load capacitance	150-300 pF
Channel separation at 1 kHz	22 dB	Weight of the 2MR cartridge	6 g
Channel separation at 15 kHz	15 dB	Weight of Verso 2M and 2M cartridges	7.2 g
Tracking ability (315 Hz with recommended tracking force)	70 µm	Weight of pre-mounted 2M cartridge	16.7 g
Compliance, dynamic, lateral	20 µm/mN	Replacement stylus	2M Red (interchangeable with 2M Blue and 2M Silver)
Tracking force range	1.6 to 2.0 g (16 to 20 mN)