Ortofon 2M Red (2007 - ?)
A moving magnet phono cartridge with an elliptical diamond stylus, introduced in 2007 as the entry-level model in the 2M series.
Overview
The Ortofon 2M Red is a moving magnet phono cartridge, the first and cheapest model in Ortofon's 2M series. Its lead engineer designed it over the last two years of a 30-year run at the company. It launched in 2007 and turned up bundled with turntables from a lot of different manufacturers. The stylus is an elliptical diamond and it's replaceable. It's meant for general-purpose vinyl playback, with a balanced, dynamic sound.
Specifications
| Cartridge type | moving magnet |
| Stylus shape | elliptical |
| Stylus type | elliptical diamond |
| Production years | 2007 - ? |
| Tracking force range | 1.6 - 2.0 g |
| Recommended tracking force | 1.8 g |
| Cartridge weight | 7.2 g |
| Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec. | 5.5 mV |
| Channel separation at 1 kHz | 22 dB |
| Channel separation at 15 kHz | 15 dB |
| Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force | 70 µm |
| Compliance, dynamic, lateral | 20 µm/mN |
| Frequency Response | 20 - 20,000 Hz |
| Internal impedance | 1.2 kΩ |
| Recommended load resistance | 47 kΩ |
| Recommended load capacitance | 150-300 pF |
| Replaceable stylus | yes |
Context
The 2M Red is the entry-level model in the 2M series, sitting below the 2M Blue and the higher-tier variants. OEM turntables often ship with it, thanks to partnerships with the turntable makers. Once it's broken in, it sounds lively and open with a slight warmth. That makes it a popular pick for casual and entry-level audiophiles.
Market
The 2M Red has a current retail price of $109.99. It's regarded as a solid performer for its class, though some people think it's overpriced for what it does. User reports say it can sound worn over time, which is the kind of wear you'd expect from an entry-level stylus.
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