Ortofon 2M Red PnP Moving Magnet Cartridge

I had been contemplating replacing my cartridge for the longest time, but had a hard time convincing myself that something so small was worth paying $150 plus dollars on. Well round 3 stimulus helped me make that decision to move forward. LOL And, I'm extremely happy it did. I went back and forth looking between the Audio-Technica and Ortofon pre-mounted cartridges. I originally decided on and ordered the Ortofon 2M Blue, but quickly cancelled it as I just wasn't ready to lay down $300 on one. So, I changed it up for the Ortofon 2M Red. I was replacing the standard Audio Tehnica AT-3600 ($30.00 value) that came originally with the Crosley C200 I had (but last year replaced with the Denon DJ turntable). I had also prior to that had the Audio Tehnica AT-LP-120 which came with the AT-95E ($60.00) value. Each turntable/needle was paired with a Marantz Receiver and Bowers & Wilkins speakers. So, the overall listening experience for my vinyl was great.....until yesterday when it was surpassed in a way I didn't think possible. I was thinking it would make the experience somewhat better, but WOW, absolutely night & day! I honestly don't think I've ever heard my music that clear (especially on vinyl). It was like listening to albums all over again with a crisp/clear sound. It picked up instruments/sounds that I've never heard before. Also, probably the biggest thing was listening at a lower volume. Previously in order to listen so I could still somewhat hear it without blasting through the walls (really thin walls) I tried to keep the volume around 20-30 depending on the time of day. However, last night I was able to keep it around 13-14 and still able to clearly hear it. It was a nice surprise for sure! Overall, if you are second guessing upgrading I HIGHLY recommend it. It really is one of those 'you get what you pay for' situations. I can't wait to start re-listening my collection now!

Use this phono cartridge with my new Technics SL1200 mk7 and it was a breeze to setup. I have used the 2M Red on many occasions before and have always loved the sound. You pay $57 extra for the PnP version, which decreased the value of the cartridge a bit, but make for a great setup experience. I think the Ortofon 2M series is great sounding and fits many budget levels. Also, the replacement stylus is readily available all over the internet, which is both convenient and better for the product's life in the long run.

Love this cartridge. Others will talk more about the sound quality in more words and with more patience than I will (summary: it sounds incredible, and to my ears though the pops and clicks are sometimes bad it’s not as awful as others described and often I’m sure coming from my lack of a proper cleaning solution at the moment. I’m coming to this upgrade from a Grado Black 2 for context), but I’m highly impressed overall. Installation simple, looks great on the tonearm and tracking out of the box was exceptional for me even with little break in (take your time and balance your cartridge right, folks). One key feature of this premounted cartridge versus the red prearranged to the SH-4 headshell which is cheaper is that the overall size of the cartridge and cue lip is smaller, a consideration to note especially for me as I have a Technics SL-1600 that has auto return and start capabilities; too big of a cueing lip (or whatever it’s called, lol) will bump into the dust cover as these actions are carried out. overall I highly recommend this needle, it was exactly what I wanted, and your upgrade path to Blue is clear and simple as well.

Sounds good. I was using an ff15xe and this has more detail. It is nice that the set up was super easy.

The media could not be loaded. I should’ve got this sooner. I am using an AT120USB and I digitize my vinyl. I also listen on a 1974 Pioneer Analogue Amp.The great things: this stylus sounds amazing. It does sound bright but only at first. It’s well balanced and picks up stuff I missed with my AT120 stock stylus. I believe it’s the AT95E. It doesn’t pick up scratchiness after it’s broke in, in fact, I think it picks up less than the AT95E. This stylus is much heavier as well with the headshell (which is kinda sexy in a minimalist way) so you’ll have to dial the tracking weight way back when you balance your tone arm.The (bad?):I wanted to rate it 4 stars because I hooked it up balanced it and cranked up my amp and It sounded like crap. So I was pretty disappointed, well I did some diagnostics on my amp by fading channels and only one channel was working and it was switched. Because I needed to adjust the headshell in order to align the cartridge anyway, the fact that I’m determined and I have electronic experience, I decided to unplug the four wires. They were crossed.I didn’t rate it lower because it does sound great! And I needed to adjust the headshell to align the cartridge anyway and everyone should.I used a Baerwold platter Cartridge alignment tool and this was actually spot on first time GO.

Got a Music Hall MMF-1.5, and the standard cartridge was completely underwhelming. The Ortofon replacement really opened up my music, deepening and focusing the soundstage. Listening to All About Eve, an LP I always considered a little flat, I could clearly hear the drums behind and slightly to the left of Julianne, and all instruments and vocals were now more robust, musical, and defined. I plan on upgrading to a Blue at some point, but in no hurry; I’m very much enjoying this sound.

I seek simplicity but high quality when I make the all important purchase of a phono cart. I do not want to tackle installing & balancing the tiniest and most awe inpiring of stereo hi fi components; that said I prefer the pre-mounted Ortofon. The sound quality is exquisite! An extremely affordable product which compromises nothing. I love it!

I used this on a sl 1200 mk2 for occasional listening, about 3 hours a month. It lasted 3 years then it broke. (about 150 hours). The PnP version is very heavy, you cant mount it without extra counterweight (on a mkII). It looks cool, sounds good, no problems on tracking, but Im very dissapointed about the quality.

Great product. Fast delivery and easy to set up. The difference in sound is phenomenal. I highly recommend it.

Installé sur une platine des années 80,sans aucun problème. Très bon son et facile à régler selon les explications trouvées sur le net.

Ho preso tutta la Shell principalmente per una questione estetica e rende davvero tanto, inoltre evita di dover allineare la puntina e mi consente di cambiare la puntina con la vecchia sui su eventuali vinili già molto rovinati. Certo costa 50 € in più, ma la resa estetica è notevole.Sulla puntina nulla da dire, la differente con la precedente Shure si sente, ma probabilmente anche per il fatto che fosse molto usata. Consigliatissima.

Muy satisfecho con la adquisición, muy buen sonido. Le da una profundidad que antes no tenia, con una aguja y cápsula mucho más económica. El diseño, aunque no sea importante para mí, también es precioso. Muy recomendable, vale cada céntimo de su precio.

Dieses System ist in dieser Preisklasse unschlagbar.Es ist wirklich erstaunlich, was Ortofon hier leistet. Sauberste Höhen, ebenso der Mittenbereich und knackige Bässe.Klar, jeder hört anders, ich jedenfalls bin suuuuper zufrieden und mein Dreher auch😄. Passt super zum 1210er.Preis-Leistung top👍Lieferung auch wieder sehr schnell, also alles bestens.Von meiner Seite aus, klare Kaufempfehlung.