The Ortofon 2M Blue is a popular turntable cartridge in the world of vinyl listening, known for its clear sound and solid performance. This review will cover its design, sound quality, and value to performance.

Design and Build

The Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge is part of the 2M series of moving magnet cartridges from Ortofon, designed to offer high-quality sound reproduction. One of its standout features is the nude elliptical stylus, which improves tracking and detail. This stylus is mounted directly to the cantilever, unlike cheaper models that bond the diamond tip to a metal shank. This gives the 2M Blue better precision when reading vinyl grooves, resulting in clearer sound.

Its sleek blue cartridge body isn't just for looks—it also helps control resonance, ensuring that vibrations don't interfere with the sound. The cartridge is well-built and designed to last, making it a great investment for serious listeners.

Sound Quality

Frequency Response

The frequency response of the Ortofon 2M Blue is impressive, covering the full range of human hearing, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This means the cartridge can handle both deep bass and crisp treble without distortion. The 2M Blue is known for revealing details in music, allowing listeners to hear things they might miss with lower quality cartridges. Whether it’s a subtle background instrument or the texture in a vocal, the Blue brings out the nuances in your records.

Dynamics and Clarity

The dynamics and resolution of the Ortofon 2M Blue stand out in its price range. Thanks to Ortofon’s split pole pin design, the 2M Blue offers better channel separation, meaning instruments and vocals are clearly separated in the stereo field. This adds to the richness and depth of the sound, making it feel more immersive. The cartridge handles both soft and loud passages with ease, offering punchy dynamics without losing detail.

Comparison to the Ortofon 2M Red

A key point in any Ortofon 2M Blue review is comparing it to the more affordable 2M Red model. The most significant difference lies in the stylus. The Red uses a bonded elliptical stylus, which doesn’t track as precisely as the Blue’s nude elliptical stylus. This upgrade in the Blue results in cleaner highs, tighter lows, and more clarity overall.

While the 2M Red offers good sound for its price, the 2M Blue is noticeably better when it comes to detail and soundstage. High frequencies are crisper, and the overall sound is more open and spacious. The Blue also handles complex musical arrangements better, offering better separation between instruments.

Check out our full comparison review for a more in-depth comparison between these two cartridges!

Technical Specs

For those interested in the technical side, here are the key specs of the Ortofon 2M Blue:

• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Output Voltage: 5.5 mV
• Recommended Tracking Force: 1.8 grams
• Channel Separation: 25 dB at 1 kHz
• Load Capacitance: 150-300 pF

Installation and Compatibility

One of the benefits of the Ortofon 2M Blue is its ease of installation. It comes with pre-threaded holes, making mounting it on your turntable a simple task. It's also compatible with most standard turntables, making it a versatile choice for many vinyl setups. Additionally, the stylus is replaceable, so if it wears out, you can easily swap it for a new one without needing to replace the entire cartridge.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent Sound Quality: The nude elliptical stylus provides clear, detailed sound.
• Easy to Install: Pre-threaded holes make setup simple. Also available for purchase pre-mounted on an SH-4 Headshell, this option makes installation as easy as possible.
• Great Dynamics and Clarity: The split pole pin design improves separation and minimizes distortion.
• Easy Stylus Replacement: The 2M series has a replaceable stylus. You can upgrade or replace the needle without changing the whole cartridge.

Cons:

• Higher Price: Costs more than the 2M Red, but the improvement in sound quality justifies the price.

Final Verdict: Is the Ortofon 2M Blue Worth the Upgrade?

The Ortofon 2M Blue is an excellent cartridge for anyone looking to upgrade from an entry-level model like the 2M Red. Its nude elliptical stylus, excellent dynamics, and ability to reveal fine details make it a favorite among vinyl enthusiasts. While it comes at a higher price point, the boost in sound quality makes it a worthwhile investment for serious listeners looking to improve their vinyl experience.

Reviewed by: Donny Simmons

Sales Manager

With over 25 years of experience in hi-fi audio sales, Donny is a leading expert in turntables and home stereo systems. His certifications from top audio brands like McIntosh Labs, Sonus Faber, Nordost, and Magico demonstrate his commitment to delivering expert advice and high-quality service to audiophiles and music enthusiasts.