Ortofon 2M Black Moving Magnet Cartridge

Ortofon 2M Black: Superior Sound Unveiled

Embark on an auditory journey with the Ortofon 2M Black, a standalone cartridge that stands at the forefront of Ortofon's esteemed 2M series. This cartridge not only approaches the apex of moving magnet technology but also encapsulates Ortofon's dedication to delivering the pure essence of vinyl playback. Armed with the acclaimed Shibata diamond stylus, the 2M Black delves deep into the grooves of your records, ensuring every detail is captured with exceptional clarity and dynamism.

The 2M Black is designed for audiophiles who demand nothing but the best from their vinyl collection. With its enhanced engine that features split pole pins with silver-plated copper wire, it offers an auditory experience that is both rich and precise. Its compatibility with a broad range of turntables and phono preamps makes it a versatile choice for any setup. Crafted for those who cherish the nuances of analog sound, the 2M Black elevates every musical performance, making each listen a moment to remember.

Key Features

• Shibata Diamond Stylus: Delivers expansive contact with record grooves for superior detail and clarity.
• Enhanced Engine Design: Employs advanced technology for enriched audio clarity, bringing your music to life.
• Widespread Compatibility: The standalone cartridge design is easily adaptable, fitting a wide array of turntables.
• Optimal Performance: Designed to extract the full potential of your vinyl records, ensuring an immersive listening experience.

Technical Specifications

The Ortofon 2M Black cartridge is a symbol of audio purity and a beacon for those who seek to uncover the depth and richness of analog music. Its unparalleled design and technological innovation ensure that each record spins not just music but a legacy of vinyl excellence.

Cartridge Installation

Proper care & installation of your Ortofon 2M Black is crucial for optimal performance. Follow these steps to ensure a successful setup:

1. Protect the Stylus: Ensure the stylus cover is securely in place to protect the Ortofon 2M Black during installation.

2. Attach the Cartridge: Secure the cartridge to your tonearm using the provided fixtures. Avoid overtightening to allow for precise alignment adjustments.

3. Connect the Wires: Attach the color-coded lead-out wires (red, blue, green, white) to the corresponding pins on the cartridge, ensuring a solid connection.

4. Set Tracking Weight: Balance the tonearm and set the tracking weight to approximately 1.5-2.0 grams. This adjustment ensures the stylus sits correctly within the vinyl groove, enhancing sound reproduction.

5. Align the Cartridge: Use a cartridge alignment tool to align the 2M Black at multiple points along the tonearm for the best audio fidelity.

6. Secure the Cartridge: Once aligned, tighten the mounting bolts just enough to secure the cartridge without compromising the flat frequency response.

7. Adjust Tracking Force: Fine-tune the tracking force within the manufacturer’s recommended range to ensure optimal interaction with the record grooves.

Moving Coil vs Moving Magnet Cartridges

Understanding the differences between Moving Coil (MC) and Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges is essential when choosing the right one for your turntable setup. Each type has its unique advantages that cater to different preferences and needs.

Moving Magnet Cartridges (MM): Moving magnet cartridges, such as the Ortofon 2M Black, are known for their higher output voltage and user-friendly design. The replaceable stylus makes maintenance cost-effective and straightforward. These cartridges are compatible with a wide range of phono preamps and are celebrated for their robust and dynamic sound quality.

Moving Coil Cartridges (MC): Moving coil cartridges excel in sound reproduction, delivering enhanced clarity and detail. They capture the nuances of vinyl records with exceptional precision. However, they typically have a lower output voltage and require a specialized phono preamp. Unlike MM cartridges, the stylus on MC cartridges is not replaceable, meaning the entire cartridge needs replacement when the stylus wears out. Despite being more delicate and expensive, their sound quality is highly valued by audiophiles.

The choice between MC and MM cartridges ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific audio needs. Both offer distinct listening experiences that can greatly enhance your vinyl playback.

Ortofon 2M Black vs Bronze vs Blue

Ortofon's 2M series offers various cartridges to suit different listening preferences. Here's a comparison between the 2M Black, Bronze, and Blue:

Ortofon 2M Black: The 2M Black, with its Shibata diamond stylus, offers exceptional detail and clarity, making it ideal for audiophiles who want to experience every nuance in their music. Its precise and dynamic sound reproduction sets a high standard for vinyl playback. For an in-depth comparison between the Bronze and the Black, check out our review here!

Ortofon 2M Bronze: The 2M Bronze features a fine line diamond stylus and an advanced engine. It provides a balanced and cohesive sound, offering a mixture of speed, resolution, and musicality. Some users find it to be the sweet spot in the 2M series, balancing the speed and resolution of the black with the balance of the blue. If you want a more detailed comparison between the Bronze and the Blue, check out our comparison review here!

Ortofon 2M Blue: With a nude elliptical diamond stylus, the 2M Blue reveals additional layers and textures in music while reducing surface noise. It offers a richer listening experience with an expansive dynamic range and soundstage, making it a favorite on the market today. 

Other Turntable Offerings from Audio Exchange

At Audio Exchange, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive range of turntable cartridges and accessories to enhance your vinyl listening experience. Our offerings include:

• Ortofon 2M Series Cartridges: Including the 2M Black, Bronze, and Red, each offering unique sound qualities and features.

• Audio-Technica Turntable Cartridges: Known for reliable performance and exceptional sound reproduction across a wide price range.

• Record Players: From entry-level models to high-end units, our selection of turntables is designed to deliver rich, detailed audio.

• Vinyl Records: Build your vinyl collection with our curated selection of records.

• Phono Preamps: Enhance your turntable setup with our range of phono preamps, ensuring the best possible sound quality.

Explore our extensive offerings to find the perfect components for your turntable setup and elevate your listening experience with Audio Exchange!