Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Cartridge

Ortofon 2M Blue: Vinyl Precision

Introducing the Ortofon 2M Blue, a standalone cartridge designed for audiophiles seeking to customize their vinyl playback experience with unparalleled precision and authenticity. The 2M Blue offers the flexibility to pair with a wide range of tonearms, catering to personal preferences and high-fidelity audio setups.

The Ortofon 2M Blue features a Nude Elliptical diamond stylus, renowned for its ability to extract every nuance from vinyl grooves with exceptional clarity and detail. This cartridge elevates the listening experience, delivering a sound that is both dynamically expansive and remarkably true to the original recording.

Key Features

• Replaceable and Upgradable Stylus
• Nude Elliptical diamond stylus for exceptional sound detail
• Engineered for high output (5.5 mV) and sonic accuracy
• Compatible with a wide range of tonearms for versatile setup options
• Premium design and construction, made in Denmark

Technical Specifications

With the Ortofon 2M Blue, audiophiles are empowered to tailor their vinyl system for the superior audio performance. Its precision and flexibility make it a top choice for those looking to personalize their sound system and rediscover their music with unparalleled depth and clarity.

You can see our full review of the 2M Blue here!

Cartridge Installation

Step 1: Before installation, ensure the stylus cover of the new cartridge is securely in place to protect the delicate Ortofon 2M Blue from damage. These cartridges are susceptible to mishandling.

Step 2: Attach the cartridge to your tonearm using the supplied fixtures. It’s essential not to overtighten to maintain the integrity of the cartridge body and allow for precise alignment adjustments.

Step 3: Connect the lead-out wires to the cartridge. These wires are color-coded (red, blue, green, white) and should be attached to the corresponding pins on the back of the cartridge, ensuring a solid connection for top end audio output.

Step 4: Set the tracking weight by balancing the tonearm and adding approximately 1.5-2.0 grams of weight. This precise adjustment ensures that the blue stylus sits correctly within the vinyl groove, enhancing sound reproduction and minimizing surface noise.

Step 5: Use a cartridge alignment tool to align the blue cartridge at multiple points along the tonearm to ensure the best possible audio fidelity.

Step 6: Once the alignment is correct, tighten the mounting bolts just enough to secure the cartridge without compromising the flat frequency response by over-stressing the cartridge.

Step 7: Adjust the tracking force within the manufacturer’s recommended range to fine-tune the sound quality, ensuring the stylus profile interacts optimally with the record grooves.

Moving Coil vs Moving Magnet Cartridges

Moving Magnet cartridges (MM) like the Ortofon 2M Blue are appreciated for their increased output and the convenience of being able to install a replacement stylus, which is cost-effective and simplifies maintenance. These cartridges are compatible with a wide range of phono preamps and are known for their dynamic sound quality and robust design.

Moving Coil cartridges (MC) are valued for their superior sound reproduction capabilities, delivering enhanced clarity and detail at the cost of having a non-replaceable stylus and typically lower output.

Ortofon 2M Red vs Blue

When considering an upgrade from the Ortofon 2M Red to the 2M Blue cartridge, vinyl enthusiasts are often curious about what improvements they can expect in sound quality. Both cartridges are part of Ortofon's renowned 2M series, designed to offer exceptional audio fidelity but cater to different audiophile needs.

Ortofon 2M Red

Serving as an entry point into high-quality audio playback, the 2M Red cartridge is celebrated for its reliable performance and incredible sound reproduction at its price point. It features an improved engine and split pole pins for a flat frequency response, which produces a clear and balanced sound. This cartridge is an excellent choice for those new to vinyl or anyone looking for a significant upgrade from basic turntable setups without a steep investment.

Ortofon 2M Blue

Stepping up the 2M line to the 2M Blue brings a notable improvement in the depth and detail of the music. The key upgrade is its nude elliptical diamond stylus, which reduces surface noise and extracts more nuanced sounds from the vinyl grooves. The 2M Blue's ability to reveal additional layers and textures in familiar tracks makes it a favorite among audiophiles looking for a richer listening experience. Its dynamic range is also broader, and the soundstage is more expansive, offering an overall more immersive audio experience.

Check out our full comparison review here!

Other Turntable Offerings from Audio Exchange

At Audio Exchange, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive range of turntable cartridges and accessories. Whether you are just starting your vinyl journey or you are a seasoned audiophile, our selection is designed to enhance every aspect of your listening experience:

• Ortofon 2M Series Cartridges: Including the 2M Bronze, Black, and Red, each offering unique advantages in sound quality.

• Audio-Technica Cartridges: Known for their reliable performance across a wide price range, these cartridges deliver exceptional sound reproduction and frequency response.

• Phono Preamps: Get the most out of your new cartridge with our phono preamps.

• Turntables: From entry-level models to high-end units, the record players we sell are carefully selected to deliver rich, detailed audio.

• Vinyl: Build out your vinyl collection at Audio Exchange!