Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Cartridge

Ortofon 2M Red: Immerse Yourself in the Music

Experience the Ortofon 2M Red, a moving magnet (MM) phono cartridge that brings your vinyl to life with outstanding musicality. As the entry-level model in the 2M series, the 2M Red cartridge provides an open, dynamic sound with a hint of warmth, turning each listening session into a musical journey.

The Ortofon 2M Red features Ortofon's split pole pin technology, delivering precise sound that captures every detail of your favorite tracks. Its elliptical stylus, a well-known Ortofon Red type of needle, and precise construction offer high sonic accuracy for a forgiving and immersive audio experience.

The Ortofon 2M Red tracking force is carefully balanced to treat your records gently while providing exceptional detail. With a recommended tracking weight of 1.8 g (18 mN), the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge ensures your vinyl sounds its best.

Key Features

• Elliptical stylus for detailed sound reproduction
• Engineered for an optimal output of 5.5 mV
• Split pole pins for precise sound reproduction
• Easy mounting on a wide range of turntables
• Designed and crafted in Denmark for high-quality performance

Technical Specifications

Cartridge Installation

1. Preparing the Cartridge: Before installation, ensure the stylus cover is securely in place. Handle the cartridge carefully as it is delicate, and damage can often be costly.

2. Mounting the Cartridge: Attach the cartridge to the tonearm using the supplied hardware. Don't overtighten; the cartridge should be snug but adjustable for alignment.

3. Connecting Lead-Out Wires: Attach the color-coded lead-out wires (red, blue, green, and white) to their corresponding pins on the cartridge. Use pliers gently to secure the connectors if they are loose.

4. Setting Tracking Weight and Bias: Initially, set the Ortofon 2M Red tracking weight for balance. Add an extra 1.5-2.0g to ensure the cartridge sits correctly in the record groove. Set arm bias to zero.

5. Aligning the Cartridge: Use a tracking alignment gauge to adjust the cartridge along the tonearm path until it's properly aligned, reducing distortion and wear.

6. Final Adjustments: Once aligned, tighten the mounting bolts without overdoing it. Adjust the tracking weight within the manufacturer’s recommended range using scales to fine-tune sound quality.

7. Tonearm Height Adjustment: If possible, set the tonearm height parallel to the record surface during playback, adjusting for the cartridge design to optimize sound quality.

Moving Coil vs Moving Magnet Cartridges

Moving Magnet (MM) Cartridges are known for their high output and user-replaceable styluses, making them affordable and easy to maintain.

Moving Coil (MC) Cartridges offer superior sound reproduction with enhanced clarity and detail. MC cartridge styli are usually not user-replaceable, leading to higher maintenance or replacement costs if damaged.

Both types have advantages, and choosing between a moving coil and a moving magnet cartridge often depends on personal preference and your audio setup. For those seeking more insights, check out an Ortofon 2M Red review to see how this cartridge compares to others in the market.

Other Turntable Offerings from Audio Exchange

Explore our diverse selection of turntable accessories and cartridges to enhance your vinyl experience:

• Ortofon 2M Black, Mono, and Blue Cartridges: Check out our other variants of this Ortofon cartridge. Not sure if you want to upgrade to the Blue? Check out our comparison review!

• Audio-Technica Turntable Cartridges: Known for their excellent frequency response and reliable performance across a wide price range.

• Replacement Stylus and Pre-Mounted Headshells: We offer a variety of replacement styluses and pre-mounted headshells to suit your needs.

• Phono Preamps: Optimize your turntable's performance with our high-quality phono preamps, designed to match internal impedance and reduce surface noise.

• Record Players: From entry-level models to high-end units featuring acrylic platters, our record players are designed to deliver rich bass and clear audio fidelity.

• Speakers: We have a wide selection of speakers to choose from for optimal sound quality.

Each of these products is designed to meet the needs of both entry-level users and audiophile vinyl enthusiasts, ensuring a superior listening experience with minimal distortion.