Ortofon 2MR Red Moving Magnet Cartridge

Ortofon 2MR Red: 2M Red Performance for Low-Profile Turntables

The Ortofon 2MR Red is a low-profile moving magnet turntable cartridge designed for tonearms that need a shorter cartridge body, including many Rega turntables. Its slim 2MR housing is 3 mm shorter than the standard 2M body, helping achieve proper fit and tonearm geometry without adding spacers or modifying the turntable.

Built around Ortofon’s proven 2M platform, the 2MR Red uses an elliptical diamond stylus, a 5.5 mV output, and a quad-coil motor with split pole pins. The result is an open, dynamic presentation with a touch of warmth—an approachable upgrade for vinyl listeners who want strong tracking and easy stylus replacement.

Why Choose the Ortofon 2MR Red?

• Low-profile 2MR body: 3 mm height reduction for turntables and tonearms that benefit from a shorter cartridge.
• Well suited to Rega: Designed to fit low-form-factor tonearms without the spacers often required by taller cartridges.
• Elliptical diamond stylus: A versatile profile for everyday record playback with good groove contact and tracking.
• 5.5 mV moving magnet output: Compatible with standard MM phono inputs and phono preamplifiers.
• 2M stylus compatibility: The 2MR body accepts Ortofon 2M styli, making future stylus replacement or upgrades straightforward.
• Simple half-inch mounting: Installs with two screws for a clean, uncomplicated setup.

2MR Red vs. 2M Red

The key difference is fit. The Ortofon 2MR Red is the low-profile version of Ortofon’s popular Red-class moving magnet cartridge. If your turntable has limited cartridge height or would otherwise need tonearm spacers—particularly with many Rega designs—the 2MR version is the better physical match. It retains compatibility with the familiar Ortofon 2M stylus family.

Specifications

Who Is It For?

The 2MR Red is an excellent choice for listeners shopping for an Ortofon cartridge for a Rega turntable, replacing an entry-level moving magnet cartridge, or building a vinyl system where cartridge height and tonearm geometry make the standard 2M body less convenient.