The Ortofon 2M Red is a universally compatible turntable cartridge that delivers an open, dynamic, and warm sound, with clearly defined spatial imaging even in dense musical passages. Its bonded diamond stylus, featuring a classic elliptical cut, traces a broad contact area of the groove wall, enabling a wide frequency response of 20Hz to 22kHz, good phase behaviour, and low distortion. Despite its relatively modest price, the 2M Red consistently performs at a level associated with far more expensive cartridges. A cleaning brush, headshell screws, and a suitable screwdriver are included in the package.
The Ortofon 2M Red is the most affordable cartridge in Ortofon's widely respected 2M series. Fitted with a bonded diamond stylus, it delivers a balanced and engaging sound character, with articulate bass, well-resolved midrange, clear highs, and precise spatial imaging. Despite its accessible price point, the 2M Red incorporates several innovations found in Ortofon's higher-end moving magnet cartridges. Among them is Split Pole Pin technology, in which the pole pins are machined with an extremely fine slot to improve signal transfer and high-frequency response. The cartridge body itself is made from Hopelex, a rigid polycarbonate resin designed to minimise unwanted resonances and preserve signal integrity.
The Ortofon 2M series has established itself as a widely recognised reference point among moving magnet cartridges, and the 2M Red represents an especially attractive option for cost-conscious hi-fi enthusiasts. Installation is straightforward, and the cartridge performs reliably on virtually any modern turntable; thanks to its healthy output voltage of 5.5mV, it also pairs well with older hi-fi equipment. The 2M Red shares its housing, motor, coils, and magnet configuration with the higher-priced 2M Blue, allowing it to benefit from the same proven platform. This consistency has led many turntable manufacturers to include the 2M Red as standard, effectively making it an industry benchmark. As it's supplied with the necessary mounting hardware, the cartridge can be fitted to any compatible headshell and is ready for immediate use.
The Danish company Ortofon has been synonymous with high-quality phono technology for more than a century. Founded in 1918 by engineers Axel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen, Ortofon developed its first magnetic pickup system, the M-15, in 1969. The company’s futuristic-looking Concorde pickup series was launched in 1982, and its stylish, streamlined design established itself on the DJ scene as the new standard for use in clubs and discotheques. Ortofon also produces high-quality moving magnet and moving coil systems for every application and price point, from quality-conscious beginners through to uncompromising high-end hi-fi aficionados.
The Ortofon 2M Red is a solid choice for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a dependable and musically engaging cartridge. Its elliptical stylus profile is gentle on records and, under normal conditions, supports a service life of up to 1,000 hours without noticeable degradation in sound quality. The cartridge's balanced tonal character and good level of detail make it equally suitable for everyday listening or for reviving an older turntable with a fresh, more modern sound. While it is not designed for DJ use or heavy cueing, the 2M Red is a versatile and reliable option for enjoying records at home, and it is also well suited to careful digitisation of a vinyl collection.
Bonded diamonds offer a cost-effective way of equipping a phono cartridge with a high-quality diamond stylus. In this design, a small diamond tip is bonded to a metal shank, which is then attached to the cantilever. While this construction is more economical than a fully integrated nude diamond, it still allows for accurate groove tracking and consistent performance. With the 2M Red, Ortofon demonstrates that a well-executed bonded diamond stylus can deliver impressive sound quality, making it an excellent choice for accessible, high-fidelity vinyl playback.