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The Ortofon revolution: A premounted rangethat redefines the vinyl experience

The hi-fi industry is undergoing a major transformation with the arrival of the new range of Ortofon pre-mounted cartridges. These revolutionary phono cartridges, already mounted on the SH-4 headshell, are disrupting traditional codes by offering a complete solution to demanding music lovers and passionate novices.

A phono cartridge premounted integrates the cartridge directly onto its headshell, eliminating assembly complexities and the risk of error. This technological innovation guarantees perfect alignment and optimal weight distribution, two crucial parameters for extracting every musical detail from your vinyl records.

  • Montage: On SH-4 headshell
  • Compatibility: “S” arm with SME bayonet mounting
  • Total weight: 16.7g for the 2M series
  • Installation: Plug & play, without complex settings
  • Alignment: Perfect from the factory
ModelTypeDiamondSupport forceExitBandwidth
VNLDJSpherical 18 μm4g8 mV20Hz-20kHz
2M RedMMNude Elliptical1,8g5,5 mV20Hz-25kHz
2M BlueMMNude Elliptical1,8g5,5 mV20Hz-25kHz
2M BronzeMMNude Fine Line1,5g5,5 mV20Hz-29kHz
2M BlackMMNude Fine Line1,5g5,5 mV20Hz-31kHz
2M Black LVB 250MMNude Fine Line1,5g5,5 mV20Hz-30kHz
2M MonoMMNude Fine Line1,5g5,5 mV20Hz-25kHz
2M 78MMSpherical 65 μm1,8g5,5 mV20Hz-20kHz

The VNL represents the ultimate evolution for professional DJs. This revolutionary cartridge features several technical innovations that make it the benchmark tool for intensive scratching and live performances.

  • Stylus: VNL II with 18 μm spherical diamond
  • Support force: 4g (maximum robustness)
  • Output voltage: 8 mV (strong signal)
  • Dynamic Compliance: 6 μm/mN lateral
  • Benefits: Minimizes wear when back-cuing

The VNL is perfectly suited to the demands of professional DJing and fits perfectly into both live performance and studio setups.

The 2M series represents the core of Ortofon’s offering, with eight distinct models, each targeting a specific use and budget. This progressive range allows for a natural evolution according to the audiophile’s experience and requirements.

The 2M Red Premounted democratizes access to Ortofon quality with its elliptical nude stylus and 5.5 mV output. This MM cartridge reveals the warmth of vinyl with a bandwidth of 20 Hz to 25 kHz, ideal for discovering the subtleties of the analog format.

  • Diamond: Elliptical Nude
  • Support force : 1,8g
  • Compliance : 20 μm/mN
  • Bandwidth : 20 Hz – 25 kHz
  • Target audience: Audiophile beginners

A direct evolution of the Red, the Blue shares the same technical characteristics but incorporates a more precise elliptical nude diamond. This technological improvement results in finer reading of microgrooves and better stereophonic separation.

  • Diamond: High precision elliptical nude
  • Restitution: More detailed harmonics
  • Separation: Improved stereophony
  • Level: Confirmed intermediate

The 2M Bronze takes a major technological step forward with the introduction of the Nude Fine Line diamond and the extension of the bandwidth to 29 kHz. This evolution marks the entry into the high-end segment of the 2M series.

  • Diamond : Nude Fine Line (technologie premium)
  • Bandwidth: 20 Hz – 29 kHz (extended)
  • Channel separation : 26 dB (excellence)
  • Support force: 1.5g (reduced for preservation)
  • Performance: Revealing micro-details

This cell transforms each listening into an immersive experience where each instrument finds its place in the sound space reconstructed with remarkable precision.

The 2M Black represents the absolute excellence of the series with its extended bandwidth up to 31 kHz and its ultra-precise Nude Fine Line diamond. This high-end cartridge is the benchmark for the most demanding audiophiles.

  • Bandwidth: 20 Hz – 31 kHz (maximum)
  • Diamond: Ultra-precise Nude Fine Line
  • Restitution: Crystalline purity
  • Dynamics: Original impact preserved
  • Silences: Expressive and revealing

This special edition, created in tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven for the 250th anniversary of his birth, retains the exceptional performance of the standard Black while sporting a unique golden aesthetic.

  • Technical basis: Identical to the 2M Black
  • Bandwidth : 20 Hz – 30 kHz
  • Aesthetic: Exclusive gold finish
  • Collection: Limited numbered edition
  • Dedication: Tribute to Beethoven
Recording typeRecommended cellSpecific advantage
Modern stereo vinyls2M Red to BlackFull restitution
Mono recordings2M MonoEliminates crosstalk
78 rpm records2M 78Diamond suitable for wide grooves
DJ/ScratchingVNLResistance and optimal monitoring

Dedicated exclusively to monophonic recordings, this cartridge eliminates the crosstalk problems inherent in stereo cartridges used on mono records. Its Nude Fine Line stylus reveals all the richness of historical recordings without the stereophonic artifacts.

  • Diaphonie: Completely eliminated
  • Signal: Pure and free from parasites
  • Compatibility: Recordings 1950-1960
  • Restitution: Faithful to the original mono

With its 65 μm spherical diamond and 1.8g tracking force, this cartridge brings 78 rpm records back to life. Its design respects the original characteristics of these heritage recordings dating from the 1900s-1950s.

  • Diamond: Spherical 65 μm (suitable for wide grooves)
  • Support force: 1.8g (preservation of old records)
  • Bandwidth: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (historical respect)
  • Usage : Heritage collection

Ortofon pre-mounted cartridges fit perfectly into various hi-fi setups thanks to their compatibility with SME tonearms. To fully exploit their potential, these cartridges are ideally suited to several market references.

The platines Technics SL-1200 et SL-1210 MK7 are benchmark choices, recognized for their mechanical precision and legendary stability. Technics SL-1500 C, more audiophile oriented, offers a perfect balance between performance and ease of use. The Audio Technica AT-LP8X, with its quality arm and careful construction, completes this selection by providing a modern and accessible alternative.

The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 preamplifier the ideal complement to this range. Its design dedicated to MM cartridges, its precise adjustments and its sonic neutrality allow to reveal all the qualities of the pre-mounted Ortofon cartridges, from the entry-level 2M Red to the reference 2M Black.

This synergy between pre-mounted cells, quality turntables and adapted preamplification guarantees faithful and detailed reproduction, whatever the user’s level of requirement.

AspectTraditional installationPre-assembled cell
Installation time30-60 minutes5 minutes
Risk of errorPupilNull
AlignmentVariable depending on userFactory perfect
Required toolsMultiplesNone
Expertise requiredConfirmedBeginner
Sound resultDepending on the assemblyoptimal guarantee

Installing a pre-assembled cell eliminates several common sources of error:

  • Geometric alignment: Factory accuracy guaranteed
  • Weight distribution: Homogeneous on the total 16.7g
  • Mechanical rigidity: Optimized by integrated design
  • Vibration elimination: Parasitic microvibrations suppressed
  • Reproducibility: Identical results with each installation

Simplified installation procedure:

  1. Preparation
    • Check the SME compatibility of the arm
    • Check the cleanliness of the fixing system
  2. Mechanical installation
    • Insert the pre-mounted cell into the arm
    • Lock the SME bayonet system
  3. Settings
    • Adjust the downforce according to the model
    • Set the corresponding anti-skating
    • Check the horizontality
  4. Electrical connection
    • Connect the cables according to the standard color code
    • Check the continuity of the connections
Basic cellCompatible diamondsType d’upgrade
2M RedRed, BluePerformance
2M BlueBlue, BronzeResolution
2M BronzeBronze, BlackPrecision
2M BlackBlack onlyMaintenance

Each cell in the range accepts the replacement of its diamond, transforming the initial purchase into an evolving investment:

  • Preventive maintenance: Replacement for wear
  • Progressive upgrade: Improvement in stages
  • Adaptability: Depending on the evolution of the system
  • Economy: No full buyout required

This modularity allows for a progressive approach to audiophile, where each improvement brings a measurable sonic gain without revolutionizing the entire system.

A sound revolution within reach

Ortofon’s range of pre-mounted cartridges redefines the traditional approach to vinyl listening by democratizing access to technical excellence. This major innovation addresses a dual challenge: simplifying installation while ensuring optimal performance.

Whether you’re a novice looking for your first quality cartridge or a seasoned audiophile seeking uncompromising simplicity, this pre-assembled range transforms the installation of a phono cartridge into immediate pleasure. Technical expertise fades into musical emotion, allowing total concentration on what matters most: the music.

Each model in this revolutionary range carries within it the legacy of over 100 years of Danish Ortofon expertise, condensed into a ready-to-use solution that will reveal the full richness of your vinyl collection. Technology serving emotion, innovation serving tradition: the music is waiting for you.