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.
What is a premounted phono cartridge and why choose one?
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.
Main features of Ortofon pre-mounted cartridges:
- 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
Comparison table of the complete range
Model | Type | Diamond | Support force | Exit | Bandwidth |
VNL | DJ | Spherical 18 μm | 4g | 8 mV | 20Hz-20kHz |
2M Red | MM | Nude Elliptical | 1,8g | 5,5 mV | 20Hz-25kHz |
2M Blue | MM | Nude Elliptical | 1,8g | 5,5 mV | 20Hz-25kHz |
2M Bronze | MM | Nude Fine Line | 1,5g | 5,5 mV | 20Hz-29kHz |
2M Black | MM | Nude Fine Line | 1,5g | 5,5 mV | 20Hz-31kHz |
2M Black LVB 250 | MM | Nude Fine Line | 1,5g | 5,5 mV | 20Hz-30kHz |
2M Mono | MM | Nude Fine Line | 1,5g | 5,5 mV | 20Hz-25kHz |
2M 78 | MM | Spherical 65 μm | 1,8g | 5,5 mV | 20Hz-20kHz |
The VNL range: When precision meets DJ performance
Cellule DJ Ortofon VNL Premounted SH-4
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.
VNL technical specifications:
- 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: Excellence in eight variations
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.
Ortofon 2M Red Premounted: The entry into excellence
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.
2M Red Features:
- Diamond: Elliptical Nude
- Support force : 1,8g
- Compliance : 20 μm/mN
- Bandwidth : 20 Hz – 25 kHz
- Target audience: Audiophile beginners

Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted: Affordable refinement
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.
Improvements over Red:
- Diamond: High precision elliptical nude
- Restitution: More detailed harmonics
- Separation: Improved stereophony
- Level: Confirmed intermediate

Ortofon 2M Bronze Premounted: High-definition precision
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.
Advanced technical specifications:
- 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.
Ortofon 2M Black Premounted: The pinnacle of the series
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.
Benchmark performance:
- Bandwidth: 20 Hz – 31 kHz (maximum)
- Diamond: Ultra-precise Nude Fine Line
- Restitution: Crystalline purity
- Dynamics: Original impact preserved
- Silences: Expressive and revealing

Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 Premounted: Tribute to the master
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.
Limited Edition Features:
- Technical basis: Identical to the 2M Black
- Bandwidth : 20 Hz – 30 kHz
- Aesthetic: Exclusive gold finish
- Collection: Limited numbered edition
- Dedication: Tribute to Beethoven

Specialized cells: Mono and 78 rpm
Specific applications by recording type
Recording type | Recommended cell | Specific advantage |
Modern stereo vinyls | 2M Red to Black | Full restitution |
Mono recordings | 2M Mono | Eliminates crosstalk |
78 rpm records | 2M 78 | Diamond suitable for wide grooves |
DJ/Scratching | VNL | Resistance and optimal monitoring |
Ortofon 2M Mono Premounted: monophonic purity
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.
Specific advantages:
- Diaphonie: Completely eliminated
- Signal: Pure and free from parasites
- Compatibility: Recordings 1950-1960
- Restitution: Faithful to the original mono

Ortofon 2M 78 Premounted: the bridge to history
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.
Specifications for 78 rpm:
- 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

Recommended hardware combinations
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.
Recommended turntables:
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.




Preamplification :
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.
The revolutionary advantages of pre-assembled cells
Comparison: Traditional vs. Pre-assembled Installation
Aspect | Traditional installation | Pre-assembled cell |
Installation time | 30-60 minutes | 5 minutes |
Risk of error | Pupil | Null |
Alignment | Variable depending on user | Factory perfect |
Required tools | Multiples | None |
Expertise required | Confirmed | Beginner |
Sound result | Depending on the assembly | optimal guarantee |
Detailed technical benefits:
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
Compatibility and Installation Guide
Simplified installation procedure:
- Preparation
- Check the SME compatibility of the arm
- Check the cleanliness of the fixing system
- Mechanical installation
- Insert the pre-mounted cell into the arm
- Lock the SME bayonet system
- Settings
- Adjust the downforce according to the model
- Set the corresponding anti-skating
- Check the horizontality
- Electrical connection
- Connect the cables according to the standard color code
- Check the continuity of the connections
Maintenance and scalability: A lasting investment
Cartridgesz compatibility matrix
Basic cell | Compatible diamonds | Type d’upgrade |
2M Red | Red, Blue | Performance |
2M Blue | Blue, Bronze | Resolution |
2M Bronze | Bronze, Black | Precision |
2M Black | Black only | Maintenance |
Advantages of modularity:
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.