Ortofon Stylus 2M

The Shibata stylus features a unique, complex profile that contacts more of the record groove wall. This allows it to extract significantly more high-frequency detail and nuance than a standard elliptical stylus, resulting in a more accurate and open soundstage.

The 2M Black uses a standard 1/2-inch mount, making it compatible with the vast majority of modern and vintage turntables. As a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge, it is designed to plug directly into any standard phono preamp or integrated amplifier with a dedicated phono input.

The recommended tracking force for the 2M Black is between 1.4 and 2.0 grams, with 1.5 grams being the optimal setting for most setups. Always use a tracking force gauge to ensure you are within this range to protect your records and achieve the best sound quality.

While the 2M Black works with any standard MM phono input, its high-performance engine benefits from a quality phono stage. Ensure your preamp supports a load resistance of 47 kOhm and a load capacitance between 150 and 300 pF to match the cartridge's specifications perfectly.

The 2M Black is designed for straightforward mounting, but because it is a high-precision component, it requires careful alignment. If you are new to cartridge installation, we recommend using an alignment protractor to ensure the stylus is positioned correctly for the best tracking and lowest distortion.

The use of silver-plated copper wire in the internal engine reduces signal resistance and improves conductivity. This contributes to the cartridge's high output and helps maintain a clean, detailed signal path from the stylus to your phono preamp.