Ortofon 2M 78 MM Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Ortofon 2M 78 is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge in the 2M series specifically designed for playing 78 RPM shellac records. It is optimized for the wider grooves characteristic of early 78 RPM records, allowing it to accurately pick up signals and reproduce the recording quality of that era. It is an essential choice for collectors and users who appreciate old records.

Product Information and Design Features

The 2M 78 features a standard half-inch mounting design, weighing approximately 7.2g, making it compatible with most modern tonearms. The cartridge body combines polymer and aluminum alloy materials, providing a stable structure and easy installation. It employs a "Strapped Output" design, connecting two pole pin signals to output a true mono signal on a standard stereo system, without the need for additional mono equipment.

Technology and Materials

• Stylus Type: Spherical diamond stylus, stylus tip radius R 65 µm
• Cantilever Material: Aluminum alloy
• Output Voltage: 4 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+3 / -1 dB)
• Tracking Ability: 70 µm (315 Hz)
• Dynamic Compliance: 18 µm/mN
• Recommended Tracking Force: 1.8 g (range 1.6–2.0 g)
• Internal Impedance: 700 Ω
• Internal Inductance: 350 mH
• Recommended Load: 47 kΩ, Capacitance 150–300 pF
• Cartridge Weight: 7.2 g

The core design highlight of the 2M 78 lies in its stylus:

• Large Spherical Stylus (R 65 µm): The groove width of early 78 RPM records is approximately 3 to 4 times that of modern LPs. A fine stylus typically used for LPs cannot properly contact the groove walls and instead sits at the bottom of the groove, picking up noise. The 2M 78's large spherical stylus correctly fits the wide grooves, effectively reproducing the music signal and reducing surface noise.

Sound Performance

The 2M 78 is specifically designed for 78 RPM records, capable of accurately tracking wide grooves to deliver clear, detailed, and dynamically rich sound. It effectively reduces surface noise while presenting the emotional depth of vocals, the intricate details of string instruments, and the overall sense of presence and rhythm from old records. Whether it's classical, jazz, or early pop music 78s, it can reproduce the charm of those recordings in a more authentic and immersive way.

User Reviews

Users and professional reviewers generally commend the 2M 78's performance when playing 78 RPM records. Reviews note that it "delivers highly detailed strings, dynamic mid-range, and excellent tracking ability," providing a "clear and emotionally rich" listening experience when playing classic recordings. Media outlets like Hi-Fi World also praise its "rich detail, low surface noise, fast and powerful rhythm, and excellent tracking performance at the recommended tracking force." Many collectors of old records believe that upgrading to a dedicated 78 RPM cartridge significantly improves sound quality, making it a crucial component for appreciating early recordings.

The Ortofon 2M 78 is suitable for users who own or collect 78 RPM

Ortofon 2M 78 Moving Magnet Cartridge

shellac records. It can correctly and safely play these precious historical recordings, delivering sound performance far superior to using a standard LP cartridge, making it an ideal choice for recreating the charm of early music.