Phono Cartridge Upgrade Tutorial | How to upgrade within the 2M Series

In this video, Leif Johannsen, Ortofon's Chief Officer Acoustics and Research, takes you through the acclaimed Ortofon 2M series. When Leif started at Ortofon 15 years ago, the Chief Engineer, Per Windfeld, was working on the 2M Series. Leif joined in on his work, and they finished the 2M Series together. Today, the 2M Series has become iconic for Ortofon.
Based on the original series consisting of the 2M Red, 2M Blue, 2M Bronze, and 2M Black, Leif Johanssen tells you all about our invented color-coding system, the characteristics of the individual models, and how easy it is to upgrade within the series.
CHAPTER OVERVIEW:
00:19 Intro
01:09 What does the color-coding system mean?
Breaking down the 2M Series:
04:18 2M Red
05:19 2M Blue
06:39 2M Bronze
07:21 2M Black
08:54 Upgrading within the 2M Series
09:14 Upgrading from Red to Blue
11:01 Upgrading from Bronze to Black
11:50 Explaining larger upgrades within the 2M Series
13:14 Conclusion
PRODUCTS USED IN THE VIDEO:
2M Red cartridge www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-re...
Stylus 2M Red www.ortofon.com/stylus-2m-red...
2M Blue cartridge www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-bl...
Stylus 2M Blue www.ortofon.com/stylus-2m-blu...
2M Bronze cartridge www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-br...
Stylus 2M Bronze www.ortofon.com/stylus-2m-bro...
2M Black cartridge www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-bl...
Stylus 2M Black www.ortofon.com/stylus-2m-bla...
Always remember that cartridges are extremely delicate devices. Absolute care and attention must be given when installing your cartridge to avoid any accidental damage.
If you need more general advice on setting up your cartridge, please watch our setup videos in the playlist or visit our FAQ & Installation (ortofon.com) page on our website.

[@brianmedeiros6845]

That was perfect 2M Blue replacement with another. Thank You Very Much!

[@parrisgeorge9708]

Sir thank you and Ortofon for making and sharing this video. Good information well and clearly presented.

[@antoniod.3826]

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Thanks a lot.

[@mrmagnolia6698]

Nice to have manufacturer clarity on the upgrade path - that’s much better than relying on random internet comments; thanks.

[@sumitgenzyme]

Very nicely articulated

[@themrgumbatron]

really great series

[@metalbearuk]

I really do like the 2M Blue, it's good enough for me with my hearing! I swap between that, the AT VM540ML, and the Goldring E3 depending on what I'm listening to.

[@bastian71balthazare]

Thank you for your help! I really satisfied with 2M Blue but in the close future I ‘d like to upgrade to Bronze!!! :) and please introduce Ortofon’s MC type cartridge to us also. Specially what is different and good features about MC type models compare with MM type models :)

[@flognaw6633]

This helped so much thank you

[@diluxe]

Great video

[@MrPetermc199]

Fantastisk, at der stadig produceres pladespillere og at der stadig produceres pickupper i Danmark.

[@inko123]

The 2M Black LVB is probably the only MM cartridge I'll ever use. One day, I'll try an MC, but I'm very satisfied with the LVB.

[@seand67]

I finally upgraded my original Audio Technica stylus to an Ortofon 2m Red. Loved the price and premounted packaging

[@michaelb9664]

I’d love to see the differences of the Pick It line ups as fitted to the upper mid tier of Pro-Ject models at the factory. I’d like to know how my Pick It Pro differs from the 2M Red & Blue. I know it has a lower output voltage of 4mV and a higher recommended tracking force, which must be due to a difference in cartridge windings, and possibly cantilever suspension. However knowing which of the 2M stylus would be compatible with the Pick It Pro body would be useful for the future.

[@DavidslvPT]

Could you please do a video on how to move from the OM models to the 2M? Thank you

[@franzkanns3526]

my technics turntable was delivered with the Nagaoka headshell pre assembled the MP 110 cartridge (nice sound!) plus the original technics headshell pre assembled the ortofon 2m red. it was easy to distinguish . the 2m red sounds flat . but i think i'll upgrade it to the 2m blue to check out the differnce to the nagaoka. i wonder about a comment below (german), that the black cartridge also fits in the 2m red body.? but nice informative video!

[@carlosflup]

from youtube auditions alone, I´m a fan of 2m blue. But, ... tonearms. It would be great if ortofon produced cartridges for rega turntables, like P1, P2... with similar tracking force and size as the carbon, so that we could just slide the carbon off and slide the 2m blue in. Rega turntables sell a lot because up to 1000 dollars at least, they have the best tonearms. They keep the stylus stable, without freeplay, though the grooves modulations of a record, allowing it to shine and retrieve every bit of information. P1 is probably the most awarded turntable probably in the budget segment, the i believe its tonearm is the key for their success.

[@Vintageelectronics2296]

I own 4 2m Red and 1 2m Blue they are really good stylus Some day I would like to get a 2m Black

[@enedenedubedene4811]

Ich habe den Black Nadeleinschub in den Red Grundkörper geschoben und es funktioniert hervorragend. Der Unterschied von den Kupferspulen zu den versilberten Spulen ist vielleicht messbar, aber nicht hörbar. Es ist verkaufsstrategisch.

[@thomasherrgen3601]

Hello, i have a Pro-Ject Turntable with the Ortofon Pick-it Pro Cartidge, which stylus can i use for an upgrade, blue or bronce?

[@MrPompanoman]

How does the 2m black compare to the dynovector 10×5?

[@adambrown8867]

I put a 2M Bronze styli on a 2M Red body, before I knew the 2M Bronze also had an upgraded body itself. In any case the stock Red styli was intolerable, with so much transient distortions & sibilance. The 2M Bronze styli immediately cured that problem.

[@christopherogley1714]

Did it go on easy..?.exact same dimensions..?just a matter of silver plated wire in the cartridge body?As I have a snapped red stylus . looking for the best stylus upgrade.....only need a stylus but stuck between a blue stylus , or going over to mix it up with bronze or black .... I don't know if it will be worth the extra cash ...thoughts???

[@adambrown8867]

@@christopherogley1714 Fit is perfect, but you have to follow the technique as directed by Ortofon & it takes just the right touch.

[@barkatthemoonlunatic1715]

You probably just did not have the red installed properly and set the TT up correctly.

[@JoeOrber]

@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 the Red stylus is known for its extreme brightness, which leads to increased surface noise, sibilance and ear fatigue issues for some people

[@MrPompanoman]

I currently have a 2m blue but I want to upgrade to a black or a moving coil?

[@foxvital]

Hello, Please tell me about 2m silver. What 2 does he look like the most?

[@alexandrkulagin9183]

what cartridge is better upgrade for project t-1? 2m blue is it high level for my project t-1?

[@scrunts666]

I upgraded my brand new 2M red to an Audio Technica AT-VM95ML, best decision ever :D

[@Dirtdevil1]

I just traded my Red for the VM95SH. What a remarkable difference

[@dubs2171]

So it’s best to not go with the 2M red?

[@scrunts666]

@@dubs2171 It's a nice looking cartridge but, in my opinion, it is not particularly good sounding or good value. The Audio Technica AT-VM95 series allows you to start from a very cheap £30 cartridge and, through stylus upgrades, take it all the way up to a Shibata stylus. I have tried all of them apart from Shibata, from conical, to eliptical, to nude eliptical, to microlinear, and they all make a difference as you go up the range. While the ML is the best of what I tried, I now think the EN is the best value for money when it comes to sound per pound.:)

[@ramblinginmeath4950]

I am sitting on the fence about upgrading to the Red or Blue .. My current set up is Project X1 with the standard Pick-it S2MM - its kinda entry level and its fine. I had always planned to upgrade the cartridge and MC was on my radar - but then I would need to buy a Phono Preamp ( the phono preamp on my Leak Stereo 130 is actually quite good .. but MC cartridge is a big cost increase .. and the Blue 2M or maybe the Bronze were on the list ... now as I ponder is the AT-VM95ML the better choice >>??? greetings from Ireland

[@mankepoot9440]

It is very tempting to believe the upgrade path, but be aware that the needle part is 75% of the price of the total element. You will not save a giant amount of money by reusing the fixed element part.

[@livingw3903]

Leif, struggling to get the Ortofon 2M back cartridge, (not with the stylus) any recommendations as I’m struggling to locate one without the stylus???

[@doodlewop]

I have a lot of modern mono jazz reissues (analogue productions etc..) I own a 2m blue cart. Has anyone tried using the 2m 78 cart and swapping the 2m 78 stylus with the 2m Blue for mono playback of more modern mono records? Will it work? It would be a cheaper alternative than buying the 2m mono cart since all I would have to do is use my 2m blue stylus on the cheaper 78 cart. Thanks

[@hoobsgroove]

who's the name of the jewellers I think only one or two companies who make the counter lever and styli. I want to buy some and do some experiments on some cartridges I've got. looking for sapphire or ruby cantilever with a nude diamond, what sort of price would I be paying for that if I just bought two or three? thanks and I'm looking for aerogel suspension do you make any cartridges I don't know of any manufacturer using that yet and why not?

[@douglasmarkovich4022]

What Ortofon is close to a Stanton 681 EEE

[@kyllegaerlan3706]

Planning to put a M2 Bronze to a rega planar 2. Would you recommend it over the Blue? Thanks!

[@shs747]

I was recommeded AT VM540ML vs the blue for Rega pl 2 if this helps in any way..

[@brent3086]

The bronze is noticeably better

[@peace-yv4qd]

I purchased a turntable with the 2m Silver cartridge factory mounted that sounds quite good for an entry level cartridge. I suppose they call it the 2M silver because it comes with silver coated copper wire. Ya think? The down side is I can't just buy the stylus I want, the 2M bronze or black. I have to buy the whole cartridge in order to upgrade to a better cart.

[@sanjayh8645]

I'm in the same boat, bought a project 2experience TT, didn't know this but thanks. I'm thinking worth going to Denon 103r which is cheaper right now (but MC). Why is there no upgrade path for this silver?

[@peace-yv4qd]

@@sanjayh8645 Another cartridge thats getting rave reviews is the Hana that starts at $475. Another Japanese brand I would recommend is the Nagoaka MP line. Very affordable. I have the MP-110. I purchased the Project 2experience SB DC limited Beatles edition TT. I think about a 1000 were made in total. I lucked on one for $800 with a five % discount added on. The list price was $1600. It was the last one the dealer had in stock. To answer your question the silver is a factory item thats not sold to the public directly I think. Only the replacement stylus is available.

[@MrPortwinestain]

Should I upgrade from a 2M Red to 2M Bronze on a Technics Quartz Direct Drive SL-1800 MK2? The Red sounds amazing but I just want a significant jump. How do I know if my TT is worthy?

[@cmkilcullen8176]

I went from a red cart and stylus to placing a blue stylus on the red cart. I found this change to be a satisfactory enhancement. It is a practical and more economical progression. If you can, I would try this before making the leap to a bronze. I am using an AT LP 7. I always prefer a nude stylus over a bonded one, but within my price range. Frankly, again, I have no problem with the blue. My turn table is super quiet and smooth and marries well with this combination. You can always consult with an expert to find what sound you are looking for, what equipment you already have and what music you most often listen to on vinyl. I like a sound that is detailed, open, on the bright side, but not brittle. I listen to some rock, blues and jazz. I use a Zen ifi pre amp. Best of luck to you! CMK

[@anthonyhfe6450]

The gentleman states you can swap a blue in place of a red and a black in place of a bronze. But is it physically possible to put a black or bronze stylus on a red/blue body? Or it is not compatible physically or electrically? Yes, the stylus is the costly part. Wasn't it the opposite in the good 'ole days of Pickering, Shure, Stanton, etc. ? My friend upgraded to the blue and gave me the red stylus, so I need to get a cartridge for a red/blue stylus. Or just get the blue cartridge and stylus and keep the red stylus as a spare.

[@Dani-C71]

Can you put on a lvb 250 stylus on 2m bronze/black body?

[@Ortofonofficial]

Yes, you can! :)

[@somniumus]

So when I have the red stylus I can just remove the red stylus and then go outside and buy not the entire blue cartridge but just the blue stylus from the blue cartridge and then I can set aside the red stylus from the red cartridge that I have on my system and just attach the blue stylus! Omg! But the interesting part is that if you want even better sound you can simply upgrade from the blue cartridge to a bronze cartridge not by swapping the blue stylus with the bronze one but instead by simply removing the entire blue cartridge and putting the bronze cartridge in its very place! What an earth shattering design!

[@THOR2029]

Question. Does the “SILVER” exist? I bought one on amazon yet you dont mention the silver. Or dis i just bought a fake Ortofon?

[@JoeOrber]

There is a price jump of around $130 US Dollars from the 2M Red stylus to the Blue and then to the Bronze. The last two both having nude elliptical tips with only the rubber suspension being the difference, I find it crazy 🤪 how can you charge $130 more for a tiny piece of rubber made of a different compound? I'm talking about the Blue and Bronze styli only, not the cartridge housings

[@QoraxAudio]

The funny thing is, that those 2M Black styli also fit on concorde cartridges, it looks strange, but it works lol

[@fredbissnette3104]

does it fit on an om body? I'm intrigued

[@QoraxAudio]

@@fredbissnette3104 I'm not sure, but it does fit on the second generation concorde cartridges, while the first generation concorde cartridges are the same as the OM cartridges. Only one way to find out...

[@michaellundsrensen2292]

There is also a Silver! It's compatible with rhe Red and Blue.

[@Ortofonofficial]

That's right! However, the 2M Silver is not part of the original Ortofon 2M series, and is an OEM-model. The 2M Silver's special feature is silver plated copper coils, and will be an upgrade compared to 2M Red due to a special rubber suspension and silver plated copper wire material.

[@nvezirg]

@@Ortofonofficial I have a 2M Silver, if I put the 2M Bronze stylus it will have the same sound quality as with a 2M Bronze body ?

[@eugeniopizzorni]

Buonasera Signor JOHANSENN. La Ringrazio per INSEGNARE ai neofiti come si monta una testina sul giradischi, e che DIFFERENZE ci sono come qualità sonora da una testina all' altra. Un saluto e un abbraccio da EUGENIO di GENOVA 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️

[@maxsavage3998]

I have red and black

[@DiamondKing666]

Its Not Right that you have to Chance the Body when switching from Red/Blue to Bronze/Black. I changed the stylus from the red because it was so shitty and put on the Body of the red a Bronze stylus, very much of an improvement, Great Sound and Quality and you dont have to Pay those extra 150 Bucks to buy that Full cartridge. I dont know how much better it would Sound without those Cooper Coils, But for that much Money less its a Great Tone to Go only with the stylus.

[@FranklovesBunnies]

These changes are so subtle with sound that I think it’s shady marketing to say one is “definitely” better than the other.

[@diggr13]

I've only gone from red to blue but there is a definite improvement.

[@ingenfestbrems]

Bronze i think is the most existing to listen to

[@cobrakill4636]

Too analytical for my taste. Switched to the Kontrapunkt H instead

[@joemartin6439]

My table is a Thoren TD 160 totally modified. I have a Grace F-9 Safire cantilever and nude hyper Elliptical stylus and soul and rhythm and bogie in my music never can be in your cartridges in my opinion. My Astatic Shabbat cartridge is on my modified Dual 1229 table. Joy is all I can say

[@TheRickster08]

Jesus I want one so bad. Just cant afford it

[@paulomontero12]

This things are very fragile! I broke mine and don even how i broken it? I prefer audio technica because their better build from my experience.

[@tirkentube]

i understand you make high end equipment, and put a lot of effort into the materials development, and all that. but, the amount of rubber used per-item must be very minute. why can't you just use the same very good rubber on all the cartridges? this would seemingly add very little price to even the red one. because even a full size tire with very high quality rubber vs a cheap tire would have less of a price difference than you have going from blue to bronze or whichever one has the better rubber, and tires use a crap ton of rubber per tire. here, we're talking a pea-size amount of rubber. anyway, also, you suggest not going out and buying another housing when upgrading. well, that sounds like the smart thing to do, until you realize that these are only $10-20 cheaper without the housings. When you're paying $200-600, you may as well get the entire thing if the price difference for just the stylus vs the entire cartridge is only $10 cheaper. an example: the blue one on amazon is $204 for the whole thing, $196 for the stylus alone (the blue part). i believe the black one comes at $589 vs $600, so..... i mean...

[@user-wb1pg3zz1u]

...5 + +

[@l0rd_breeigo-sama954]

Didnt know that ortofon was danish tbh

[@TurntableGuy]

The price gap from the Red to the Blue is too steep.

[@brent3086]

I would go straight to the bronze

[@davidgamble5756]

To much surface noise,pity

[@GustavoChagui-rd8to]

Very confusing!!!

[@darrenk5023]

Go and listen with your ears at a audio store . Basically more clarity and larger performance when moving up on the models. 👋🏽

[@davidcarper5411]

I can make 200.00 worth of NOS Empire sound better than this on any arm.

[@barkatthemoonlunatic1715]

go for it. no one is stopping you

[@davidcarper5411]

@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 Already did, Thanks. Instead of just stating the obvious. Such as Yourself..

[@barkatthemoonlunatic1715]

@@davidcarper5411 You make no sense.

[@davidcarper5411]

@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 Glad You think so, and obliged to take rent in Your mind.

[@barkatthemoonlunatic1715]

@@davidcarper5411 Stop talking to yourself.

[@thejupiter2]

So in layman's terms we have the not so good one and the very good one. Either way, you'll need the hearing of a dog to tell the difference and the wisdom of a fool to buy either because we will extract the maximum amount of money we can from you no matter which one you choose. The whole thing is a con.

[@Dave_____]

2M Black is the best MM cartridge ... Nagaoka MP500 has entered the room

[@QoraxAudio]

ATVM540ML has entered the room

[@hemantishwaran5741]

I saw a detailed article by lowbeats where they reviewed the AT VM740ML and they mentioned specifically that it was not in the same category of even the 2M Bronze.