The Ortofon 2M 78 is the 2M series cartridge for 78 rpm shellac records, which Ortofon presents as a mono cartridge for this format. The grooves of 78 rpm records are much wider than those of microgrooves and require a larger tip: the 2M 78 uses a spherical diamond with a radius of 65 µm.
The body and generator are those of the 2M series, with a standard half-inch connection. The output is 4 mV, the response is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz within +3/-1 dB, and the tracking capacitance is 70 µm.
How do you play 78s on a modern system? You need a turntable with a 78 rpm speed and a cartridge with a suitable stylus, like this one. The recommended tracking force is 1,8 g (1,6 to 2,0 g), the load is 47 kΩ with 150–300 pF; any moving magnet phono input will work. Weight: 7,2 g, compliance: 18 µm/mN.
| Typology | MM (moving magnet) |
|---|---|
| Output voltage | 4mV |
| Stylus | spherical (R 65 µm) |
| Recommended reading strength | 1,8 g |
| Phono load impedance | 47 kW |
| Weight | 7,2 g |
| Attack / assembly | standard 1/2 inch (two screws) |
| cantilever | aluminum |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+3 / -1 dB) |
| Compliance | 18 µm/mN (dynamic, lateral) |
| Read force range | 1,6-2,0 g |
| Vertical reading angle (VTA) | 20 ° |
| Internal impedance | 700 Ω |
| Recommended load capacity | 150-300 pF |
| Trim | Black / Gray |
| Stylus replacement | Stylus 2M 78 |
Ortofon represents Danish excellence in the world of high fidelity, with over a century of experience in designing and manufacturing phonograph cartridges. Founded in 1918 in Copenhagen by Axel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen, and now headquartered in Nakskov, Denmark, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of turntable cartridges, appreciated by audiophiles, professionals, and analog music enthusiasts worldwide.
Ortofon began as the Electrical Fono Film Company to develop synchronized sound for cinema, and later shifted its focus to disc recording and playback: in 1945, it introduced its first cutting head, in 1948 its first moving-coil cartridge, and in 1959 the first SPU (Stereo Pick-Up), originally intended for professionals. The company's philosophy is based on continuous research, Danish craftsmanship, and respect for analog tradition.
Among Ortofon's signature technologies, the SLM (Selective Laser Melting) process is used to craft the titanium bodies of some high-end cartridges, such as the MC Anna and MC Windfeld Ti, ensuring high rigidity and reducing unwanted resonances. The patented Wide Range Damping (WRD) system controls the cantilever movement with a small platinum disc sandwiched between two rubber dampers with different characteristics, while the Replicant 100 stylus, with its slim profile and large vertical contact surface, has a shape very close to that of the recording stylus.
The Ortofon range extends from entry-level solutions to reference-level cartridges, covering every need of the analogue music enthusiast. Among the moving magnet (MM) cartridges, the 2M Series comprises the 2M Red, 2M Blue, 2M Bronze, and 2M Black models, with progressively more refined styles and increasing performance; the catalog also includes the OM Series and Concorde cartridges for DJs.
In the moving coil (MC) segment, Ortofon offers the MC X series, the Cadenza series, and the Exclusive series, which represents the brand's technological pinnacle and includes models such as the MC Windfeld Ti. Throughout its history, the company has also celebrated anniversaries with special editions, such as the SPU 95th Anniversary in 2015.
The Ortofon philosophy is summed up in the constant pursuit of musical fidelity through technological innovation while respecting analog tradition. A century of experience in the industry and a constant commitment to research make Ortofon a point of reference for those who wish to rediscover the magic of vinyl through high-quality hi-fi reproduction.
They are two moving magnet cartridges in the same price range, both with a thin-profile stylus, both designed for those who want the most from an MM without switching to MCs. But the Sumiko Amethyst and Ortofon 2M Black ask your system…
Before any discussion about sound, a number: the 2M Black outputs 5 mV, the Amethyst 2,5 mV. Exactly half.
If the product is available for immediate delivery at the store (as indicated in the "Availability" section), it will be handed over to the courier the same day or the day after payment is received, with tracking sent via email. If the product is available at an external warehouse (also in Italy), it will typically be shipped within 2-3 business days of ordering and delivered directly to your home, again with tracking via email. Standard courier processing times must be added to these times (24-48 hours for mainland Italy, a few more days for islands). For international shipments, delivery times vary depending on the destination country.
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All products are covered by a manufacturer's warranty (minimum 24 months for new items). Our warranty applies to used and vintage products. AudiocostruzioniAll conditions on the dedicated page: Guarantees.
