The Ortofon 2M Black is the flagship of the 2M moving magnet series. It features a Nude Shibata diamond (r/R 6/50 µm) on an aluminum cantilever: a thin, highly polished profile that rests on the groove walls over a large surface area and accurately reads even the highest frequency information.
The four-coil generator with split pole pin uses silver-plated OFC copper wire. The output is 5 mV, the channel separation is 26 dB, and the response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz is within +2/-0 dB; the tracking ability reaches 80 µm. Ortofon recommends it for those seeking maximum detail across the entire spectrum.
What tonearm should the 2M Black be used on? A medium-mass tonearm with a half-inch mount weighs 7,2 g, has a compliance of 22 µm/mN, and a recommended tracking force of 1,5 g (1,4 to 1,7 g). It connects to a 47 kΩ MM phono input with 150–300 pF.
| Typology | MM (moving magnet) |
|---|---|
| Output voltage | 5mV |
| Stylus | Nude Shibata (r/R 6/50 µm) |
| Recommended reading strength | 1,5 g |
| Phono load impedance | 47 kW |
| Weight | 7,2 g |
| Attack / assembly | standard 1/2 inch (two screws) |
| cantilever | aluminum |
| Coils / windings | four coils with split pole pin, silver-plated OFC copper wire |
| Channel balancing | 1 dB |
| Channel separation | 26 dB |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+2 / -0 dB) |
| Compliance | 22 µm/mN (dynamic, lateral) |
| Read force range | 1,4-1,7 g |
| Vertical reading angle (VTA) | 20° |
| Internal impedance | 1.200 Ω |
| Recommended load capacity | 150-300 pF |
| Trim | black / black |
| Stylus replacement | Stylus 2M Black |
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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You have the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days of receiving the product. You can find moredalirates, costs and refund times on our dedicated page: Right of withdrawal.
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.
As an owner of the Ortofon 2M Bronze, and thanks to the excellent offer that was made to me by AudiocostruzioniI couldn't pass up the opportunity to purchase a 2M Black and compare the two cartridges, mounted on two identical Audio-Technica headshells on my Technics 1200. Why a high-end MM instead of an MC, given the cost of the Black? In my personal experience, I've had some important MC cartridges, like the Dyna xx2 mk2 for example, and when the time comes to harden the rubbers or possibly retip, the price arrives, often without original components. While generally acknowledging the superior sonic qualities of MCs and considering that vinyl listening is a minority for me, I decided to pursue the "cartridge waltz" route without breaking the bank, but rather having fun with these changes. But back to us, with a comment on the comparison between the two. The differences are few but substantial. The Black, more expensive, adds a touch of refinement in the highs and a slightly cleaner bass than the Bronze. And we could end here, because in reality I would say that when listening to pop/rock music, the Bronze is more "sanguine," while for classical and jazz, the Black is superior. So there's no clear winner: I haven't sold the Bronze; I prefer to keep both. Although, I admit, the 2M Black is the one most often used. Great cartridges, you have to look to the MC Olympus for something better.
