Ortofon 2M Red vs Blue vs Black: 3 MM Cartridges compared

Ortofon 2M Comparison Table

	Red	Blue	Black
Stylus Type	Elliptical	Nude Elliptical	Nude Shibata
Tracking Force (Recommended)	1.8g	1.8g	1.5g
Tracking Force (Range)	1.6-2g	1.6-2g	1.4-7g
Frequency Range	20-22,000 Hz	20-25,000 Hz	20-31,000 Hz
Channel Balance at 1kHz	1.5 dB	1.5 dB	1 dB
Channel Separation at 1 kHz	22 dB	25 dB	26 dB
Price	$99 / £	$239 / £	$695 /£

Head-to-head: Ortofon 2M Red vs Ortofon 2M Blue

This next section provides a deeper comparison of the Red vs Blue Ortofon 2M cartridges. Besides the obvious color of the cartridge body, each has a unique set of design features.

Ortofon 2M Red vs Blue: Summary

When you compare these cartridges using the same record and setup, the contrasts become clear. One of the main differences is the type of stylus used. The Red uses a standard elliptical stylus, whereas the 2M Blue uses a nude elliptical, which is more sensitive.

The 2M Blue has a wider frequency range than the red, maxing out at 25kHz, rather than 22kHz. This provides a better resolution and gives the 2M blue more capacity for high-end detail.

The 2M Blue also offers a slightly wider stereo image with greater channel separation, giving a better perception of the soundstage.

Some of the 2M Red and 2M Blue specs are identical though.

Similarities between the Ortofon 2M Blue and Red

• Tracking Force Range – 1.6-2.0 g
• Tracking Force Recommended – 1.8 g
• Frequency Response – 20-20.000 Hz
• Internal impedance dc resistance – 1.3 kOhm
• Internal inductance – 700 mH
• Load Resistance – 47 kOhm
• Output voltage at 1 k Hz, 5 cm/sec – 5.5 mV

Bonus Tip – Because the cartridge body is identical between the two, you can use the replacement stylus units interchangeably between the 2M Red and Blue. You could buy the Red first and easily upgrade its sound later by installing a Blue stylus if you wanted to.

Worth going Blue?

For more serious collectors, the 2M Blue is a worthy investment. If you have already spent a bit of money on the other elements of your setup, such as your speakers, amp, and turntable, you will definitely get a better experience from the 2M Blue.

If you are still using a basic setup, you may not notice the full improvement offered by the 2M Blue, and it might be worth upgrading other bits first. If your speakers cost less than the cartridge, you won’t get the full effect.

The Ortofon 2M Blue is over twice the price of the 2M Red, but many listeners think the quality offered is worth the difference in price.

In my opinion, it’s worth going for the 2M Blue if you have the cash and a setup to match (with high-quality components throughout the “signal chain”).

Check out this comparison video:

How does the Ortofon 2M Black stack up to 2M Red and 2M Blue?

The Ortofon 2M Black offers significantly increased audio quality and boasts an extensive frequency range with more dynamics.

This cartridge is much cleaner, more detailed, and more immersive.

There is a more noticeable difference between Black and Blue than the Blue and Red. I think the level of quality is reflected fairly in the prices – you get what you pay for.

The Ortofon 2M Blue and Black do share some specifications, notably their tracking ability at 315Hz at a recommended tracking force of 80 µm

Is it worth spending that much more?

The high price tag of the Ortofon 2M black is definitely justifiable for the most serious audiophiles, but not for everyone. This cartridge costs more than many vinyl enthusiasts even spend on a turntable, so it’s only worth it for the most dedicated music lover.

To get the most out of the 2M Black, you’re also going to need high-quality amplification (including a dedicated (external) preamp to let the added detail and wider sound stage shine through). There’s not much point in using this through budget gear because, ultimately, overall sound quality is determined by the weakest link in the chain.

Is the 2M Black worth the high price tag? It really depends on how finely attuned your ears are and how comfortable you are to spend this kind of cash on a cart.

This video does a good job to compare the 2M Red, Black, and Blue, and can give you a good indication of the differences to help you make your decision:

Other Cartridges in the 2M Range & Alternatives

There are a couple of other cartridges in the Ortofon 2M range:

• Ortofon 2M Bronze – A cart that sits between the Blue and Black, offering slightly increased detail over Blue, and can also take a Black stylus, having the same base cartridge.
• Ortofon 2M 78 /Gray – A specialized cartridge that’s intended to be used with old 78 RPM records.

If you are interested in other cartridge brands, here are some of my alternative recommendations:

• (Alternative to Red) Nagoka MP-110
• (Alternative to Blue) Audio-Technica VM540ML
• (Alternative to Blue) Nagoka MP-200
• (Same price as Black) Nagoka MP-300

Cartridge Specification Glossary

This section describes some of the key cartridge-related terms and how the different values affect the sound and compatibility.

Vertical Tracking Force (VTF / Tracking Weight)

This is a measurement in grams or mN (milliNewtons) that describes the ideal weight for the turntable cartridge and tonearm to apply to the vinyl. The tracking force is calibrated by adjusting the counterweighting of the tonearm. You will need an accurate scale or a specialized VTF gauge to get an accurate measurement.

Cartridges that run at a lower tracking force are more sensitive and offer increased detail and clarity. Higher tracking forces wear on the vinyl and needle quicker and produce a comparatively dulled sound.

Frequency Response / Range

This describes the range of frequencies that can be output by the cartridge. Frequencies are measured in Hertz (Hz) and kilohertz (kHz = 1000Hz), with low numbers correlating to bass and higher numbers producing the mids, tops, and detail of a sound.

The broader the frequency range of a stylus, the more detail and depth there will be in the music.

The human hearing range is between 20-20000Hz (although most people lose some of the top-end as they age). Most cartridges cover this range, but it should be noted that there is a benefit to using cartridges with an upper limit above 20kHz. Even though you can’t hear these frequencies, it improves the perception of frequencies within the audible range.

(MM) Moving Magnet

There are two main types of cartridges, based on how the mechanism works – moving magnet or moving coil. All the 2M series are moving magnet cartridges, although Ortofon does produce some moving coil models.

In short, moving coils are more sensitive and detailed but require a specialized preamp to work. See my full guide on Cartridge Types – MM vs MC explained.

Stylus Types

There are a variety of stylus tip shapes available, and each cartridge on the 2M range uses a different type.

The shape of the cartridge tip has a unique effect on the sound they produce based on their properties – it also changes the durability and calibration.

Here are some of the most common stylus tip shapes:

• Spherical – one of the larger tips with a round, ball-like shape. Due to their size, they don’t read the smaller grooves and create less high-frequency information. These are the most affordable and common stylus tips.
• Elliptical – With a more pointed shape, these get deeper contact with the groove walls and offer more high information and less distortion. Although, they wear faster and need more accurate tracking angle calibration.
• Shibata – aka Hyperelliptical, these are even thinner and sharper, creating a higher level of detail and longer tip life. They’re more expensive due to the design complexity.
• Nude – uses a whole diamond directly attached to the metal shank cantilever shaft.

Channel Balance & Separation

These specs measure the ability of the cartridge to reproduce the left and right channels accurately. The channel balance measures how similar the two sides are. Values closer to 0dB create a more accurate listening experience with less discrepancy between each side.

Channel separation measures the potential difference between the two sides of the stereo field. Higher channel separation values create a wider stereo image. This is usually measured as channel separation at 1 kHz.

Compliance, dynamic, lateral

Compliance specifies the elasticity of the cantilever, in essence, how much pressure it can take. This should be matched with the compliance level of your turntable.

Both the 2M Red and Blue feature a compliance dynamic lateral of 20 µm / mn, which is compatible with most turntables.

Find out more about cartridge compliance from Ortofon’s website.

External resources

• https://www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-red-p-317
• https://www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-blue-p-333
• https://www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-black-p-329