Ortofon 2MR Blue Moving Magnet Cartridge

Ortofon 2MR Blue Moving Magnet Cartridge for Low-Profile Turntables

Ortofon 2MR Blue is a moving magnet cartridge designed for an optimised fit on low-profile turntables. Its newly developed housing has a 3 mm height reduction compared with the standard 2M body. The 2MR Blue pairs that housing with a nude elliptical diamond and a quad-coil generator with split pole pins. It’s compatible with all 2M styli, which gives owners an upgrade path inside the same body.

Why does a lower cartridge body matter?

The 2MR Blue is built around a slimline body so it fits low-profile turntables without spacers or modifications. On these decks, the 3 mm height reduction lets the cartridge mount directly, with no extra parts between cartridge and headshell. Mounting takes two screws, so fitting is quick and needs no changes to the turntable.

Which tonearms suit the Ortofon 2MR Blue?

The Ortofon 2MR Blue is a 6 g cartridge with a dynamic lateral compliance of 20 µm/mN. Ortofon classes compliance between 10 and 20 µm/mN as moderate. It advises keeping cartridge and tonearm resonance between 7 and 12 Hz, with 10 Hz recommended. Its formula is F = 1000 ÷ (2π × √(M × C)). M is the total system mass in grams and C is compliance.

At 20 µm/mN, the formula gives these figures:

• Recommended: A total system mass of about 12.7 g puts resonance at 10 Hz.
• Optimal window: The 7–12 Hz window covers total masses of roughly 9 g to 26 g.
• What’s left for the arm: Total mass includes the cartridge’s 6 g, the headshell and screws, and the arm’s effective mass. That leaves about 3–20 g for the arm and hardware combined.

That range covers low-mass arms, which Ortofon defines as 10 g effective mass or less. It covers the lighter end of moderate-mass arms too, which Ortofon rates at 11–25 g. A total mass between about 26 g and 30 g lands at 6.5–7 Hz, which Ortofon says may work without problems. Heavier combinations push resonance below 6.5 Hz. Ortofon calls that zone questionable, because the system might not work properly.

Will it work with your phono stage?

This cartridge is a moving magnet design with an output of 5.5 mV at 1 kHz and 5 cm/s. Ortofon recommends a load capacitance of 150–300 pF. Check both figures against your phono stage’s published specifications before buying.

How do you mount and set up the 2MR Blue?

The 2MR Blue is a half-inch mount cartridge secured with two screws. Ortofon’s guide describes half-inch mounts as using larger pins that connect to four individual wires at the end of the tonearm. The two fixing screws are spaced 1/2" apart. Direct bayonet connector cartridges are a different format, plugging into the tonearm and secured with a single screw. Ortofon recommends a tracking force of 1.8 g. It provides a downloadable user guide for the model. Its cartridge guide advises checking your turntable’s manual or the manufacturer’s specifications for cartridge type, mounting style and tonearm compatibility before you buy.

Can the Ortofon 2MR Blue be upgraded later?

The Ortofon 2MR Blue is compatible with all 2M styli, so the stylus can be replaced while the cartridge body stays mounted. When the diamond wears, you replace the stylus rather than the whole cartridge. You can fit a stylus from higher in the 2M range, such as the 2M Bronze or 2M Black, and keep the same body. Ortofon’s guide recommends a moving magnet cartridge to buyers who want the option of easy stylus upgrades later.

What does the nude elliptical stylus change?

The 2MR Blue is fitted with a nude elliptical diamond on an aluminium cantilever. Ortofon’s guide separates diamonds into two constructions. A tipped or bonded diamond is mounted on a metal shank, and a nude diamond is not. Ortofon explains that nude diamonds weigh less than tipped ones, which improves responsiveness and reduces distortion. Elliptical diamonds are a slimmer shape than spherical (conical) diamonds. Ortofon says slimmer shapes follow the groove more precisely and come closer to the profile of the cutting stylus used to make the record. The cartridge’s tracking ability is rated at 80 µm at 315 Hz.

How is the generator built?

The 2MR Blue is built around a quad-coil motor system with split pole pins and OFC (oxygen-free copper) coil wire. Ortofon states that this motor system is exclusive to genuine Ortofon cartridges. The cartridge body is made from polymer and aluminium, and the complete cartridge weighs 6 g. That 6 g weight is the figure used in the tonearm calculation above.

Is the Ortofon 2MR Blue the right choice over other 2M models?

The Ortofon 2MR Blue is the low-profile version of the 2M Blue. In the 2M family, the Blue sits above the 2M Red and below the 2M Bronze, 2M Black and 2M Black LVB 250. Choose the right model for your turntable:

• 2MR Blue: Your turntable has a low profile and you want a cartridge that fits without spacers or modifications.
• Standard 2M Blue: Your turntable isn’t a low-profile design and doesn’t need the reduced-height housing.
• 2M Red: You want the entry model in the same 2M stylus system.
• 2M Bronze or 2M Black: You want a stylus from higher in the range from the start. The 2MR Blue body accepts those styli later.