Ortofon
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Specs
| Type | Moving Magnet |
| Output voltage | 5 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/s |
| Stylus profile | Nude Shibata |
| Cantilever | Tapered aluminium |
| Recommended tracking force | 1.5 g |
| Tracking force range | 1.4 to 1.7 g |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Channel separation at 1 kHz | 26 dB |
| Channel balance | 1 dB |
| Compliance (dynamic, lateral) | 22 um/mN |
| Cartridge weight | 7.2 g |
| Recommended load impedance | 47 kOhm |
| Recommended load capacitance | 150 to 300 pF |
Warranty
Sold as an authorized Ortofon dealer by All Elite Audio. New Ortofon 2M Black Verso units include the full Ortofon manufacturer warranty of 1 year parts and labor for the original owner. Contact us with any setup or service questions.
What's in the Box
- Ortofon 2M Black Verso moving magnet cartridge
- Stylus guard
- Mounting hardware
- Alignment and mounting instructions
- Brush and screwdriver
Overview
The Ortofon 2M Black Verso is a reference level moving magnet phono cartridge from Ortofon, the Danish cartridge specialist founded in 1918. It is electrically the same cartridge as the standard 2M Black, sharing its nude Shibata stylus, split pole pins and roughly 5mV output, but its body is reverse oriented for turntables and tonearms that require a Verso fit. If your deck calls for that orientation, the Verso lets you enjoy the full 2M Black performance without compromise.
At the heart of the 2M Black is a nude Shibata stylus mounted on a tapered aluminium cantilever. The Shibata profile presents a large contact surface to the record groove, tracing fine high frequency detail with low distortion and gentle groove wear. Ortofon's split pole pins, a technology borrowed from moving coil design, stabilise the magnetic field across the audio band for smooth, extended response. The result is a detailed, refined and dynamic presentation that rewards well recorded pressings.
This cartridge suits the listener who wants the top of the 2M moving magnet line and whose turntable specifically requires the Verso orientation. Because it is a standard high output moving magnet design, it works with any moving magnet phono input, making it a straightforward and rewarding upgrade for a capable turntable.
Key Features
- Reference 2M series moving magnet cartridge in a reverse-oriented Verso body for turntables that require that fit
- Electrically identical to the standard 2M Black, including its nude Shibata stylus and roughly 5mV output
- Nude Shibata stylus traces fine groove detail with low distortion and reduced record wear
- Tapered aluminium cantilever for accurate, controlled energy transfer
- Split pole pins stabilise the magnetic field for smooth, extended frequency response
- High output works with any standard moving magnet (MM) phono input
- Consistent build quality and channel matching from Ortofon's Danish manufacturing
- Ideal top-of-line 2M upgrade for capable turntables needing Verso orientation
How the 2M Black Verso Compares
Ortofon 2M Black Verso vs Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250
The 2M Black LVB 250 sits higher in the 2M line as a special anniversary edition, refining the platform for the last measure of resolution and openness. It shares the nude Shibata philosophy but represents Ortofon's highest expression of the 2M moving magnet concept. Choose the Verso when your turntable requires the reverse-oriented body and you want reference 2M Black performance. See the Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250.
Ortofon 2M Black Verso vs Ortofon 2M Bronze
The 2M Bronze uses a nude Fine Line stylus for a detailed, musical character a step below the flagship 2M Black. The 2M Black's nude Shibata stylus offers a larger contact area for even finer high frequency tracing. The Verso adds the reverse orientation for decks that call for it, while the standard Bronze suits conventional mounts. See the Ortofon 2M Bronze.
Ortofon 2M Black Verso vs Ortofon 2M Black
The standard 2M Black and the 2M Black Verso are the same cartridge electrically, with the identical nude Shibata stylus, roughly 5mV output and 1.5g tracking force. The only difference is body orientation. Pick the standard 2M Black for conventional tonearms and the Verso when your turntable requires the reverse-oriented fit. See the Ortofon 2M Black.
Recommended Turntable and Phono Stage
Ortofon builds only cartridges, so pair the 2M Black Verso with a capable turntable and a moving magnet phono input to hear its full detail and refinement.
- Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB Turntable A fully manual belt-drive deck with a resolving tonearm that matches the level of the 2M Black, and its removable headshell arrangement makes proper alignment straightforward for a reference moving magnet cartridge.
- TEAC TN-3B-SE Turntable A manual belt-drive turntable with a stable platter and quiet running that lets the nude Shibata stylus reveal fine detail from good pressings.
- Luxman E-250 Phono Preamplifier A refined dedicated phono stage with a moving magnet input that complements the smooth, detailed character of the 2M Black without adding hardness.
- Parasound XRM Phono Preamplifier A clean, low-noise phono preamplifier with a moving magnet input that preserves the cartridge's dynamics and extended top end.
- Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier An integrated amplifier with a built-in moving magnet phono stage, offering a tidy one-box option to drive a full system with the 2M Black.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 2M Black Verso and the standard 2M Black?
They are the same cartridge electrically, sharing the nude Shibata stylus, roughly 5mV output and 1.5g tracking force. The Verso body is reverse oriented for turntables that require that fit.
What kind of phono input does the 2M Black Verso need?
It is a moving magnet cartridge, so it works with any standard moving magnet (MM) phono input on a phono preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
Do I need a step-up transformer?
No. A step-up transformer is for low output moving coil cartridges. The 2M Black Verso is a high output moving magnet design and does not need one.
What stylus profile does the 2M Black Verso use?
It uses a nude Shibata stylus, which presents a large contact surface to the groove for fine high frequency detail and low distortion.
What is the recommended tracking force?
Ortofon recommends 1.5g, with a usable range of 1.4 to 1.7g.
What is the output voltage?
The output is about 5mV at 1 kHz, which is a standard moving magnet level.
Why would I choose the Verso version?
Choose the Verso when your turntable or tonearm specifically requires a reverse-oriented cartridge body. Otherwise the standard 2M Black is the right choice.
Is the 2M Black Verso compatible with my turntable?
It suits capable turntables that require the Verso orientation and have a tonearm appropriate to its 7.2g weight. Check that your deck calls for a Verso fit before ordering.
Can I upgrade later within the 2M line?
Yes. The 2M Black LVB 250 sits higher in the range as a special edition, refining the same reference platform for a further measure of resolution.
How does the 2M Black compare to the 2M Bronze?
The 2M Bronze uses a nude Fine Line stylus for a detailed, musical character, while the 2M Black uses a nude Shibata stylus with a larger contact area for even finer high frequency tracing.
What load impedance and capacitance should I use?
Ortofon recommends a 47 kOhm load and 150 to 300 pF capacitance, which most moving magnet phono inputs provide.
What is the channel separation?
Channel separation is 26 dB at 1 kHz, with a channel balance of 1 dB.
How much does the cartridge weigh?
The 2M Black Verso weighs about 7.2g, which suits most standard and medium mass tonearms.
Does the 2M Black Verso track mono records?
It is a stereo cartridge and plays mono records, but it is not a dedicated mono cartridge. For a mono-only setup Ortofon offers dedicated mono models in other lines.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
The stylus assembly is user-replaceable on the 2M series, but the Shibata stylus is factory specified. Follow Ortofon's guidance and align carefully after any change.
What turntable should I pair it with?
A capable manual deck with a resolving tonearm suits it well. From our catalog the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB and the TEAC TN-3B-SE are strong matches.
Which phono stage do you recommend?
Any quality moving magnet phono input works. The Luxman E-250 and the Parasound XRM are refined dedicated options in our catalog.
Can I use an integrated amplifier instead of a separate phono stage?
Yes, as long as it has a moving magnet phono input. The Yamaha A-S801 in our catalog includes a built-in moving magnet phono stage.
What is included in the box?
The cartridge ships with a stylus guard, mounting hardware, a brush and screwdriver, and Ortofon's alignment and mounting instructions.
Why buy from All Elite Audio?
We are an authorized Ortofon dealer in MD, so your cartridge is genuine and backed by the full manufacturer warranty. We offer expert setup guidance, careful packing and knowledgeable support to help you build the right system.
