Ortofon 2M Black

Overview

The Ortofon 2M Black Premounted is the top of the celebrated 2M moving magnet series, delivered factory-mounted and aligned on an Ortofon SH 4 headshell. It is the identical cartridge as the standard 2M Black, sharing the same nude Shibata stylus, roughly 5mV output, and engineering, but prepared for turntables that use a removable headshell so you can simply attach it and play. The Shibata profile traces the record groove with exceptional precision, recovering fine high frequency detail and inner groove information that simpler stylus shapes can miss.

Ortofon developed the 2M series in collaboration with Danish designer Moller Jensen, giving the line a distinctive look and a split pole pin design derived from the higher moving coil references to improve linearity and frequency response. With around 5mV output, the 2M Black works with any standard moving magnet phono input, making it an ideal high performance choice for a wide range of turntables. The premounted format removes the fiddly alignment step, which is especially welcome on decks and arms that accept a bayonet fit headshell.

This cartridge is aimed at the listener who wants reference level 2M performance with a straightforward mechanical fit. It suits enthusiasts upgrading a capable belt drive or direct drive turntable, and anyone who prefers factory alignment over manual setup. If your turntable uses a fixed headshell, the standard 2M Black or the Verso variant may be the better mechanical match.

Key Features

• Reference level of the Ortofon 2M moving magnet series
• Nude Shibata stylus for precise groove tracing and fine detail retrieval
• Factory mounted and aligned on an Ortofon SH 4 headshell for easy fitting
• Approximately 5mV output compatible with any standard MM phono input
• Split pole pin design borrowed from Ortofon moving coil references
• Designed in collaboration with Danish designer Moller Jensen
• Ideal for turntables and tonearms that use a removable bayonet headshell
• Electrically identical to the standard 2M Black cartridge

How the 2M Black Premounted Compares

Ortofon 2M Black Premounted vs Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250

The 2M Black LVB 250 sits higher in the range and celebrates Ludwig van Beethoven's 250th anniversary with a refined build and revised rubber suspension for a slightly more resolved presentation. The 2M Black Premounted delivers the classic reference 2M Black voice with the convenience of factory alignment on a headshell. Choose the LVB 250 if you want the highest expression of the 2M platform, or the Premounted for reference performance with effortless fitting. See the Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250.

Ortofon 2M Black Premounted vs Ortofon 2M Bronze

The 2M Bronze uses a nude Fine Line stylus that offers a warm, engaging balance and excellent value within the series. The 2M Black steps up to a nude Shibata stylus for finer groove contact and greater high frequency detail. The Premounted version adds factory alignment on a headshell, while the Bronze appeals to those seeking the smooth 2M character at a lower rung. See the Ortofon 2M Bronze.

Ortofon 2M Black Premounted vs Ortofon 2M Black

The standard 2M Black is electrically and sonically identical to this Premounted version, differing only in that it ships as a bare cartridge for you to mount and align yourself. Choose the standard 2M Black if your tonearm has a fixed headshell or you prefer to align it manually. Choose the Premounted if your deck accepts a removable headshell and you want a ready to play fit. See the Ortofon 2M Black.

Ortofon 2M Black Premounted vs Ortofon 2M Bronze Premounted

Both come factory mounted on an Ortofon SH 4 headshell for effortless installation on decks with removable headshells. The Bronze Premounted pairs the warm nude Fine Line stylus with the headshell, while this 2M Black Premounted offers the reference nude Shibata for higher resolution. The choice comes down to whether you want the 2M Black's finer detail or the Bronze's smooth, easy going balance. See the Ortofon 2M Bronze Premounted.

Recommended Turntable and Phono Stage

The 2M Black rewards a stable turntable and a clean moving magnet phono stage, so build around a capable deck with a removable headshell and an MM input.

• Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Turntable This direct drive turntable uses a removable bayonet headshell, making the premounted format a natural drop-in fit, and its stable platter suits the resolving Shibata stylus.
• Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP Turntable A professional grade direct drive deck with a removable headshell that pairs cleanly with the premounted 2M Black and provides the mechanical stability this reference cartridge deserves.
• Luxman E-250 Phono Preamplifier A refined moving magnet capable phono stage that lets the 2M Black's detail and high frequency extension come through with a quiet, natural background.
• Parasound XRM Phono Preamplifier A precise MM phono stage with accurate RIAA equalization that complements the Shibata stylus's resolution while keeping noise low.
• Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier An integrated amplifier with a built-in moving magnet phono input, letting you drive speakers and play the 2M Black from a single component.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 2M Black Premounted and the standard 2M Black?
They are the same cartridge with the same moving magnet design, nude Shibata stylus, roughly 5mV output, and 1.5g tracking force. The Premounted version is factory mounted and aligned on an Ortofon SH 4 headshell for turntables with a removable headshell.

Is this a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge?
It is a moving magnet cartridge. It works with any standard moving magnet phono input and does not require a moving coil input or step-up transformer.

What stylus does the 2M Black use?
It uses a nude Shibata stylus, which traces the record groove with high precision for excellent detail and high frequency retrieval.

What is the output voltage?
The output is approximately 5mV, which is a standard moving magnet level suited to any MM phono stage.

What tracking force should I use?
Ortofon recommends 1.5g, with a usable range of about 1.4 to 1.7g. Set the anti-skate to match.

What kind of turntable does the premounted version suit?
It suits turntables and tonearms that accept a removable bayonet fit headshell. If your arm has a fixed headshell, the standard 2M Black or the Verso variant is the better mechanical choice.

Do I need a special phono preamplifier?
You need a phono stage with a moving magnet input, or an integrated amplifier with a built-in MM phono stage. No step-up transformer is required.

What headshell is included?
The cartridge comes factory mounted on the Ortofon SH 4 headshell, aligned and ready to fit onto a compatible tonearm.

Is the premounted version aligned at the factory?
Yes. It is factory mounted and aligned on the SH 4 headshell, which removes the manual alignment step during installation.

How does the 2M Black compare to the 2M Bronze?
The 2M Bronze uses a nude Fine Line stylus for a warm, engaging balance, while the 2M Black steps up to a nude Shibata stylus for finer groove contact and greater detail. Both share the smooth 2M character.

How does it compare to the 2M Black LVB 250?
The LVB 250 sits higher in the range with a refined build and revised suspension for a slightly more resolved presentation. The 2M Black Premounted delivers the classic reference 2M Black voice with the convenience of factory alignment.

Can I use this cartridge for mono records?
The 2M Black is a stereo cartridge and will play mono LPs, though it is optimized for stereo. Ortofon offers dedicated mono cartridges in its moving coil lines for mono only playback.

What is the recommended load impedance?
The recommended load is 47 kohms with 150 to 300 pF of capacitance, which are standard moving magnet settings.

What is the cartridge weight?
The cartridge itself is about 7.2g. The premounted assembly adds the weight of the SH 4 headshell, so check your tonearm's counterweight range for compatibility.

What is the frequency range?
The published frequency range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, covering the full audible band.

What is the channel separation?
Channel separation is 26 dB at 1 kHz, with a channel balance of about 1 dB at 1 kHz.

Can the stylus be replaced?
Yes. Ortofon offers replacement styli for the 2M series, so the diamond and cantilever assembly can be renewed when it wears.

Is Ortofon a reputable cartridge maker?
Ortofon is a Danish company founded in 1918 and one of the world's leading phono cartridge makers, with a long history in both hi-fi and professional cartridges.

What warranty does this cartridge carry?
It carries a one year parts and labor warranty from Ortofon for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Ortofon dealer in Maryland, so your 2M Black Premounted is genuine and fully warranty backed. We offer expert setup guidance and knowledgeable support to help you pair it with the right turntable and phono stage.