Ortofon 2M 78 Moving Magnet Cartridge
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Playing videos requires marketing & advertising cookies. By pressing Play, you consent to their use, which will override previously rejected settings. To update your preferences, see our cookie policy.
-
Playing videos requires marketing & advertising cookies. By pressing Play, you consent to their use, which will override previously rejected settings. To update your preferences, see our cookie policy.
Key Features
- Designed to play classic 78 RPM records
- Precision-machined spherical diamond stylus for accurate tracking of wider 78 RPM grooves
- Strapped output means you don't need mono-specific gear—compatible with standard setups
- Higher levels of accuracy and performance thanks to improved engine
- Stylus is interchangeable with the Ortofon 2M Mono
Ortofon 2M 78 Moving Magnet Cartridge Overview
The Ortofon 2M 78 Moving Magnet Cartridge is purpose-built for 78 RPM records, delivering accurate and authentic playback for vintage shellac collections. Using a dedicated 78 RPM cartridge not only improves sound quality but also helps preserve your valuable and collectable records by reducing unnecessary wear. The 2M 78 features a spherical diamond stylus, ideal for tracking the wider grooves found on 78s, while Ortofon’s upgraded True Mono engine ensures a more precise and natural performance with minimal colouration.
Its strapped mono output delivers a true mono signal to both channels, making it perfect for enjoying 78s on a standard stereo system—even if you don’t have a mono switch or dedicated mono phono stage. The removable stylus makes maintenance straightforward, allowing for easy replacements when needed. It’s also fully compatible with the Ortofon 2M Mono stylus, giving you flexible upgrade options. A low-resonance Hopelex body further enhances performance by reducing distortion and helping to reproduce your music with greater accuracy.
Product Ref: 200787
Full Description
Hi-Fi World Review April 2013
"Able to extract a wealth of detail from the record grooves and relay it in an inherently musical and enjoyable manner."
Designed for 78 RPM playback
The Ortofon 2M 78 is made specifically for 78 RPM shellac records, which typically have wider grooves than standard vinyl. To match this, it’s fitted with a spherical diamond stylus with a larger tip radius, ensuring more contact with the groove walls. This not only improves playback quality but also helps reduce wear on your valuable records. It's ideal for getting the most out of your vintage collection, both in sound and longevity.
Mono output without mono gear
A strapped mono output sends the same signal to both left and right channels, meaning you won’t need a dedicated mono phono stage or specialist setup. This makes the 2M 78 ideal for use with a standard stereo system, delivering proper mono playback while avoiding the phase issues or distortion that stereo cartridges can introduce when playing mono records. It’s a simple way to enjoy authentic mono sound on any hi-fi system.
True Mono engine with easy stylus swaps
The 2M 78 features Ortofon’s upgraded True Mono engine, which uses a dedicated coil configuration to deliver accurate mono playback and reduce noise. Since the stylus is removable as well as compatible with the 2M Mono, you can swap styli without discarding the cartridge body. This makes upgrades and replacements quicker, more cost-effective, and easier on your tonearm. The Hopelex body also helps reduce unwanted resonance.
Why the Ortofon 2M 78 is a good choice
While it shares the 2M name and build quality, the Ortofon 2M 78 is purpose-built for shellac playback, making it a more specialised option outside the direct upgrade path. Standard stereo cartridges aren’t necessarily designed for the wider grooves or mono signal of these records, which can lead to poor sound and unnecessary wear. The 2M 78 tracks them more cleanly and reduces surface noise, with a strapped mono output that ensures consistent signal from both channels. If you also own classic mono vinyl, the stylus can be swapped with the 2M Mono for added flexibility.
Features
- Specifically designed for accurate playback of 78 RPM shellac records
- Strapped mono output works with standard stereo phono stages
- Improved engine delivers clear, colouration-free sound
- Spherical stylus profile suits the wider grooves of vintage records
- The removable stylus simplifies replacements and upgrades
- Hopelex body reduces unwanted resonance and vibration
- Compatible with most standard tonearms and headshells
- Stylus can be swapped with 2M Mono model for flexibility
- Output voltage of 4 mV supports a wide range of phono inputs
What's in the Box?
- Ortofon 2M 78
- Stylus guard
- Mounting kit (including screws and screwdriver)
- Stylus brush
- Installation guide
Specifications
| Output Voltage (@ 1000Hz, 5cm/sec.) | 4 mV |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range (@ -3dB) | 20 - 20000 Hz |
| Frequency Response +3 / -1dB | 20 - 20000 Hz |
| Tracking Ability (@ 315Hz at Recommended Tracking Force) | 70 μm |
| Compliance, Dynamic, Lateral | 18 μm |
| Stylus Type | Spherical |
| Tracking Force Range | 1.6 - 2.0 g |
| Recommended Tracking Force | 1.8 g |
| Tracking Angle | 20 ° |
| Internal Impedance | 700 Ω |
| Internal Inductance | 350 mH |
| Cantilever Material | Aluminium Tube |
| Recommended Load Impedance | 47000 Ω |
| Recommended Load Capacitance | 150 - 300 pF |
| Cartridge colour, body/stylus | Black/Grey |
| Cartridge Weight | 7.2 g |
| Product code | ORTOO2M78A1 |
| EAN | 5705796080063 |
| Reviews of our service
View all
