Ortofon 2M 78 Cartridge

The Ortofon 2M 78 is a high-performance Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge engineered specifically for the archival and casual playback of 78 rpm records. Featuring a specialized Spherical diamond with a large 65 µm radius, the 2M 78 ensures that the stylus tracks the wide grooves of shellac records perfectly, delivering a powerful and noise-free monaural signal.

The 2M 78 is defined by its impact, clarity, and focus. It transforms the often noisy experience of playing old shellac into a surprisingly high-fidelity event. It brings forward the rich midrange and energetic "snap" characteristic of early recordings, making it an essential tool for any serious collector of vintage music.

KEY FEATURES

• Specialized 78 RPM Stylus: The $65 \text{ µm}$ Spherical diamond is specifically sized for the wider grooves of 78 rpm discs. Using a standard microgroove stylus on a 78 can result in poor sound quality and permanent damage to both the record and the needle.
• True Mono Output: The 2M 78 uses a specialized internal engine that straps the output to deliver an identical signal to both channels. This "internal summing" effectively cancels out vertical surface noise and rumble, leaving you with a clean, centered, and authoritative mono image.
• High Output (4 mV): The powerful generator ensures a robust signal, making it highly compatible with any standard MM phono stage or integrated amplifier.
• Split Pole Pin Technology: A signature Ortofon innovation that allows the 2M 78 to achieve a flat and balanced frequency response, bringing modern clarity to vintage recordings.
• Rigid Lexan DMX Construction: The glass-reinforced body eliminates unwanted resonances, ensuring that the heavy tracking required for 78s remains stable and accurate.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec: 4 mV
  
• Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz: 3 / - 1 dB
  
• Tracking ability at 315 Hz: 70 μm
  
• Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 18 µm/mN
  
• Cantilever material: Aluminium
  
• Stylus type: Spherical
  
• Stylus tip radius: R 65 µm
  
• Tracking force range: 1.6-2.0 g (16-20 mN)
  
• Tracking force, recommended: 1.8 g (18 mN)
  
• Tracking angle: 20°
  
• Internal impedance, DC resistance: 700 Ohm
  
• Cartridge colour: Black/Grey
  
• Cartridge weight: 7.2 g
  
• Premounted cartridge weight: 16.7 g
  
• Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm
  
• Internal inductance: 350 mH
  
• Recommended load capacitance: 150-300 pF