Ortofon 2M 78 Mono Phono Cartridge Mounted on SH-4 Black Headshell

Phono Cartridge of Choice for 78 rpm Shellac Records

Ortofon’s 2M 78 mono phono cartridge is the cartridge of choice for playback of 78 rpm shellac records.

The 2M 78 uses a spherical diamond that is perfect for playback of 78 rpm shellac records, which require a larger stylus profile, and the improved engine provides a high level of sonic accuracy. The ‘strapped output’ deliver sthe same output signal from both sets of pole pins. This effectively eliminates the need for mono-specific equipment, making it possible to enjoy true mono reproduction on any stereo playback system.

This version of the 2M 78 comes pre-mounted on Ortofon's popular SH-4 black headshell – a practical and elegant solution if you're looking for direct and easy mounting and replacement on your S-shaped tonearm. The quality of the SH-4 headshell is sturdy and rigid, yet the design emphasizes a slim and delicate form factor. The strong, lightweight headshell has an ergonomic design with a long finger lift that is easy to pick up.

"Sensational shellac!" raves Tony Bolton in his Hi-Fi World review, praising the 2M 78 for its “detailed sound," "low surface noise," "fast and punchy rhythms," and "excellent tracking at the recommended 1.8 g."

Why You Should Use a Mono Cartridge for 78 rpm Mono Records

If you play a mono record with a stereo cartridge you will not achieve the same signal in the two channels due to imperfections such as crosstalk, noise, phase errors, tracking error, antiskating and distortion. This difference between the channels will result in an unstable and partially fuzzy image. A mono switch, to some extent, can improve this.

Playing the same record with a mono cartridge will have none of the aforementioned problems, as this cartridge only produces one signal, which afterwards is directed to both channels in the system. This will provide a much more forceful and stable image with a fuller sound.

Another significant advantage of using a mono cartridge to play mono records is the absence of response to vertical movement. This means that a mono cartridge is essentially impervious to the pinching effect, which comes into action when the stylus is pushed vertically upward in very narrow grooves. In addition, the response to dust, dirt and wear will be reduced substantially as the vertical component will not be heard. The final result will be a much more clean and noiseless reproduction of the mono record. These effects simply cannot be achieved merely by the use of a mono switch.

Product Features

Spherical diamond is perfect for playback of 78 rpm shellac records, which require a larger stylus profile
Comes mounted on Ortofon's popular black SH-4 headshell
Sturdy and rigid, with a slim and delicate form factor
Ergonomic design has a long finger lift that is easy to pick up
Easy and direct mount on S-shaped tonearms with universal mount
Correct Baerwald alignment with tonearms with universal mount
Strapped output delivers the same output signal from both sets of pole pins
Universal mount fits a wide range of S-shaped tonearms.
Weight with a 2M cartridge pre-mounted 20g
Headshell body is manufactured from a special compound used for Medical industry, ensures high rigidity while reducing unwanted vibration
Elegant hi-tech design
Length 52mm
Headshell with a 2M cartridge pre-mounted provides correct Baerwald alignment with the Ortofon TA-110/ TA-210 tonearms, likewise with the major part of tonearms with universal mount

Product Specs

Frequency range at -3 dB - 20-22.000 Hz
Frequency response - 20-20.000 Hz + 3 / - 1 dB
Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force *) - 70 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral - 18 µm/mN
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°

Product Warranty

1 Year

Parts & Labor

Ortofon Warranty Information

"Sensational shellac!"

"Well thought out MONO, standard groove version of respected 2M Series of cartridges..."

"Detailed sound"
"Low surface noise"
"Fast and punchy rhythms"
"Excellent tracking at the recommended 1.8 g"

- Tony Bolton, Hi-Fi World, April 2013

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