Ortofon 2M Black VERSO MM Phono Cartridge

Ortofon Black features a Shibata diamond with a slim, highly polished profile enabling an incredibly wide contact area to the groove walls while ensuring notably detailed reproduction throughout the spectrum including the highest frequency groove detail. This is an alternative to the original 2M Black made for bottom mount headshells.

Difference between 2M Black and 2M Black Verso

The 2M Black Verso features an improved engine which provides an increased output of 5mV and an optimised sound reproduction and a high level of sonic accuracy. It also has a Shibata stylus and special upgraded engine featuring split pole pins with a silver plated copper wire. The cartridge body is manufactured from an environment-friendly material called Hopelex which ensures high rigidity while eliminating unwanted resonances.

2M Black Verso vs 2M Bronze Verso

2M Black uses a shibata stylus instead of the nude fine line stylus used on the Bronze. While it shares much of the sonic characteristics, it delivers a much wider frequency range. The engines, coils and magnets are identical in the Bronze and Black models.

Ease of use

The design is optimised for ease of mounting the cartridge and employs a weight and size that fits most common turntables today. 2M Black Verso delivers excellent compatibility when used in a choice of playback systems and with a variety of phono preamps.

How to replace M2.0mm screws

Remove stylus with protection guard from the cartridge body to avoid damage to diamond. Unscrew the black screw from the top plate. Remove the two countersunk screws from the top plate then insert two M2.0mm screws. Mount top plate and hold with screw-threads suspended. Turn cartridge180 degrees and mount from above fixing the black screw in the top plate. Once tightened, mount cartridge on the tonearm and reattach the stylus with guard on to the body. 

The package includes a stylus brush, allen key Torx 6 and an allen key Torx 8 plus two screw M2.0 x 6, stylus pressure gauge and socket spanner to assist the process. 

Ortofon 2M Legacy

The 2M Series was developed in partnership with the Danish Industrial designer Møller Jensen Design who also designed the award winning MC Jubilee series. Inspired by the contours of a diamond which gracefully traces the grooves on a record’s surface, the 2M’s elegance establishes a great mix of form and functionality.

2M was selected as a modern name that is easy to pronounce and remember and plays on the abbreviation for moving magnet (MM). 2M is engineered to the highest standards and represents Ortofon’s unrelenting commitment to providing the most precise and accurate reproduction possible without coloration.

Models in the 2M series

There are five model variations in the 2M series, each with its own individual sonic expression.

- 2M Red is a multi-purpose model with spacious, dynamic sound and a touch of warmth
- 2M Blue: Greater dynamics and resolution for more open and detailed sound
- 2M Bronze: Further details and resolution that is balanced to facilitate all elements
- 2M Black: Flagship, genuine with resolution and accurate insight into every recording
- 2M Mono SE, 2M Mono and 2M 78: Authentic mono cartridges for mono vinyl records

Performs like an MC Cartridge

The 2M cartridge series features patented split pole pins which lends moving magnet (MM) cartridges a flat frequency response like a moving coil (MC) cartridge. Split pole pins were invented by Ortofon, and were originally showcased in the 500 series and OM Super series.

What replacement stylus does 2M Black Verso use?

2M Black Verso uses the 2M Black stylus which is interchangeable with 2M Black. With proper care, this can play up to 1000 hours with no performance degradation.