Upgrade and save with the Ortofon 2M Blue stylus by replacing the needle on your 2M Red cartridge.
The multi-award winning Ortofon 2M Series of moving magnet pick-up cartridges is built on the company's core philosophy of accuracy in sound. All their experience, know-how, technology, and innovation has gone into making it the series that lets you hear the music the way the artist intended. As the only piece of equipment in a vinyl playback system that actually touches the record groove these cartridges are crucially important - yet they're so often overlooked and misunderstood.
The 2M Red is a hugely popular cartridge, found pre-installed on many turntables around the world, from iconic names like Pro-Ject Audio Systems and Technics through to lesser-known brands; and it's chosen because of its reliable sound performance. However, did you know you can easily upgrade your 2M Red cartridge with a simple, affordable change that will allow you to take the next step on your analogue journey and improve your musical experience?
The 2M range has been designed for easy cartridge upgrades by allowing for simple stylus replacements through the series - most notably from the introductory 2M Red to the superior 2M Blue stylus.
The 2M Red can be easily upgraded to 2M Blue specification just by exchanging the stylus on your Red cartridge with a 2M Blue replacement stylus. This is because of the moving magnet technology used to develop the cartridge (explained here) and the uniform design throughout the series. But what are the characteristics of the two cartridges, and what benefit do you get by changing from Red to Blue?
Remember when you fell in love with music? The 2M Red will rekindle that flame and make music matter again. From the moment the diamond tipped needle hits the groove you feel it. The 2M Red features Ortofon’s very own invention; the split pole pins that gives you a sound reproduction so precise only your heart dares skip a beat. With the 2M Red you will hear the music come to life on its own terms. It is like taking a step into music itself. This is our entry-level cartridge in the series, but what an entry.
Once you have begun your quest for authenticity it is hard to stop, and this is a great step on the journey. The goal for any cartridge should be to reproduce the sound as close to the artists vision as possible, and the 2M blue takes you further on this journey of authenticity. The full-diamond stylus is cut in an Elliptical shape and when it hits the groove it is like travelling through both space and time to the very moment the music was recorded. With the 2M Blue you get serious about listening to vinyl.
Imagine you're sitting in front of a live orchestra. With the 2M Red, you can see there's an orchestra on the stage, but no single aspect of the ensemble are particularly highlighted, this is how you will hear it as well, you can hear all the instruments, but nothing particularly jumps out at you. It's just one orchestra playing together as a unit, which is enjoyable in it's own right.
When we upgrade to the 2M Blue stylus - changing the stylus section only - we have upgraded the diamond stylus of our cartridge, and the result is an improvement in the overall sound. Previously you were sitting in front of an orchestra, and you could see it was an orchestra, but it was a bit blurry. Now we add the 2M Blue, and suddenly the string players in particular are clear as day. This is the same effect the 2M Blue will have, higher frequency sounds will be clearer and you'll experience more detail in the music.
Upgrading to a 2M Blue stylus is a simple process, thanks to the clever design of the 2M Series. Simply purchase a 2M Blue replacement stylus, then remove the tip from your 2M Red cartridge and replace it with your new stylus. This handy video shows you just how simple it is:
The 2M Red to 2M Blue upgrade can be just the beginning of your vinyl journey. There are other models in the 2M Series you could also upgrade to in the future, and there are many more options in the Ortofon range, for when you're ready to try more advanced moving coil cartridges - each time upgrading your system and your listening experience to new levels of enjoyment. To find out more, Contact Us or visit our handy Cartridge Support section.
Ortofon and Henley Audio are committed to giving you the ability to experience the Ortofon sound. That's why we've worked hard over many years to build an extensive network of highly experienced retailers across the country who can help guide you to your best purchase. Our Centres of Excellence are committed to offering demonstrations across a variety of models, bringing their own experience and knowledge to accurately present what you should expect when you take your new purchase home.
Hi-Fi retailers may often be overlooked as an information resource, but they are one of the best places to get experienced advice, and can back-up their advice with a tailored product range that they confidently believe in. Get in touch with your local retailer today to find out how they could help you.
