Ortofon 2M 78 Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge

Item code: ORTOO2M78A1

Ortofon's 2M 78 allows for true mono playback of 78rpm shellac records on any stereo playback system. No requirement for mono-specific equipment when using Ortofons Mono cartridges. This is due to a strapped output within the cartridges that delivers…
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SPEAKER CABLES:

A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.

OTHER CABLES:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.

NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.

£99.17 ex. VAT
Available — built to order, dispatches in 24 hours
Delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 48  ·  DPD Next Day £4.95  ·  DPD Saturday £8.95
Order before 12pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Our promise: 30-day returns · Free burn-in · Built in our UK workshop · 12 Months warranty · Expert support on every order

Ortofon 2M 78 Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge

 

Ortofon's 2M 78 allows for true mono playback of 78rpm shellac records on any stereo playback system. No requirement for mono-specific equipment when using Ortofons Mono cartridges. This is due to a strapped output within the cartridges that delivers the same output signal from both pole pins, resulting in a truly mono reproduction.

Each of the 2M Series cartridges has its own individual sonic expression, and all five models together represent the ensemble of five classic variations. 2M Mono SE, 2M Mono and 2M 78 are a true mono cartridges for playing mono vinyl records

The 2M series of cartridges feature Ortofon’s trademark split pole pins, an invention that enables moving magnet cartridges to have a flat frequency response, as with a moving coil cartridge. Split pole pins were invented by Ortofon, and were originally presented in the 500 series and OM Super series.

Features

  • Optimised sound reproduction and high level of sonic accuracy
  • Spherical diamond that is perfect for playback of 78 rpm shellac records, which require a larger stylus profile
  • Uses a strapped output to deliver the same output signal from both sets of pole pins
  • Supplied with 2 different sets of screws (M2.5 x 5 & M2.5 x 7)
  • Carbon fibre stylus brush and tracking force gauge included

 

The story behind the 2M series

The 2M Series was developed in conjunction with the Danish designer Moeller Jensen Design. Inspired by the facets of a diamond, whose contours gracefully trace the grooves on a record’s surface, the 2M’s handsome elegance establishes a great combination of form and functionality. Of course, the 2M isn’t just another pretty face. It has been engineered to the highest standards and is congruent with Ortofon’s unrelenting commitment to providing the most precise and accurate reproduction possible without colouration.

The name “2M” was chosen as it represents the abbreviation for moving magnet, MM.

The four-model 2M line was originally introduced in 2008, and since then the range has been extended to include True-mono models 2M MONO and 78. Also available are models with expanded mounting options, such as Verso for bottom mount headshells and PnP for direct mounting on arms with universal mount.

Styli interchangeability

2M Series styli are engineered for a tight fit to minimize coupled vibrations, thereby improving sound reproduction. Physically 2M styli will fit on alternative 2M cartridges bodies, but 2M Series cartridges’ engines, coils and magnets configurations are not quite identical: Red and Blue are identical, so are the Bronze and Black and so are the true mono variants 2M Mono and 2M 78.

Styli lifetime and care

With proper care, Ortofon finds that up to 1,000 hours is possible without degradation of performance. The stylus does begin to exhibit changes after 1,000 hours, but the stylus life as a whole is expected to top 2,000 hours. Proper care is comprised of the following:

  • Cleaning of record by means of fibre brush before and after every use
  • Cleaning of record by using a record cleaning machine once in a while
  • Cleaning of the stylus by means of a fine antistatic brush. Please remember to remove dust from the diamond tip before and after playback of each record. Use the brush in the forward direction from the rear of the cartridge towards the stylus tip, never from stylus tip to the rear of the cartridge and never from side to side
  • Proper adjustment of alignment, anti-skating, azimuth and tracking force
  • Ortofon does not recommend the use of solvents of any kind for cleaning of either record surface or stylus.

 

Ortofon 2M 78 Hi-Fi World review

 "This is a very effective and affordable solution for most 78rpm replay needs. I will certainly be using one for the foreseeable future."

Hi-Fi World - April 2013

 

 

Specification

  • Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec: 4 mV
  • Frequency range at -3 dB: 20 - 20,000 Hz
  • Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz +3/-1 dB
  • Tracking ability at 315 Hz at recommended tracking force: 70 μm
  • Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 18 μm/mN
  • Stylus type: Spherical
  • Stylus tip radius: r/R 65 μm
  • Tracking force range: 1.6 - 2.0 g (16 - 20 mN)
  • Tracking force recommended: 1.8 g (18mN)
  • Tracking angle: 20°
  • Internal impedance, DC resistance: 0.7 kOhm
  • Internal inductance: 350 mH
  • Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm
  • Recommended load capacitance: 150 - 300 pF
  • Cartridge colour, body/stylus: Black/Grey
  • Weight: 7.2 g
  • Dimensions: 24mm x 18.5mm x 18mm

About Ortofon

Ortofon is one of the world leader's in the development and manufacturing of turntable cartridges. The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Ortofon has been accumulating since 1918 with their first moving coil cartridge manufactured in 1948.

Today, Ortofon offers a wide range of cartridges for both DJ's and Hi-Fi audiophiles. Their offering includes moving magnets, moving coils, plug-and-play headshells, mono cartridges and 78RPM cartridges.

Throughout their range of cartridges, Ortofon maintains a set profile with each cartridge profile containing an individual sonic expression. All of Ortofon's range of cartridges includes a Red, Blue, Bronze and Black model.

First, in the range, are the Red cartridges which deliver open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth. Next, the Blue Cartridges offer greater dynamic soundstages with improved detail and resolution. Following on, the Bronze cartridges improve the details in a way that pays respects to all elements of the track. Lastly, the Black cartridges are the best at everything. They are true to the groove with resolution and accurate insight into each recording.

Ortofon have made their cartridges suitable for the majority of turntables on the market at the moment. With a wide range of available models, there is an Ortofon cartridge to suit everyone.

 

Specification

  • Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec: 4 mV
  • Frequency range at -3 dB: 20 - 20,000 Hz
  • Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz +3/-1 dB
  • Tracking ability at 315 Hz at recommended tracking force: 70 μm
  • Compliance, dynamic, lateral: 18 μm/mN
  • Stylus type: Spherical
  • Stylus tip radius: r/R 65 μm
  • Tracking force range: 1.6 - 2.0 g (16 - 20 mN)
  • Tracking force recommended: 1.8 g (18mN)
  • Tracking angle: 20°
  • Internal impedance, DC resistance: 0.7 kOhm
  • Internal inductance: 350 mH
  • Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm
  • Recommended load capacitance: 150 - 300 pF
  • Cartridge colour, body/stylus: Black/Grey
  • Weight: 7.2 g
  • Dimensions: 24mm x 18.5mm x 18mm

We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.

Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.

Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.

All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.

 

 

Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

 

We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:

  • Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
  • Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
  • Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
  • You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
  • We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
  • FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.

UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS

Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*

Weight Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE)
0000g – 1000g £ 3.95
1000g – 1400g £ 4.95
1400g – 1800g £ 5.95
1800g – 2000g £ 6.95
2000g – 3000g £ 8.95

* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.

Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.

 

Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day

We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.

For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by Future Shop by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.

Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.

For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.

 

Channel Islands & Northern Ireland

We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.

 

European Countries

Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days.
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days.
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe.
  • Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours.

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

 

Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe

Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days.
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.

  • Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion.

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

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Ortofon 2M 78 Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ortofon’s legacy spans over 100 years, and the brand is recognised for combining heritage with continuous innovation. Unlike many cartridge manufacturers, Ortofon designs and manufactures its products entirely in-house, ensuring precise tolerances and consistent quality. From entry-level to reference models, Ortofon cartridges are known for their musicality, reliability, and the ability to extract fine detail from vinyl records.
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The Ortofon 2M Red is the ideal starting point for vinyl enthusiasts. Affordable yet highly capable, it delivers a lively, detailed sound that sets the benchmark at its price point. Its replaceable stylus makes upgrading or maintenance simple, making it a popular choice for first-time turntable owners.
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In many cases, yes. The 2M series allows you to upgrade by simply changing the stylus. For example, a 2M Red owner can upgrade to a 2M Blue stylus on the same cartridge body, unlocking higher performance without replacing the full cartridge.
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Proper alignment is key to getting the best from your Ortofon cartridge. Using a protractor or alignment tool ensures the stylus tracks the groove accurately, reducing distortion and record wear. Ortofon supplies alignment guides, and Future Shop also offers specialist tools to help achieve precise setup.
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Most Ortofon cartridges follow the standard ½-inch mount, making them compatible with the majority of tonearms and turntables. However, some DJ-focused Ortofon Concorde cartridges use an integrated SME connector for direct plug-in compatibility with specific tonearms. Always check your tonearm type before choosing.
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Yes. Like many high-fidelity components, Ortofon cartridges typically benefit from 20–50 hours of playback before they reach their optimal performance. During this period, the suspension loosens, improving tonal balance, dynamics, and detail retrieval.
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Ortofon produces both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. MM designs, like the 2M Series, are affordable, durable, and offer stylus replacement. MC cartridges, such as the Cadenza or Quintet ranges, deliver even higher fidelity but require specialist phono stages and cannot be user-retipped.
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Ortofon 2M 78 Hi-Fi Turntable Cartridge

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