Ortofon | SKU: NEW-OR2MRESHB | Barcode: 5705796080476

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

This version of the 2M Red 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.

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$169.99

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What You Need to Know

An Easy Upgrade for Better Vinyl Sound

The Ortofon 2M Red mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your turntable. The cartridge comes factory-mounted on Ortofon’s rigid SH-4 headshell, so installation takes just a few seconds on compatible tonearms.

Simply attach the headshell, set the tracking force, and start enjoying your records.

A Clear Step Above Basic Cartridges

The 2M Red features a polished elliptical diamond stylus that follows the record groove more accurately than the conical styli found on many entry-level cartridges.

You’ll hear cleaner vocals, stronger bass, and better instrument separation. It also tracks difficult passages with greater confidence, helping your records sound their best.

Factory-Mounted for Quick Installation

The included Ortofon SH-4 Black headshell is lightweight, rigid, and designed to hold the cartridge securely. Because the cartridge is already mounted and aligned, there’s no need to work with tiny screws or perform cartridge alignment yourself.

It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants a fast, hassle-free upgrade or likes to swap cartridges using multiple headshells.

Easy to Upgrade Later

The 2M Red uses Ortofon’s proven moving magnet design with a strong output that’s compatible with virtually any moving magnet phono preamp.

As your system grows, you can upgrade to a 2M Blue simply by replacing the stylus while keeping the same cartridge body.

Building Your System

Turntables – Fits tonearms with an SME-style removable headshell connector.
Phono Preamp – Works with any moving magnet (MM) phono input.
Upgrade Path – Compatible with the Ortofon 2M Blue replacement stylus.

Features & Specifications

Elliptical Diamond Stylus

Tracks the groove more accurately than a basic conical stylus for cleaner, more detailed sound.

Moving Magnet Design

Produces a strong, balanced output with excellent stereo imaging.

Factory-Mounted SH-4 Headshell

Pre-installed for quick installation with no cartridge alignment required.

Upgradeable Design

Accepts the Ortofon 2M Blue replacement stylus when you’re ready for even better performance.

Specifications

Type: Moving Magnet (MM)
Stylus: Elliptical Diamond
Output: 5.5mV
Headshell: Ortofon SH-4 Black
Mount: SME-Style Bayonet Headshell
Recommended Phono Input: Moving Magnet (MM)

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the standard 2M Red?

The cartridge is the same. This version comes factory-mounted on the Ortofon SH-4 Black headshell, making installation fast and easy.

Will it fit my turntable?

It fits turntables with an SME-style removable headshell. It is not compatible with fixed-headshell tonearms.

Can I upgrade the stylus later?

Yes. You can install an Ortofon 2M Blue replacement stylus without replacing the cartridge body.

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Editors' Choice Award 2024 – The Absolute Sound Magazine

"The swansong design of Ortofon’s former chief engineer Per Windfeld, the entry-level 2M Red uses an elliptical, the 2M Black a Shibata stylus. The Black’s greatest attribute is the way it parses the complexities of orchestral depth and dimension. In comparison, the 2M Red clocks in with a little drier sound, as if it’s making more of an effort in the upper treble. Still, this is one sophisticated and musical cartridge."

- The Absolute Sound magazine, December 24

Recommended Component 2023 – Stereophile

"SM declared the 2M Red's dynamic range 'vastly wider' than that of the less expensive Ortofon OM 5E, and praised the new cartridge's clean, fast, grainless sound. SM's verdict: 'If you're looking for a high-value cartridge . . . the 2M Red is an excellent place to start.'"

- Stereophile, April 1, 2023

One of the Ten "Best Cartridges 2020" – What Hi-fi? Magazine

The 2M Red "puts in a great performance for the money. The midrange sounds full and expressive, especially vocals. Bass and treble also score well… It's simple to fit and align, and provides a more than enjoyable listening experience. Proof that quality hi-fi needn't cost the earth."

- Joe Svetlik, What Hi-Fi?, June 17, 2020

2019 Editors' Choice Award – The Absolute Sound

"This is one sophisticated and musical cartridge..."

- The Absolute Sound, March 2019

"The Ortofon 2M Red is certainly a very entertaining cartridge, providing a big, solid, spacious sound with good detail and excellent dynamics. The delivery is crisp and punchy across the entire frequency range, with a particularly nicely textured bass, and can be very impressive on well-recorded material."

- phono-cartridge-reviews.co.uk, 2024

"Upgraded the Stanton 500E MkII that came with my used Technics SL-1210 MkII with an Ortofon 2M Red. The definition and clarity of the mid range and treble is an astounding difference even to my old ears. Sinatra sounds like I remember. Great cartridge for the price."

- Ian Olichfield, vinylengine.com

"I originally wanted the Blue, but based on my current audio system and financial situation, the Red made sense. I brought my TT to the audio shop with a list of questions, and walked out with the Ortofon Red installed and perfectly aligned. When I got home I immediately started playing albums. From the first album onward, I knew I made a great decision. The tracking was great, sound was full with excellent instrument separation. A great upgrade for a decades old, but still cranking system."

- kashmirvinyl, vinylengine.com

"I have about 210 hours on my 2M Red since October 2014. What a terrific cartridge. It's on the end of a PL-518 table and it sings. Very complete and detailed. I'm hearing things that I've not heard before (and it's all good). Superb sound reproduction for the price. Excellent value."

- Stuttgard Stefan, vinylengine.com

"a pleasing ambience...

...intimate, trembling quality...

...bass in proportion...

...good detail...

...realistic without going into hardness...

...sense of space even in the climaxes..."

- Hi-fi News magazine, October 2008

"The 2M line has become a de facto reference for moving-magnet cartridges… It is due to both the sound quality of the various 2M models as well as the wide price range across the line."

- Marc Mickelson, The Audio Beat, August 2016

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

Delivery and Shipping