Ortofon 2MR 78 Cartridge - Low-profile Design for Rega Turntables

Danish Precision for 78 RPM Collectors with Rega Turntables

• Brand/Model: Ortofon 2MR 78 Moving Magnet Cartridge - Rega Low-Profile Version
• Condition: New In Box, factory sealed
• Retail: $169.99
• Configuration: Specialized 78 RPM stylus with 3.0 mil spherical tip
• Design: Low-profile body specifically engineered for Rega tonearms
• What's Included: Professionally repackaged in original manufacturer carton with all inserts, accessories, manuals, etc. included
• Warranty: Backed by the manufacturer's original 2-year equipment warranty

Brand Heritage Section - Danish Cartridge Excellence Since 1918

Ortofon's century-long history began with synchronized sound for cinema, evolved through cutting records for the world's greatest artists, and continues today as the cartridge choice for DJs, audiophiles, and collectors worldwide. The 2M Series, named after Copenhagen's famous M (Metro) line, represents their most successful consumer cartridge range, combining Danish precision with accessibility. The 2MR 78 addresses a specific challenge - bringing proper 78 RPM playback to Rega turntable owners who previously faced compatibility issues.

This specialized cartridge solves two problems simultaneously: the unique requirements of 78 RPM records and the height restrictions of Rega tonearms. Standard 2M cartridges sit too tall for some Rega arms, while generic 78 RPM styli don't properly track these vintage grooves. Ortofon's solution applies their century of expertise to create a cartridge that fits perfectly while extracting maximum music from your shellac treasures.

Technical Excellence for 78s

• 3.0 mil Spherical Stylus: Correct size for 78 RPM grooves
• Low-Profile Body: 2mm reduction for Rega compatibility
• Split-Pole Pin System: Optimized motor for mono/78s
• High Output: 5.5mV for strong signal
• Improved Tracking: Reduces surface noise
• Generator Design: Tailored for 78 RPM frequency response

Brand Philosophy: Respecting Musical History

Ortofon understands that millions of historic recordings exist only on 78 RPM discs - jazz pioneers, blues legends, classical treasures recorded before the LP era. These recordings deserve proper playback, not the compromise of using microgroove styli that ride the groove bottom, amplifying noise while missing musical information. The 2MR 78 treats these recordings with the respect they deserve, using correct stylus geometry to track the groove walls where music lives, not the debris-filled bottom.

Why 78 RPM Records Need Special Cartridges

78 RPM records predate the RIAA curve and microgroove standards. Their grooves are approximately three times wider than LPs, requiring a larger stylus tip. Using a standard LP stylus on 78s is like driving a motorcycle in a truck lane - you'll bounce along the bottom, picking up every imperfection while missing the music encoded on the groove walls. The 2MR 78's 3.0 mil spherical tip properly contacts the groove walls, extracting music while riding above accumulated debris.

The Rega Compatibility Solution

• Standard Problem: Regular 2M cartridges too tall for some Rega arms

• Low-Profile Solution: 2mm height reduction maintains clearance
• Perfect Geometry: Aligns correctly in Rega's three-point mount
• VTA Optimization: Proper vertical tracking angle maintained
• Easy Installation: No spacers or modifications required
• Upgrade Path: Fits all Rega turntables and derivatives

Geographic Context: Danish Meets British

This collaboration between Danish precision and British turntable design represents the best of European audio engineering. Ortofon's Copenhagen facility, where master cutters once carved lacquers for Deutsche Grammophon and Decca, now produces cartridges that honor those same recordings. The low-profile adaptation for Rega, Britain's most popular turntable brand, ensures that vinyl enthusiasts worldwide can properly play their complete collections.

Performance Specifications

• Stylus Tip: 3.0 mil spherical diamond
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz
• Output Voltage: 5.5mV @ 1kHz, 5cm/sec
• Channel Balance: <2dB
• Channel Separation: >22dB @ 1kHz
• Tracking Force: 1.8g recommended
• Internal Impedance: 1.3kΩ
• Weight: 7g

Your 78 RPM Collection Awaits

• Jazz Era Treasures: Hear Louis Armstrong as intended
• Blues Origins: Mississippi Delta in proper fidelity
• Classical Archives: Pre-war orchestras with clarity
• Radio Transcriptions: Rare broadcasts properly tracked
• Ethnic Recordings: World music heritage preserved
• Comedy/Spoken Word: Vaudeville and radio shows

Why This Matters for Rega Owners

Previously, Rega owners wanting proper 78 playback faced frustrating choices - modify their tonearm height, use inferior cartridges, or maintain a separate turntable. The 2MR 78 eliminates these compromises. Swap cartridges in minutes when switching between LPs and 78s. No spacers, no VTA adjustment, no compatibility concerns. This is Ortofon recognizing that Rega owners deserve the same 78 RPM excellence available to other turntable users.

The high 5.5mV output ensures strong signal levels even from worn recordings. The spherical tip is forgiving of less-than-perfect records while still extracting maximum musical information. This combination of proper geometry, high output, and Rega compatibility makes previously unlistenable 78s enjoyable again.

Experience Your 78 Collection Properly Today

This new-in-box 2MR 78 offers Rega owners the key to unlocking their 78 RPM collections. Whether inheriting grandparents' records, collecting jazz history, or discovering pre-war classical performances, proper playback transforms these discs from historical artifacts into living music. Don't let your 78s gather dust or suffer through improper playback - give them the Danish precision they deserve.