Audio T Verdict
The Ortofon 2M Bronze is where the 2M range takes a significant step up in sophistication. Its Nude Fine Line stylus reaches further into the record groove than the simpler profiles used lower down the range, while its upgraded generator uses silver-plated OFC coil wire.
For us, part of the Bronze's appeal is its balance. It is capable of revealing considerably more information from a good turntable without immediately demanding the very precise setup associated with the Black's Shibata stylus.
There is also a superb upgrade path built in. The Bronze shares its generator family with the 2M Black and Black LVB 250, so you can move to either of those more advanced stylus assemblies later without necessarily replacing the complete cartridge.
Ortofon 2M Bronze
The Ortofon 2M Bronze is a premium moving magnet cartridge designed for greater precision, detail and tracking ability from a well-sorted vinyl system.
Its Nude Fine Line diamond is partnered with an aluminium cantilever and Ortofon's upgraded quad-coil generator, featuring split pole pins and silver-plated OFC coil wire.
- Premium moving magnet cartridge
- Nude Fine Line diamond stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- Quad-coil generator
- Split pole pin technology
- Silver-plated OFC coil wire
- 5mV output voltage
- 26dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 80µm tracking ability at 315Hz
- 22µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
- 47kOhm recommended load resistance
- 150 to 300pF recommended load capacitance
- Replaceable stylus
- Upgrade path to 2M Black and Black LVB 250 styli
- Standard half-inch mounting
The Step Into Ortofon's Upper 2M Family
The 2M Bronze represents more than simply fitting a different stylus to the 2M Blue.
Bronze, Black and Black LVB 250 use Ortofon's more sophisticated generator family with silver-plated OFC coil wire, giving them their own upgrade path within the 2M range.
This makes the Bronze an excellent starting point if you want a serious moving magnet cartridge today with room to take the turntable further later.
Nude Fine Line Stylus
The defining feature of the 2M Bronze is its Nude Fine Line diamond stylus.
The slim Fine Line profile is designed to trace very fine groove information, particularly at higher frequencies, while providing a larger contact area than simpler stylus shapes.
Ortofon specifies a stylus tip radius of r/R 8/40µm.
Why Fine Line?
As you move up a cartridge range, the shape of the diamond becomes increasingly important.
A Fine Line stylus has a relatively narrow tracing radius, allowing it to follow small and rapidly changing groove modulations more accurately than simpler profiles.
For the listener, that can mean better retrieval of low-level detail, cleaner reproduction of demanding passages and improved performance towards the inner grooves of a record.
Stylus Shape Makes a Real Difference
The cartridge generator converts movement into an electrical signal, but the stylus is the part actually reading the record. Changing its shape, construction and moving mass can therefore have a surprisingly large influence on what ultimately reaches your speakers.
A Nude Diamond
The word 'Nude' means the stylus is formed directly from the diamond itself rather than bonding a smaller diamond tip to a separate metal shank.
This reduces unnecessary moving mass at the end of the cantilever and allows the stylus assembly to react more readily to the tiny movements contained in the record groove.
Aluminium Cantilever
The Nude Fine Line diamond is mounted on an aluminium cantilever.
This transfers the stylus movement into the cartridge generator, making its stiffness, mass and mechanical behaviour an important part of the complete cartridge design.
80µm Tracking Ability
Ortofon specifies a tracking ability of 80µm at 315Hz.
Good tracking allows the stylus to maintain reliable contact with both groove walls through demanding passages rather than losing control and producing mistracking distortion.
Correct alignment, tracking force and anti-skate remain essential if the Bronze is to perform as designed.
Upper-Tier 2M Generator
The 2M Bronze uses a quad-coil moving magnet generator with Ortofon's split pole pin technology.
Unlike the Red and Blue generator family, the Bronze uses silver-plated oxygen-free copper coil wire.
This generator architecture is shared with the 2M Black and Black LVB 250, which is why those stylus assemblies can be used as genuine upgrades from the Bronze.
Split Pole Pin Technology
Ortofon developed its split pole pin arrangement to improve the electrical behaviour of the moving magnet generator.
The technology allows the 2M Series to retain the healthy output and practical compatibility of an MM cartridge while achieving the frequency response and channel performance required from a more ambitious design.
5mV Output
The 2M Bronze provides an output voltage of 5mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
This is a conventional moving magnet output level, so you do not need the additional gain required by a low-output moving coil cartridge.
A good MM phono stage is all that is required electrically, although the quality of that phono stage becomes increasingly worthwhile as the cartridge improves.
Do I Need a Moving Coil Phono Stage?
No. The 2M Bronze is a moving magnet cartridge. Use a suitable MM phono input with a 47kOhm load and, where adjustable, follow Ortofon's recommended capacitance range.
47kOhm Loading
Ortofon specifies a recommended load resistance of 47kOhm.
Recommended load capacitance is 150 to 300pF.
This total includes the tonearm cable, interconnect and phono-stage input capacitance, so an adjustable phono stage can provide useful flexibility when fine-tuning the system.
1.5g Recommended Tracking Force
Ortofon specifies a tracking-force range of:
- Minimum: 1.4g / 14mN
- Recommended: 1.5g / 15mN
- Maximum: 1.7g / 17mN
For most installations, the correct starting point is Ortofon's recommended 1.5g.
Don't Deliberately Under-Track
Using less tracking force than the manufacturer specifies does not automatically reduce record wear. If the stylus begins to mistrack, it can place greater stress on the groove. Set the cartridge accurately within Ortofon's recommended range.
22µm/mN Compliance
The 2M Bronze has a dynamic lateral compliance of 22µm/mN.
Compliance describes the flexibility of the stylus suspension and is one of the factors involved when matching a cartridge mechanically with a tonearm.
Tonearm effective mass, cartridge mass and compliance together influence the behaviour of the cartridge and arm as a mechanical system.
26dB Channel Separation
Channel separation is specified at 26dB at 1kHz, while channel balance is specified at 1dB.
Good channel separation contributes to clear stereo imaging and more precise placement of instruments and voices across the soundstage.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
Ortofon currently specifies the 2M Bronze at +2 / -0dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
More important than the number alone is the cartridge's ability to trace fine information cleanly across the audible range, which is where the Nude Fine Line stylus earns its place.
7.2g Cartridge Weight
The standard 2M Bronze weighs 7.2g.
This makes it compatible with the adjustment range of many conventional counterweighted tonearms, although turntable and tonearm compatibility should always be checked before fitting.
Standard Half-Inch Mounting
The standard 2M Bronze uses conventional half-inch mounting.
Its threaded mounting points simplify installation because separate fixing nuts are not required.
Ortofon also offers the Bronze in other mounting configurations for different types of turntable and tonearm.
2M, 2MR, Premounted or Verso?
The 2M Series is available in several physical configurations.
Standard 2M Bronze
- Half-inch mounting
- For many conventional tonearms
- 7.2g cartridge weight
- Cartridge alignment required after fitting
Other Bronze Versions
- 2MR Bronze for low-profile applications
- 2M Bronze Premounted on an SH-4 headshell
- 2M Bronze Verso for bottom-mount headshells
- Same Nude Fine Line performance concept
Using 2M Bronze With Rega
Ortofon's lower-profile 2MR range was developed specifically for turntables and tonearms that benefit from a reduced cartridge height, with Ortofon naming Rega as one of the intended applications.
If you're considering a Bronze for a Rega turntable, speak to Audio T first so we can check whether the standard 2M Bronze or 2MR Bronze is the more appropriate physical match.
2M Blue or 2M Bronze?
The move from Blue to Bronze is more substantial than simply changing the colour of the stylus assembly.
2M Blue
- Nude Elliptical stylus
- Red / Blue generator family
- OFC coil wire
- 5.5mV output
- 20µm/mN compliance
- 1.8g recommended tracking force
2M Bronze
- Nude Fine Line stylus
- Bronze / Black generator family
- Silver-plated OFC coil wire
- 5mV output
- 22µm/mN compliance
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
For a sufficiently capable turntable, the Bronze provides a more sophisticated stylus profile and begins the upgrade path towards the 2M Black family.
2M Bronze or 2M Black?
Bronze and Black share the same broad generator architecture, but they use different stylus profiles.
2M Bronze
- Nude Fine Line diamond
- 8/40µm stylus radii
- Aluminium cantilever
- 5mV output
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
- Excellent balance of precision and usability
2M Black
- Nude Shibata diamond
- 6/50µm stylus radii
- Aluminium cantilever
- 5mV output
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
- Greater groove-wall contact
The Black is the more sophisticated line-contact design, but the difference is not simply a case of one sounding universally 'better'. Cartridge setup, turntable quality and personal preference all matter.
Audio T Has Compared Them
Our Reading store has compared the 2M Bronze and Black styli directly using the same cartridge platform.
Rishi found the Bronze particularly taut and defined in the bass, while the Black offered greater detail retrieval and a bolder, more atmospheric presentation. It is a useful reminder that cartridge upgrades can change character as well as simply adding more information.
Easy Upgrade to 2M Black
One of the strongest reasons to start with the Bronze is the upgrade path.
Ortofon officially recommends the Stylus 2M Black as an upgrade for the 2M Bronze, giving you the Black's Nude Shibata diamond without having to replace the Bronze generator body.
Because the cartridge body remains installed, this can be a very straightforward way to take a good vinyl system further.
Upgrade Again to Black LVB 250
For an even more ambitious option, Ortofon also officially recommends the Stylus 2M Black LVB 250 as an upgrade for the Bronze.
The LVB 250 retains a Nude Shibata diamond but adds a Boron cantilever and Ortofon's Nano Tube suspension system.
This means a 2M Bronze cartridge body can form the foundation of a surprisingly extensive future upgrade path.
Bronze Owner? You Have Three Choices
When the original stylus eventually needs replacing, you can fit another 2M Bronze stylus, move to the Nude Shibata 2M Black stylus, or take the cartridge further again with the Black LVB 250 stylus. Which route makes sense depends on the turntable, phono stage and how far you want to take the system.
Replaceable Stylus
The correct like-for-like replacement is the Ortofon Stylus 2M Bronze.
Ortofon recommends it for:
- 2M Bronze
- 2MR Bronze
- 2M Bronze Premounted
Ortofon states that, with proper care, up to approximately 1,000 hours of stylus use may be possible without degradation of performance.
Stylus Life Depends on Care
The 1,000-hour figure is not a guaranteed replacement interval. Stylus life depends on correct setup, tracking force, record cleanliness and general care. If you notice increased distortion or suspect damage, stop using the cartridge until the stylus has been checked.
Designed and Crafted in Denmark
Ortofon designs and crafts its cartridges in Denmark.
The distinctive 2M body was developed in conjunction with Danish industrial designer Møller Jensen Design, with its angular shape inspired by the facets of a diamond.
Key Features
- Ortofon 2M Bronze
- Moving magnet cartridge
- Stereo playback
- Half-inch mounting
- Nude Fine Line stylus
- r/R 8/40µm stylus profile
- Aluminium cantilever
- Quad-coil generator
- Split pole pin technology
- Silver-plated OFC coil wire
- 5mV output voltage
- 1dB channel balance
- 26dB channel separation
- 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- +2 / -0dB response tolerance
- 80µm tracking ability
- 22µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 1.4 to 1.7g tracking-force range
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
- 20-degree tracking angle
- 1.2kOhm internal resistance
- 630mH internal inductance
- 47kOhm recommended load resistance
- 150 to 300pF recommended capacitance
- Polymer and aluminium cartridge body
- Black and Bronze finish
- 7.2g cartridge weight
- Replaceable stylus
- 2M Black stylus upgrade compatible
- 2M Black LVB 250 stylus upgrade compatible
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ortofon 2M Bronze still current?
Yes. The 2M Bronze remains a current model within Ortofon's 2M Series.
Is the 2M Bronze moving magnet or moving coil?
The 2M Bronze is a moving magnet cartridge.
What stylus does the 2M Bronze use?
It uses a Nude Fine Line diamond with an r/R 8/40µm stylus radius.
What cantilever does it use?
The 2M Bronze uses an aluminium cantilever.
What is the output voltage?
5mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
Which phono stage do I need?
The 2M Bronze requires a moving magnet, or MM, phono input.
What loading does Ortofon recommend?
47kOhm resistance and 150 to 300pF capacitance.
What tracking force should I use?
Ortofon recommends 1.5g, or 15mN.
What is the tracking-force range?
1.4 to 1.7g.
What is the dynamic compliance?
22µm/mN.
What is the tracking ability?
Ortofon specifies 80µm at 315Hz.
What is the channel separation?
26dB at 1kHz.
How much does the cartridge weigh?
The standard 2M Bronze weighs 7.2g.
What mounting system does it use?
The standard 2M Bronze uses conventional half-inch mounting.
Is there a Rega-friendly version?
Yes. Ortofon offers the lower-profile 2MR Bronze for turntables and tonearms where reduced cartridge height is advantageous, including many Rega applications.
Can I replace the 2M Bronze stylus?
Yes. The direct replacement is the Ortofon Stylus 2M Bronze.
Can I fit a 2M Black stylus to a 2M Bronze?
Yes. Ortofon officially recommends the 2M Black stylus as an upgrade for the 2M Bronze.
Can I fit the Black LVB 250 stylus to a Bronze?
Yes. Ortofon also officially recommends the 2M Black LVB 250 stylus as an upgrade for the 2M Bronze.
Can I fit a Bronze stylus to a 2M Blue?
Ortofon treats Red and Blue as one generator family and Bronze, Black and Black LVB 250 as another. For a proper move from Blue to Bronze, we recommend replacing the complete cartridge rather than treating the Bronze stylus as the intended Blue upgrade.
What is the difference between 2M Blue and Bronze?
The Blue uses a Nude Elliptical stylus and the Red/Blue generator platform. The Bronze uses a Nude Fine Line stylus and the upgraded Bronze/Black generator platform with silver-plated OFC coil wire.
What is the difference between Bronze and Black?
The Bronze uses a Nude Fine Line diamond, while the Black uses a Nude Shibata profile. They share the same broad generator family, allowing the Black stylus to be used as an official Bronze upgrade.
How long can the stylus last?
Ortofon states that with proper care up to approximately 1,000 hours may be possible without degradation of performance. Actual stylus life depends on setup, record condition and maintenance.
Related Ortofon Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy an Ortofon Cartridge From Audio T?
The 2M Bronze is capable enough that correct installation and system matching really start to matter. Audio T can help you choose the right version for your tonearm, set the cartridge up correctly and decide whether Bronze, Black or another cartridge makes the most sense for your turntable.
- Turntable and tonearm compatibility advice
- Standard 2M and 2MR guidance
- Cartridge fitting advice
- Precision cartridge alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Anti-skate guidance
- MM phono-stage matching
- Capacitance and loading advice
- 2M Black stylus upgrade advice
- Black LVB 250 upgrade advice
- Replacement stylus guidance
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Ortofon 2M Bronze is the right cartridge for your turntable and phono stage.