Audio T Verdict
The Ortofon 2MR Bronze solves a very specific problem brilliantly. It gives you the Nude Fine Line stylus, silver-plated OFC coils and sophisticated generator of the 2M Bronze, but places them in a body that is 3mm lower for turntables where cartridge height and tonearm geometry can otherwise become awkward.
That makes it particularly attractive for Rega owners and other turntables using low-profile or non-adjustable tonearms. Rather than raising the arm with spacers simply to accommodate a taller cartridge, the 2MR has been designed to fit the application from the outset.
The Bronze is also a very strong point in the 2M range. Its Nude Fine Line diamond offers a substantial increase in groove contact and tracking precision over the Red and Blue profiles, while remaining fully compatible with Ortofon's interchangeable 2M stylus system.
Ortofon 2MR Bronze
The Ortofon 2MR Bronze is a low-profile moving magnet cartridge developed for turntables and tonearms that benefit from a shorter cartridge body, including many Rega designs.
It takes the core technology of the acclaimed 2M Bronze and packages it into Ortofon's slim 2MR housing, reducing cartridge height by 3mm while retaining the Bronze's Nude Fine Line stylus, aluminium cantilever, quad-coil motor system and silver-plated OFC coil wire.
- Low-profile moving magnet cartridge
- Designed for turntables and tonearms such as Rega
- 3mm lower housing than standard 2M models
- Nude Fine Line diamond stylus
- r/R 8/40µm stylus radii
- Aluminium cantilever
- Quad-coil generator
- Split pole pin technology
- Silver-plated OFC coil wire
- 5mV output
- 80µm tracking ability at 315Hz
- 22µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
- 47kOhm recommended load resistance
- 150 to 300pF recommended capacitance
- Half-inch mounting
- 6g cartridge weight
- Replaceable stylus
- Compatible with Ortofon 2M styli
What Does 2MR Mean?
The 'R' in 2MR refers to the reduced-height version of Ortofon's 2M cartridge concept.
The generator and stylus technology remain recognisably 2M, but the body has been redesigned to sit 3mm lower than the standard 2M housing.
That reduced height is important on turntables where the tonearm does not provide easy vertical adjustment.
Designed for Rega and Other Low-Profile Tonearms
Many turntables use tonearms where vertical tracking angle, or VTA, cannot be adjusted simply by raising or lowering the arm.
Rega is one of the best-known examples, which is why Ortofon specifically describes the 2MR housing as being tailored to turntables and tonearms such as Rega.
A standard-height cartridge can sometimes leave the rear of the tonearm sitting too low relative to the cartridge. The 2MR's reduced body height is designed to avoid that problem without adding spacers beneath the arm.
Why Cartridge Height Matters
The cartridge and tonearm should sit at the correct working geometry when the stylus is playing a record. On a fixed-height tonearm, fitting a substantially taller cartridge can alter that relationship. The 2MR body has been created specifically to make the 2M platform easier to accommodate in these situations.
3mm Lower Than a Standard 2M
The 2MR body provides a 3mm reduction in cartridge height.
It may not sound like much, but several millimetres at the cartridge can make a meaningful difference to tonearm angle.
The benefit is that many installations can be completed with the standard two cartridge screws rather than modifying the tonearm mounting height.
2MR Bronze or Standard 2M Bronze?
The choice is primarily about physical compatibility rather than one being a higher-performance cartridge than the other.
2M Bronze
- Standard 2M cartridge body
- For conventional half-inch tonearms
- Nude Fine Line stylus
- Silver-plated OFC generator
- 7.2g cartridge weight
2MR Bronze
- 3mm reduced-height body
- Tailored to low-profile tonearms
- Nude Fine Line stylus
- Silver-plated OFC generator
- 6g cartridge weight
If your tonearm readily accommodates the standard 2M height, the regular 2M Bronze remains appropriate. If cartridge height is an issue, particularly with a fixed-height Rega-style arm, the 2MR is the more natural solution.
Nude Fine Line Stylus
The 2MR Bronze uses a Nude Fine Line diamond with stylus radii of r/R 8/40µm.
This is a substantially more sophisticated groove-contact profile than the Elliptical designs further down the 2M range.
The Fine Line's narrow tracing radius allows it to follow small groove modulation accurately, while the longer contact area against the groove wall helps retrieve fine information and maintain good tracking performance.
Why Fine Line?
As a record plays towards its centre, the groove information becomes increasingly compressed into a shorter physical distance.
Fine Line geometry helps the stylus follow these tightly packed modulations while maintaining a larger contact area with the groove wall.
That makes it particularly useful for retrieving high-frequency information and reducing tracing distortion when properly aligned.
A Cartridge That Rewards Good Alignment
A Fine Line stylus can retrieve more information than a simpler profile, but precise cartridge alignment becomes increasingly worthwhile. Correct overhang, offset angle, tracking force and anti-skate will help the 2MR Bronze perform as intended.
A Nude Diamond
The term 'Nude' means the stylus is formed directly from the diamond rather than using a smaller diamond tip mounted onto a separate shank.
This reduces unnecessary moving mass and helps the stylus assembly react more readily to rapid changes within the record groove.
Aluminium Cantilever
The Nude Fine Line diamond is mounted on an aluminium cantilever.
The cantilever transfers movement from the stylus into the cartridge generator, making its combination of rigidity and low mass an important part of the mechanical system.
Quad-Coil Generator
The 2MR Bronze uses Ortofon's high-performance quad-coil motor system.
The four-coil arrangement works with the cartridge's split pole pins to generate the electrical output as the stylus follows the record groove.
Split Pole Pin Technology
Ortofon's split pole pin design was developed to reduce magnetic losses and improve the linearity of a moving magnet generator.
The Bronze version combines this system with silver-plated OFC coil wire.
It forms one of the main technical distinctions between the Bronze/Black generator family and the Red/Blue versions below them.
Silver-Plated OFC Coil Wire
The 2MR Bronze uses silver-plated oxygen-free copper coil wire.
This is the current manufacturer specification and is an important correction over older product data that may simply describe the cartridge as using copper coils.
5mV Moving Magnet Output
The 2MR Bronze produces 5mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
This makes it straightforward to use with a conventional moving magnet phono stage rather than requiring the additional gain needed by a low-output moving coil cartridge.
Which Phono Stage Do I Need?
The 2MR Bronze is a moving magnet cartridge and should be partnered with a suitable MM phono input.
The 2M Bronze generator specification uses a recommended load resistance of 47kOhm and a recommended capacitance of 150 to 300pF.
Check Capacitance When Possible
Total capacitive loading includes the tonearm wiring, interconnect and phono-stage input. Most straightforward MM systems will fall within a sensible operating range, while adjustable phono stages provide additional flexibility.
80µm Tracking Ability
Ortofon specifies tracking ability at 80µm at 315Hz.
This reflects the Bronze's more sophisticated stylus and suspension system and helps it remain stable through demanding groove modulation.
22µm/mN Compliance
Dynamic lateral compliance is specified at 22µm/mN.
Compliance describes the flexibility of the stylus suspension and forms part of the mechanical relationship between cartridge and tonearm.
The 2MR body itself weighs 6g, so both cartridge mass and compliance should be considered when checking tonearm compatibility.
1.5g Recommended Tracking Force
The dedicated 2M Bronze stylus specification gives a tracking-force range of:
- Minimum: 1.4g / 14mN
- Recommended: 1.5g / 15mN
- Maximum: 1.7g / 17mN
For normal setup, use Ortofon's recommended 1.5g.
Don't Deliberately Track Too Light
Running below the manufacturer's tracking-force range does not automatically reduce record wear. If the stylus begins to mistrack, distortion and groove stress can increase. Keep the Bronze stylus within Ortofon's stated 1.4 to 1.7g range.
20-Degree Tracking Angle
The 2M Bronze stylus assembly is designed around a 20-degree tracking angle.
This makes correct cartridge height particularly relevant, which is exactly where the reduced-height 2MR body comes into its own on fixed-height tonearms.
6g Cartridge Weight
The complete 2MR Bronze weighs 6g.
This is lighter than the 7.2g standard 2M Bronze and should be taken into account when setting the tonearm counterweight and checking compatibility.
Standard Half-Inch Mounting
The cartridge uses conventional half-inch mounting with two fixing screws.
This gives it broad compatibility with suitable tonearms while retaining the reduced-height advantage of the 2MR body.
Full 2M Stylus Compatibility
One of the biggest practical advantages of the 2MR system is that the reduced cartridge body still accepts Ortofon's 2M styli.
You can therefore replace a worn Bronze stylus like-for-like or change to another 2M stylus profile later.
The cartridge does not lock you into a unique 2MR-only replacement stylus.
Need a New Bronze Stylus?
The direct replacement is the Ortofon Stylus 2M Bronze, using the same Nude Fine Line diamond, 8/40µm radii, 22µm/mN compliance and 1.5g recommended tracking force.
Bronze, Black and LVB 250 Upgrade Options
The Bronze and Black models share the higher-specification 2M generator family, making the 2MR Bronze a particularly interesting starting point for future upgrades.
Moving to a Black or Black LVB 250 stylus changes the groove-reading assembly while keeping the low-profile 2MR cartridge body in place.
Reset the Tracking Force After Any Stylus Change
Different 2M styli can use different recommended tracking forces. Whenever you change stylus model, use the specification for the new stylus rather than assuming the Bronze's 1.5g setting remains correct.
2MR Bronze or 2MR Blue?
The move from Blue to Bronze is a meaningful upgrade because both the generator and stylus family change.
2MR Blue
- Nude Elliptical stylus
- Red/Blue generator family
- 5.5mV output
- 20µm/mN compliance
- 1.8g recommended tracking force
2MR Bronze
- Nude Fine Line stylus
- Bronze/Black generator family
- Silver-plated OFC coils
- 5mV output
- 22µm/mN compliance
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
The Bronze's Fine Line stylus and upgraded silver-plated generator make it considerably more than a cosmetic step above Blue.
2MR Bronze or 2MR Black?
The 2MR Black sits above Bronze and uses the more sophisticated Nude Shibata stylus profile.
The Bronze's Nude Fine Line design offers an excellent balance of detail retrieval and manageable setup, while the Black takes groove contact and fine-detail tracing another step further.
Ideal for a Rega Cartridge Upgrade
Rega tonearms are one of the applications for which Ortofon specifically developed the 2MR format.
If you want to fit a 2M-style cartridge to a Rega turntable without automatically introducing tonearm spacers, the reduced-height 2MR housing makes considerably more sense than forcing a standard-height cartridge into the installation.
Check the Complete Turntable
Individual turntables can differ through mats, platters, arm upgrades and previous modifications, so compatibility should still be checked rather than assuming every Rega installation is identical. Audio T can confirm the most appropriate cartridge and setup for your particular deck.
Key Features
- Ortofon 2MR Bronze
- Moving magnet cartridge
- Low-profile 2MR body
- 3mm reduced cartridge height
- Designed for low-profile tonearms
- Ideal for many Rega applications
- Half-inch mounting
- Nude Fine Line stylus
- r/R 8/40µm stylus radii
- Aluminium cantilever
- Quad-coil generator
- Split pole pin technology
- Silver-plated OFC coil wire
- 5mV output voltage
- 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
- 47kOhm recommended load resistance
- 150 to 300pF recommended capacitance
- Polymer and aluminium body
- 6g cartridge weight
- Bronze stylus colour
- User-replaceable stylus
- Compatible with Ortofon 2M styli
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ortofon 2MR Bronze still current?
Yes. Ortofon continues to list the 2MR Bronze as a current model in its 2M Series.
What is the difference between 2M Bronze and 2MR Bronze?
The key difference is the cartridge body. The 2MR is 3mm lower and weighs 6g, making it better suited to low-profile and fixed-height tonearms such as many Rega designs. Both use the Bronze Nude Fine Line stylus concept.
Is the 2MR Bronze made for Rega turntables?
Ortofon specifically developed the 2MR housing for turntables and tonearms such as Rega that benefit from a lower cartridge profile.
Does the 2MR Bronze always eliminate the need for a Rega spacer?
The reduced-height body is specifically designed to avoid spacers or modifications in compatible low-profile applications, but individual turntables can vary through mats, platters and previous upgrades. Compatibility should still be checked for the specific deck.
What stylus does the 2MR Bronze use?
A Nude Fine Line diamond with r/R 8/40µm radii.
Is it a Nude Elliptical stylus?
No. The current Ortofon specification is Nude Fine Line.
What cantilever does it use?
Aluminium.
What coil wire does it use?
Silver-plated OFC coil wire.
What is the output voltage?
5mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
Is the 2MR Bronze moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a moving magnet cartridge.
Which phono stage do I need?
Use a suitable moving magnet phono input.
What load resistance is recommended?
The Bronze generator is specified for 47kOhm loading.
What capacitance does Ortofon recommend?
150 to 300pF.
What tracking force should I use?
Ortofon recommends 1.5g.
What is the tracking-force range?
The 2M Bronze stylus specification gives a range of 1.4 to 1.7g.
What is the tracking ability?
80µm at 315Hz.
What is the dynamic compliance?
22µm/mN.
What is the tracking angle?
20 degrees.
How much does the 2MR Bronze weigh?
6g.
What mounting system does it use?
Standard half-inch mounting with two screws.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
Yes. The moving magnet 2MR body uses Ortofon's removable 2M stylus system.
Which stylus is the direct replacement?
The direct replacement is the Ortofon Stylus 2M Bronze.
Can I fit other 2M styli?
Yes. Ortofon states that the 2MR platform is fully compatible with 2M styli.
Do I need to reset tracking force when changing stylus?
Yes. Different 2M stylus models can require different tracking forces, so always use the specification for the stylus being fitted.
Related Ortofon Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy an Ortofon 2MR Cartridge From Audio T?
The whole point of the 2MR range is correct cartridge and tonearm matching, so choosing the right body is every bit as important as choosing the stylus. Audio T can help check whether your turntable benefits from the reduced-height 2MR housing, fit and align the Fine Line stylus correctly and make sure the cartridge is partnered with the right MM phono stage.
- Rega cartridge compatibility advice
- Low-profile cartridge guidance
- 2M versus 2MR comparison
- Tonearm height and geometry advice
- Professional cartridge fitting and alignment
- Fine Line stylus alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Anti-skate adjustment
- MM phono-stage matching
- Capacitance and loading advice
- 2M stylus replacement guidance
- 2M stylus upgrade advice
- Turntable upgrade advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Ortofon 2MR Bronze is the right cartridge for your Rega or other low-profile turntable.