Audio T Verdict
The Ortofon 2MR Black is for anyone who wants the exceptional groove tracing of the 2M Black but needs a cartridge designed around a lower-profile tonearm. It combines the Nude Shibata stylus, aluminium cantilever and silver-plated OFC generator of the Black with Ortofon's purpose-designed 2MR housing, which is 3mm lower than a conventional 2M body.
That makes it particularly attractive for Rega turntables and other designs where tonearm height is fixed or difficult to adjust. Rather than fitting a taller cartridge and compensating with spacers beneath the tonearm, the 2MR Black is engineered to fit the application properly from the outset.
The Shibata stylus also makes this a cartridge that rewards careful setup. Give it accurate alignment, the recommended 1.5g tracking force and a capable MM phono stage and it can retrieve an extraordinary amount of information from the groove.
Ortofon 2MR Black
The Ortofon 2MR Black is a premium low-profile moving magnet cartridge designed for turntables and tonearms requiring a reduced cartridge height, including many Rega models.
It combines Ortofon's sophisticated Black generator and Nude Shibata stylus with an ultra-slim 2MR body that is 3mm lower than the conventional 2M housing.
- Premium low-profile moving magnet cartridge
- Part of Ortofon's 2MR range
- 3mm reduced-height cartridge housing
- Developed for low-profile tonearms
- Particularly suitable for many Rega applications
- Nude Shibata diamond stylus
- r/R 6/50µm 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
- 150 to 300pF recommended capacitance
- Half-inch mounting
- 6g cartridge weight
- User-replaceable stylus
- Direct replacement Stylus 2M Black
- 2M Black LVB 250 stylus upgrade available
What Makes the 2MR Black Different?
The 2MR Black takes the core performance of Ortofon's 2M Black and packages it in a body designed specifically around low-profile tonearms.
The cartridge housing is reduced in height by 3mm, helping it sit at the appropriate working angle on turntables where vertical tonearm adjustment is limited or unavailable.
The change is therefore primarily mechanical rather than a lower-performance version of the Black.
Designed for Rega and Other Low-Profile Tonearms
Many Rega tonearms use a fixed or largely fixed mounting height, making cartridge height particularly important.
Ortofon developed the 2MR format specifically for turntables and tonearms of this type, allowing the cartridge to integrate without automatically requiring spacers or other modifications beneath the tonearm.
Why Cartridge Height Matters
A cartridge affects the angle at which the tonearm sits when the stylus is in the groove. If the cartridge is significantly taller than the turntable was designed around, tonearm geometry can change. The reduced-height 2MR housing tackles that issue at the cartridge itself.
3mm Lower Than the Standard 2M Body
The 2MR cartridge housing is 3mm lower than Ortofon's standard 2M format.
Several millimetres at the headshell can make a meaningful difference to a fixed-height tonearm, particularly when using more advanced stylus profiles where accurate groove geometry matters.
2MR Black or Standard 2M Black?
The main decision is about which cartridge body is mechanically appropriate for your turntable.
2M Black
- Standard-height 2M body
- Nude Shibata stylus
- 5mV output
- 7.2g cartridge weight
- For conventional 2M installations
2MR Black
- 3mm reduced-height housing
- Nude Shibata stylus
- 5mV output
- 6g cartridge weight
- For low-profile installations
If your tonearm comfortably accommodates a standard 2M cartridge, the conventional Black remains appropriate. If cartridge height is an issue, particularly with a fixed-height Rega-style tonearm, the 2MR Black is the version designed specifically for that application.
Nude Shibata Diamond
The defining feature of the 2MR Black is its Nude Shibata diamond stylus.
Ortofon specifies stylus radii of r/R 6/50µm.
The Shibata profile has a very narrow tracing radius combined with an unusually broad contact area against the groove wall, allowing it to follow extremely fine modulation while distributing contact over a larger vertical area.
Why Shibata?
A record groove becomes increasingly difficult to trace as modulation becomes finer, particularly towards the inner grooves of an LP.
The Shibata's long, narrow contact profile is designed to follow these small changes accurately while maintaining extensive contact with the groove wall.
This allows the cartridge to retrieve very fine high-frequency and low-level information when correctly aligned.
Shibata Styli Reward Precise Setup
The 2MR Black deserves more care during installation than a basic Elliptical cartridge. Accurate overhang, offset angle, tracking force and anti-skate will help ensure the Shibata profile sits in the groove as intended.
A Nude Diamond
'Nude' means the stylus is formed directly from the diamond rather than using a smaller diamond tip attached to a separate metal shank.
Reducing unnecessary moving mass helps the stylus and cantilever respond more readily to rapid changes within the record groove.
Aluminium Cantilever
The Nude Shibata diamond is mounted on an aluminium cantilever.
The cantilever provides the mechanical link between the groove-tracing diamond and the moving magnet generator, transferring every small movement traced from the record.
Quad-Coil Generator
The 2MR Black uses Ortofon's high-performance quad-coil motor system.
The four-coil arrangement works with split pole pins to convert groove movement into the electrical signal sent to the phono stage.
Split Pole Pin Technology
Split pole pins are one of Ortofon's key moving magnet technologies.
The system is designed to reduce magnetic losses and improve linearity within the generator, helping a moving magnet design achieve highly accurate signal reproduction.
Silver-Plated OFC Coil Wire
The Black generator uses silver-plated oxygen-free copper coil wire.
This higher-specification motor system is shared with the Bronze/Black family and distinguishes it from the OFC generator used by Red and Blue.
Bronze and Black Share a Generator Family
Within Ortofon's intended stylus matching, Bronze, Black and Black LVB 250 form the natural higher-performance group. This makes the 2MR Bronze particularly easy to upgrade with a Black stylus and gives the 2MR Black a direct route to the Black LVB 250 stylus.
5mV Moving Magnet Output
The 2MR Black produces 5mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
This is a conventional moving magnet output, so the cartridge can be partnered with a suitable MM phono stage without requiring the high gain needed by a low-output moving coil cartridge.
Which Phono Stage Do I Need?
The 2MR Black is a moving magnet cartridge and should be connected to a suitable MM phono input.
Ortofon specifies a recommended load capacitance of 150 to 300pF.
Capacitance Includes More Than the Phono Stage
Total capacitive loading includes the tonearm wiring, phono cable and phono-stage input. Where adjustment is available, Audio T can help make sure the complete analogue front end falls within a sensible range.
80µm Tracking Ability
Ortofon specifies tracking ability at 80µm at 315Hz.
This reflects the sophisticated Shibata stylus and suspension assembly and its ability to remain securely in contact with demanding groove modulation.
22µm/mN Dynamic 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 complete 2MR Black weighs 6g, so both figures should be considered when checking compatibility.
1.5g Recommended Tracking Force
The dedicated Stylus 2M Black specification gives a tracking-force range of:
- Minimum: 1.4g / 14mN
- Recommended: 1.5g / 15mN
- Maximum: 1.7g / 17mN
For normal installation, use Ortofon's recommended 1.5g.
Don't Deliberately Under-Track
Reducing tracking force below the manufacturer's range does not automatically protect your records. A Shibata stylus that begins to mistrack can increase distortion and groove stress. Keep the cartridge within Ortofon's specified 1.4 to 1.7g range.
20-Degree Tracking Angle
Ortofon specifies a 20-degree tracking angle for the 2M Black stylus.
This makes sensible tonearm geometry particularly worthwhile, reinforcing the advantage of using the purpose-designed 2MR body on low-profile tonearms.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
The dedicated Black stylus specification gives a frequency response of +2 / -0dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
This is the current manufacturer specification for the Black stylus assembly.
6g Cartridge Weight
The complete 2MR Black weighs 6g.
This is lighter than the standard 2M Black body and should be taken into account when balancing the tonearm and setting tracking force.
Standard Half-Inch Mounting
The 2MR Black uses conventional half-inch mounting with two cartridge screws.
This gives it broad compatibility with suitable tonearms while retaining the reduced-height advantage of the 2MR format.
Replacing the 2MR Black Stylus
The direct manufacturer replacement is the Ortofon Stylus 2M Black.
It uses the same Nude Shibata profile, 6/50µm radii, 22µm/mN compliance and 1.5g recommended tracking force.
Because this is a moving magnet cartridge, the stylus can be replaced without removing the complete cartridge body from the tonearm.
No Need to Replace the Complete Cartridge
If the 2MR Black body is still in good condition and correctly aligned, a worn stylus can normally be replaced while leaving the cartridge itself securely mounted. Tracking force and anti-skate should still be checked after fitting the new stylus.
Bronze, Black and Black LVB 250 Stylus Family
Ortofon groups the Bronze, Black and Black LVB 250 styli together as the intended higher-performance interchangeability family.
- Stylus 2M Bronze: Nude Fine Line
- Stylus 2M Black: Nude Shibata
- Stylus 2M Black LVB 250: Nude Shibata with Boron cantilever and Nano Tube suspension
This means the 2MR Black has both a straightforward like-for-like replacement and a clear premium upgrade route.
Upgrade to 2M Black LVB 250 Stylus
The most significant stylus-only upgrade for a 2MR Black is the 2M Black LVB 250.
It retains the Nude Shibata diamond but moves from the standard Black's aluminium cantilever to a much stiffer and lighter Boron cantilever.
It also introduces Ortofon's Nano Tube suspension system, using a rubber compound incorporating Multi Wall Carbon Nano Tubes.
The LVB 250 stylus is officially recommended by Ortofon as an upgrade for the 2MR Black.
Reset Tracking Force After a Stylus Change
Different stylus assemblies can use different tracking-force specifications. Always reset tracking force to the specification of the stylus actually fitted rather than assuming the Black's 1.5g setting remains correct.
2MR Bronze or 2MR Black?
Bronze and Black share the same higher-specification generator family, so the main distinction lies at the record groove.
2MR Bronze
- Nude Fine Line stylus
- r/R 8/40µm
- Aluminium cantilever
- Silver-plated OFC coils
- 5mV output
- 22µm/mN compliance
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
2MR Black
- Nude Shibata stylus
- r/R 6/50µm
- Aluminium cantilever
- Silver-plated OFC coils
- 5mV output
- 22µm/mN compliance
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
The Black therefore gives you the more sophisticated groove-contact profile without changing the basic loading, output or tracking-force requirements of the Bronze/Black platform.
2MR Black or Black LVB 250?
The Black LVB 250 takes the basic Black concept further rather than replacing it with an entirely different cartridge philosophy.
2MR Black
- Nude Shibata diamond
- Aluminium cantilever
- 22µm/mN compliance
- Silver-plated OFC generator
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
Black LVB 250 Upgrade
- Nude Shibata diamond
- Boron cantilever
- Nano Tube suspension system
- Silver-plated OFC generator compatibility
- Premium stylus-only upgrade route
Ideal for a High-Performance Rega Setup
The 2MR Black is particularly interesting for a capable Rega turntable where you want a sophisticated MM cartridge without compromising tonearm height.
The reduced-height body tackles the mechanical fit while the Shibata stylus provides the resolution expected from the Black level of the 2M range.
That said, turntables can differ through mats, platters, tonearm upgrades and previous modifications, so individual compatibility should still be checked.
Professional Alignment Is Worthwhile
If you're investing in a Shibata cartridge, accurate setup is money well spent. Audio T can check the turntable geometry, fit the cartridge, align the Shibata profile and set tracking force and anti-skate correctly.
Key Features
- Ortofon 2MR Black
- Low-profile moving magnet cartridge
- 2MR cartridge housing
- 3mm reduced height
- Designed for low-profile tonearms
- Ideal for many Rega applications
- Half-inch mounting
- Nude Shibata stylus
- r/R 6/50µm stylus radii
- Aluminium cantilever
- Quad-coil generator
- Split pole pin technology
- Silver-plated OFC coil wire
- 5mV output voltage
- 80µm tracking ability at 315Hz
- 22µm/mN dynamic lateral compliance
- 1.4 to 1.7g tracking-force range
- 1.5g recommended tracking force
- 20-degree tracking angle
- 150 to 300pF recommended capacitance
- 6g cartridge weight
- Black stylus colour
- User-replaceable stylus
- Direct Stylus 2M Black replacement
- Bronze/Black/LVB 250 stylus family
- Black LVB 250 upgrade potential
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the Ortofon 2M Black or 2MR Black?
This Audio T product is the low-profile Ortofon 2MR Black.
Is the Ortofon 2MR Black still current?
Yes. Ortofon continues to list the 2MR Black within its current 2MR range.
What is the difference between 2M Black and 2MR Black?
The principal difference is the cartridge housing. The 2MR Black is 3mm lower and weighs 6g, making it better suited to low-profile and fixed-height tonearms such as many Rega designs.
Is the 2MR Black designed for Rega turntables?
Ortofon specifically developed the 2MR housing for turntables and tonearms requiring a low-form-factor cartridge, including Rega-style applications.
Does the 2MR Black require a Rega spacer?
The reduced-height body is designed to integrate into suitable low-profile turntables without tonearm spacers or modifications. Individual turntables should still be checked because mats, platters and previous modifications can alter geometry.
How much lower is the 2MR body?
Ortofon specifies a 3mm height reduction compared with the conventional 2M housing.
What stylus does the 2MR Black use?
A Nude Shibata diamond with r/R 6/50µm stylus radii.
What cantilever does it use?
Aluminium.
What coil wire does it use?
Silver-plated OFC coil wire.
What generator does it use?
A quad-coil moving magnet generator with Ortofon split pole pins.
What is the output voltage?
5mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
What phono stage do I need?
The 2MR Black is a moving magnet cartridge and requires a suitable MM phono input.
What capacitance does Ortofon recommend?
150 to 300pF.
What tracking force should I use?
Ortofon recommends 1.5g.
What is the tracking-force range?
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.
What is the frequency response?
The dedicated Stylus 2M Black specification gives +2 / -0dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
How much does the 2MR Black weigh?
6g.
What mounting system does it use?
Standard half-inch mounting using two cartridge screws.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
Yes. The 2MR Black is a moving magnet cartridge with a removable stylus assembly.
Which stylus is the direct replacement?
The genuine direct replacement is the Ortofon Stylus 2M Black.
Can I use a 2M Bronze stylus?
Yes. Bronze and Black belong to Ortofon's matched higher-performance stylus family, although moving from Black to Bronze changes the stylus profile from Nude Shibata to Nude Fine Line.
Can I upgrade the 2MR Black further?
Yes. The Ortofon Stylus 2M Black LVB 250 is the premium manufacturer-supported upgrade, adding a Boron cantilever and Nano Tube suspension system.
Are all 2M styli identical matches for the 2MR Black?
No. Although the 2MR housing is designed to accept 2M-style replacement styli, Ortofon groups Bronze, Black and Black LVB 250 together as the intended matched higher-performance family. These are the options we recommend considering first for a 2MR Black body.
Related Ortofon Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy an Ortofon 2MR Cartridge From Audio T?
The 2MR Black is a cartridge where proper matching and setup really matter. Audio T can help establish whether your turntable needs the reduced-height 2MR housing, align the Shibata stylus accurately and make sure the cartridge is partnered with the right moving magnet phono stage.
- Rega cartridge compatibility advice
- Low-profile cartridge guidance
- 2M versus 2MR comparison
- Tonearm height and geometry advice
- Professional cartridge fitting and alignment
- Shibata stylus alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Anti-skate adjustment
- MM phono-stage matching
- Capacitance advice
- 2M Black replacement stylus guidance
- 2M Black LVB 250 upgrade advice
- 2MR Bronze versus Black comparison
- Turntable upgrade advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Ortofon 2MR Black is the right cartridge for your Rega or other low-profile turntable.