Ortofon
Ortofon 2M 78 Mono Cartridge for Shellac Records | The Grid
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Ortofon 2M 78 Mono Cartridge for Shellac Records | The Grid
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Overview
Ortofon 2M 78 Mono Phono Cartridge
Made for 78 RPM shellac records. 65 µm spherical stylus. True mono output.
The Ortofon 2M 78 is a dedicated moving magnet phono cartridge engineered for playing vintage 78 RPM shellac records. Its oversized 65 µm spherical diamond stylus is designed to track the wider grooves of shellac records, making it an essential component for collectors who want to enjoy their historic recordings on a modern turntable.
Unlike conventional stereo cartridges, the 2M 78 uses a strapped mono output that sends the same signal through both output channels. This allows mono playback through a standard stereo HiFi system without requiring a dedicated mono amplifier.
STYLUS RADIUS
65 µm
OUTPUT
4 mV
TRACKING FORCE
1.8 g
Key Features
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Dedicated mono cartridge for 78 RPM shellac records.
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65 µm spherical diamond stylus for wider record grooves.
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Strapped mono output compatible with stereo playback systems.
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Aluminum cantilever and 70 µm tracking ability.
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Replaceable stylus for continued cartridge use.
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Standard ½-inch mounting for compatible turntables.
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4 mV output for moving magnet phono stages.
Complete Technical Specifications
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Specification |
Ortofon 2M 78 |
|---|---|
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Cartridge type |
Moving magnet (MM) |
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Channel configuration |
Mono, strapped output |
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Intended record format |
78 RPM shellac |
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Stylus type |
Spherical diamond |
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Stylus tip radius |
R 65 µm |
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Cantilever material |
Aluminum |
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Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec |
4 mV |
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Frequency response, 20 Hz–20 kHz |
+3 / −1 dB |
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Tracking ability at 315 Hz |
70 µm |
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Dynamic lateral compliance |
18 µm/mN |
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Tracking force range |
1.6–2.0 g (16–20 mN) |
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Recommended tracking force |
1.8 g (18 mN) |
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Tracking angle |
20° |
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Internal impedance / DC resistance |
700 Ω |
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Internal inductance |
350 mH |
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Recommended load resistance |
47 kΩ |
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Recommended load capacitance |
150–300 pF |
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Mounting type |
Standard ½-inch |
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Cartridge weight |
7.2 g |
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Premounted version weight |
16.7 g |
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Cartridge color |
Black / Grey |
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Replacement stylus |
Ortofon Stylus 2M 78 |
Designed Specifically for 78 RPM Records
The Correct Stylus for Shellac
The 65 µm spherical diamond is substantially larger than the stylus used for modern microgroove LPs. It is designed to track the wider grooves found on 78 RPM shellac records.
True Mono, Standard Stereo Connections
The cartridge sends the same mono signal to both sets of output pins, allowing playback through conventional stereo phono stages and amplifiers.
Replaceable Stylus
The Stylus 2M 78 is the designated replacement. Ortofon also confirms stylus interchangeability between the 2M Mono and 2M 78 cartridge bodies.
Design and compatibility details from Ortofon.
Turntable Compatibility
The standard 2M 78 uses ½-inch mounting. Your turntable must also support 78 RPM operation to play shellac records at their intended speed.
Separate configurations include the 2M 78 Premounted for compatible S-shaped tonearms and the 2M 78 Verso for bottom-mount headshells.
Important: The 2M 78 is intended for 78 RPM shellac records, not conventional 33⅓ or 45 RPM microgroove vinyl. A suitable phono stage or playback system may also need the appropriate equalization for historic recordings.
Explore Ortofon at The Grid HiFi. Our Houston team can help with cartridge selection, turntable compatibility, and phono stage matching.
FAQs
Please read our FAQs page to find out more.
Do you price match?
Yes. We match any authorised dealer, including big-box retailers. If you find the same product at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free shipping on every order, with 2-day delivery available on most products. Easy returns and exchanges are included.
Where is your showroom?
We're at 6362 Alder Drive, Houston, Texas. The showroom lets you hear and compare reference-level systems in person before making any decisions. If you're considering a larger purchase or installation, it's well worth the visit.
Can I buy online without visiting the showroom?
Yes. The full product range is available through the online store with free nationwide shipping. For more complex system builds, speaking with one of our advisers first tends to lead to a better result.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Special financing is available through the BrandSource Credit Card for qualifying purchases, allowing you to spread payments over time with no annual fee. Promotional rebate savings are also available periodically. See the financing page for full details.
Do you install systems as well as sell equipment?
Yes — installation is central to what we do. We design and install whole-home audio and video, home theaters, media rooms, outdoor audio, lighting and motorised shades, and full smart home automation.
Do you provide support after installation?
Yes. We provide ongoing service and support to ensure systems continue performing as intended — not just on installation day, but over the long term.