Ortofon

Ortofon 2M 78 Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge 78RPM

4.4 (48 reviews)

Rediscover Your 78 RPM RecordsThe Ortofon 2M 78 Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge is designed specifically for playing 78 rpm shellac records. It features a spherical stylus optimized for the wider grooves of these vintage records, delivering authentic sound and preserving your valuable collection. K...

$169.99*
In Stock on Amazon.com
View on Amazon

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

Rediscover Your 78 RPM Records

The Ortofon 2M 78 Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge is designed specifically for playing 78 rpm shellac records. It features a spherical stylus optimized for the wider grooves of these vintage records, delivering authentic sound and preserving your valuable collection.

Key Features

  • Specialized Design: Specifically designed for 78 rpm shellac records.
  • Spherical Stylus: R 65µm Spherical diamond stylus for accurate playback.
  • Universal Fit: Compatible with most turntables.

Specifications

  • Output Voltage: 4mV at 1000Hz, 5cm/sec
  • Frequency Range: 20-20,000 Hz at -3dB
  • Tracking Ability: 70 µm at 315Hz at recommended tracking force
  • Compliance, Dynamic, Lateral: 18 µm/mN
  • Stylus Type: Spherical
  • Stylus Tip Radius: R 65 µm
  • Tracking Force Range: 1.5-2 g (16-20 mN)
  • Recommended Tracking Force: 1.8 g (18 mN)
  • Internal Impedance: 700 Ohm
  • Internal Inductance: 350 mH
  • Recommended Load Resistance: 47 kOhm
  • Recommended Load Capacitance: 150-300 pF
  • Tracking Angle: 20°
  • Cartridge Weight: 7 g

Key Features

Universal fit for most turntables

Ortofon True Mono cartridge

For playback of 78 rpm shellac records

Ortofon 2M 78 uses a strapped output to deliver the same output signal from both sets of pole pins

Features a R 65µm Spherical diamond that is perfect for playback of 78 rpm shellac records, which require a larger stylus profile

Specifications

Model
2M 78
Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet (MM)
Compatibility
Most turntables (universal fit)
Record Type Compatibility
78 rpm shellac records only
Stylus Type
R 65µm Spherical diamond
Output
Strapped for True Mono signal

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Features a universal fit, making it compatible with most turntables on the market.
  • Specifically designed with a R 65µm Spherical diamond stylus for optimal playback of 78 rpm shellac records.
  • Functions as a True Mono cartridge, ensuring accurate reproduction of monophonic recordings.
  • Utilizes a strapped output design to deliver identical output signals from both sets of pole pins.
  • Its larger stylus profile is ideally suited for the wider grooves of vintage 78 rpm records.

👎 Cons

  • Exclusively designed for 78 rpm shellac records, limiting its use for standard 33/45 rpm vinyl.
  • The R 65µm Spherical diamond stylus is not suitable for modern microgroove vinyl records.
  • Functions as a True Mono cartridge, meaning it will not produce stereo sound from stereo records.
  • Does not specify other technical details like tracking force range or output voltage.
  • Requires careful handling due to the delicate nature of phono cartridges and styli.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ortofon 2M 78 cartridge is specifically designed for the playback of 78 rpm shellac records, which require a larger stylus profile.
No, this cartridge features a R 65µm Spherical diamond stylus that is perfect for 78 rpm shellac records and is not suitable for standard vinyl.
As an Ortofon True Mono cartridge, it uses a strapped output to deliver the same output signal from both sets of pole pins, optimizing for monophonic sound reproduction.
The Ortofon 2M 78 cartridge is designed for a universal fit, making it compatible with most turntables.
It features a R 65µm Spherical diamond stylus, which is specifically chosen for its ability to properly track the wider grooves found on 78 rpm shellac records.