Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Ortofon 2M red Phono Cartridge by Frank I

Model:	2M red
Category:	Phono Cartridge
Suggested Retail Price:	$99
Description:	MM
Manufacturer URL:	Ortofon

Review by Frank I on October 27, 2009 at 05:39:19
IP Address: 68.32.151.53 Add Your Review
for the 2M red

I purchased the Red model based on the glowing reviews in the Absolute sound and on the AA forums. After using the Benz Micro Glider on my VPI Hw19 Jr and Rega RB300 arm for the past 12 years I really didn't expect much. I am using the Outlaw 2150 RR as my main source driving my Revel F30 speakers.

I was initially surprised right out of the box on how good this cartridge performed. I now have about 100 hours and it is changed for the better. The cartridge sounds very dynamic in the mid range producing stunning vocals and good bass. This cartridge plays jazz and vocals extremely well giving up very little to my Benz Glider.

The red does a fine job and is really quite a bargain at this price point. The Red major weakness is in the tremble and in its ability to sort out Classical recordings. On these recording I notice a major difference from the Benz. The Benz glides and is able to reproduce the orchestra while the Red can be dry and less airy. But we are talking less than 100.00 bucks here.

The tracking ability of the Red is excellent and it is also very quiet. I am very impressed with this cartridge and would recommend it to anyone especially if you are into jazz and Pop. This cartridge simple performs way above its price point and is a great cartridge for people with limited resources to really enjoy vinyl. Great job Ortofon.

Product Weakness:	Highs and sorting out complex passages
Product Strengths:	Midrange

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Outlaw 2150 RR
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): VPI Hw 19 Jr
Speakers: Revel F30
Cables/Interconnects: MIT
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz Pop Classical
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Outlaw 2150 RR
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	VPI Hw 19 Jr
Speakers:	Revel F30
Cables/Interconnects:	MIT
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz Pop Classical
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner