2M Blue Cartridge Pre-mounted on SH-4
The Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted is a pre-assembled cartridge and phono cartridge set, designed for easy installation and superior sound performance. This set includes the renowned 2M Blue cartridge, known for its precision and musicality, mounted on the rigid aluminum SH-4 Black headshell.
Features of the 2M Blue Cartridge
Nude Elliptical Diamond
The stylus is a nude elliptical diamond. This diamond shape, more complex and expensive to produce than a spherical diamond, allows for more precise groove tracking and detailed high-frequency reproduction. The elliptical profile reduces distortion and offers improved dynamics.
Aluminum Cantilever
The cantilever, which supports the stylus, is made of aluminum. This rigid and lightweight material ensures excellent vibration transmission from the groove to the generator. The reduced mass of the cantilever allows for high responsiveness to high-frequency signals and rapid transients.
High Output Voltage
With an output voltage of 5.5mV at 1kHz, the 2M Blue delivers a generous signal, compatible with most phono stages integrated into amplifiers. This voltage ensures an excellent signal-to-noise ratio and does not require specific preamplification.
Extended Frequency Response
The frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a variation of +2/-1dB. This linear and extended response guarantees balanced and natural reproduction of the entire audio spectrum. The bass is ample and precise, the midrange is rich and detailed, and the highs are crystal clear without being harsh.
Features of the SH-4 Black Headshell
Rigid Aluminum Material
The SH-4 Black headshell is machined from a high-density aluminum alloy. This material provides excellent rigidity, essential for avoiding any parasitic vibrations and sound coloration. Aluminum also ensures good dissipation of the internal resonances of the cartridge.
Standard Half-inch Connectors
The headshell attachment is a standard half-inch type. This widely used connector allows for mounting on most tonearms on the market. The 2M Blue Premounted set is thus compatible with a large number of S-shaped tonearm turntables.
High-Quality Wiring
The headshell is equipped with high-purity copper internal wiring. This wiring ensures optimal signal transmission from the cartridge, minimizing losses and background noise. The quality of the soldering and connections guarantees long-term reliability.
Fine Adjustments Possible
Although the 2M Blue cartridge is pre-mounted and aligned at the factory, the SH-4 Black headshell allows for fine adjustments. The cartridge alignment can be adjusted using the oblong mounting holes. Azimuth and overhang are thus customizable for perfect adaptation to the tonearm.
Sound Qualities of the 2M Blue
Dynamics and Speed
Thanks to its elliptical diamond and aluminum cantilever, the 2M Blue stands out for its excellent dynamics. Note attacks are sharp and precise, without dragging or inertia. The cartridge reproduces transients and level variations with ease and naturalness.
The 2M Blue demonstrates great clarity across the entire spectrum. The highs are detailed and bright, without being aggressive or overly bright. The midrange is rich and nuanced, with a beautiful presence of voices and acoustic instruments. The cartridge resolves micro-information and ambiance with finesse.
Wide and Deep Soundstage
The 2M Blue recreates a wide and deep soundstage, with a beautiful layering of planes. The focus is precise, each instrument occupies a stable and coherent place. The space between the speakers is filled, providing a convincing “out of the speakers” effect.
The sound character of the 2M Blue is neutral and balanced. No frequency range artificially predominates, the tonal balance is natural. The cartridge respects the musical message without imparting a marked coloration. It knows how to disappear to let the music express itself.
Main Advantages of the 2M Blue Premounted
- Easy to mount and use thanks to pre-assembly on the headshell
- Precise groove tracking and detailed playback ensured by the nude elliptical diamond
- Dynamic and fast restitution linked to the aluminum cantilever
- Generous output voltage compatible with most MM phono stages
- Extended and balanced frequency response, without notable coloration
- Rigidity and neutrality of the high-density aluminum headshell
- Compatibility with a large number of tonearms and turntables
- Possibility of upgrading to 2M Bronze and 2M Black models by changing the diamond
