Understanding the Ortofon Range

Which Ortofon Cartridge Is Right For You?

Ortofon are one of the last remaining dedicated phono pick-up cartridge companies, and also one of the longest running. Thanks to their extensive experience, their current range boasts a wide variety of cartridges suited to a variety of budgets and music preferences, so are a must-visit brand when considering how to improve your vinyl record listening experience.

The difference a new cartridge can make to a vinyl-based hi-fi system is only rivalled by the upgrade of a whole new turntable. The cartridge is the device that reads the information within the vinyl groove, so is vitally important to the music quality you eventually hear. It therefore helps to understand what's on offer when purchasing a new model, and that's where this guide can help.


Which Series Should I Consider?

Ortofon is made up of three core ranges, which are easily understood by their use of a colour-coded naming system. The 2M moving magnet (MM)* and Quintet and Cadenza moving coil (MC)* ranges are split into four stereo models - Red, Blue, Bronze and Black (mono models are also available). 

In addition to these ranges, Ortofon also continue to offer cartridges from their long-standing OM range, which are an ideal gateway into hi-fi sound, and also perfectly suited to tonearms that require a low-mass cartridge. At the other end of the scale, the Exclusive Series represents the very best of what is possible from a high-end pick-up cartridge.

Ortofon also continue to produce a number of replacement styli for historical Moving Magnet cartridges.

*To learn more about the differences between MM and MC cartridges, visit our information page here.

Ortofon 2M Series Logo

2M isn’t just another pretty face. It has been engineered to the highest standards and represents Ortofon’s unrelenting commitment to providing the most precise and accurate reproduction possible without colouration. Named after the abbreviation of moving magnet (MM) and shaped to match the facets of a diamond, each 2M model features class-leading technology and exceptional value.

Ortofon Quintet Series Logo

The Quintet range approaches the affordable moving coil market in the same way as 2M approaches the moving magnet market. Offering incredible value and quality, each Quintet model features a special ABS body, neodymium magnets and low internal impedance for ease of set-up and use, making a great entry point into the world of moving coils.

Ortofon Cadenza Series Logo

The Cadenza range is considered amongst the best moving coils available today. Following on from Ortofon's iconic Kontrapunkt line, each model features a striking aluminium housing with recessed connectors for neat tonearm mounting. With other advances in the winding and generator system design, new heights have been achieved - making true high-end playback accessible to more vinyl lovers than ever before.


What do the Colours Mean?

All the models in Ortofon’s 2M, Quintet and Cadenza ranges are distinguished by their colour. The colour represents not only each model's price position in the range but also its unique sonic characteristics. Below, the typical sound performance for each colour is described, in price-ascending order:

Red Cartridges

Good harmonic sound from a good value-for-money cartridge. The Red models always represent the entry-level cartridge in a range.
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2M Red

Moving Magnet Cartridges & Styli

From £65.00

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Quintet Red

Moving Coil Cartridges

£319.00

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Cadenza Red

Moving Coil Cartridges

£1199.00


Blue Cartridges

More precise sound than a Red cartridge; Blue cartridges tend to have a higher frequency bandwidth for a more ‘direct’ sound.
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2M Blue

Moving Magnet Cartridges & Styli

From £139.00

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Quintet Blue

Moving Coil Cartridges

£459.00

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Cadenza Blue

Moving Coil Cartridges

£1649.00


Bronze Cartridges

Bronze cartridges tend to have a more damped and romantic sound, suiting them particularly well to classical compositions
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2M Bronze

Moving Magnet Cartridges & Styli

From £269.00

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Quintet Bronze

Moving Coil Cartridges

£625.00

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Cadenza Bronze

Moving Coil Cartridges

£1999.00


Black Cartridges

Black cartridges always represent the top of a range, and as a result, they offer the best of everything. They read a lot more of the groove, offering a more balanced and ‘truer’ musical performance than any other competitor product. They are strictly true to Ortofon's mantra of "Accuracy in Sound".
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2M Black

Moving Magnet Cartridges & Styli

From £435.00

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2M Black LVB 250

Moving Magnet Cartridges & Styli

From £699.00

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Quintet Black S

Moving Coil Cartridges

£875.00

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Cadenza Black

Moving Coil Cartridges

£2449.00


Exclusive Series

All Exclusive Series cartridges are identifiable by their silver body elements. This silver hue is a result of the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) construction process, where titanium has been chosen for its optimal sonic characteristics.
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MC Windfeld TI

Moving Coil Cartridges

£4399.00

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MC Verismo

Moving Coil Cartridges

£5749.00

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MC Diamond

Moving Coil Cartridges

£7349.00