What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
Fri, Mar 25 2011, 11:24AM
Ortofon 2M Black
£
460
For those after a powerful, yet fun-loving performance, this Ortofon should be a must-listen
Write your own reviewFor
Very detailed, impressive transparency, insightful
Against
Bass lacks some definition
The 2M Black is the top of Ortofon’s 2M range. At 7.2g it’s a heavy shelled cartridge, and has a relatively light recommended tracking force of 1.5g.
Following running in, it showed real power and dynamics, as well as crisp timing.
A very transparent and detailed stylus, the Ortofon handles subtlety well, with vocals especially possessing supreme inflection and insight.
The midrange is expressive, and the treble is insightful and vivid. Bass lacks a little definition compared with the higher frequencies, but that’s only a minor quibble.
Take care with matching if you’ve a bright-sounding system.
But if you’re looking for downright oomph and fun, the Ortofon 2M Black is where it’s at.