The Ortofon 2MR Mono sits within the 2MR series, which adapts the engine and stylus assemblies of the popular 2M moving magnet range to a narrow, low-profile housing intended for Rega-style tonearms. The 2MR Mono is the dedicated mono variant, engineered for microgroove mono LP records pressed at 33⅓ and 45 RPM rather than the 78 RPM shellac handled by the 2MR 78.
R-Mount Housing
The 2MR housing has been specifically designed for turntables and tonearms with low-form-factor cartridge requirements, such as those produced by Rega. Its narrow body integrates without modifications or spacers beneath the tonearm, allowing fitment using just two screws. This makes installation noticeably simpler on Rega and similar arms compared to a standard half-inch mount.
True Mono Engine and Spherical Stylus
The 2MR Mono carries forward the true-mono engine used elsewhere in the mono cartridge family. Its coils respond only to lateral groove modulation, suppressing the vertical noise component present on mono pressings and producing a quieter, more focused presentation than a stereo cartridge wired for mono. The stylus is a nude spherical diamond with an R 18 µm tip radius, sized to sit correctly in the microgroove of mono LPs. Output voltage is 4 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec, suitable for any standard MM phono input.
Tracking and Compatibility
Ortofon recommend a tracking force of 1.8 g, within a permissible range of 1.6 to 2.0 g. Dynamic lateral compliance is rated at 18 µm/mN, suiting the medium-mass tonearms typical of Rega and comparable decks. The cartridge presents a 47 kΩ load impedance and 150 to 300 pF capacitance to the phono stage, in line with the standard 2M series.
