Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

I've been using an Ortophon 2m Blue cartridge on my Fluance RT-85 for about two years now. I've always thought it was an excellent cartridge for the money, especially since the stylus is replaceable. Recently, though, I got the itch to upgrade, and I thought the 2m Bronze would be the logical choice. I pulled the trigger about a month ago, and I don't regret it.If you're used to the 2m Blue, I think you'll definitely find that the sound of the Bronze is clearly better, even without break-in. Although as I say the Blue is a great cartridge, the Bronze is--to my ears--better in all of the important areas: more definition, a better soundstage, and better dynamics. I only have about thirteen hours on mine so far, but I don't find it to be noticeably harsh even though it's relatively new. I'm really pleased that I upgraded, and at least for me spending a little bit more money does yield a significant improvement in performance.Some have noted that the Bronze is less forgiving when it comes to surface noise than the Blue, and I would have to agree. However, I chalk this up to the improved resolution that goes with the finer stylus. Still, I don't mind this because the better sound quality more than makes up for it. It may be noticeable, but for me it's not an issue.If you like the Ortophon sound and want to step up from the Red or Blue, I think you'll find the Bronze well worth the money. I'm sold. Also, on my Fluance--which was already set up for an Ortophon--replacement was a breeze. It took me less than ten minutes to install and align mine. It was probably the easiest cart switch I've ever done.Update: I've now been using the 2m Bronze for about 100 hours. Shortly after I wrote my first review, I became a little concerned that the Bronze was revealing more surface noise on my older records than did the 2m Blue. However, at around 50-60 hours of use I noticed that it had really started to break in and was much more forgiving. My verdict--give this cart at least 50 hours before you decide what you think about it. In my experience, after break in it still retains the increased detail but "mellows out" a bit when it comes to surface noise. A somewhat expensive upgrade, but the cartridge is probably the best sound improvement you can make to a turntable. I'm still sold.

I like the Ortofon balanced sound, second I went from the red to the blue to this bronze. I thought that it would be a 10 to 15% better sound, was I wrong: more like a 40% better sound! No more and really not much less than a 40%, with a larger and deeper sound stage, the mid on up through the highs are brought forward with less distortion or as you say less Sibelius. The sound is around you, kind of like a holographic sound. You will hear it in the first few seconds. I don't write reviews unless my jaw was dropping. I will give it a year and then buy the next stylus up, the Shibata!

Exceptional sound from this stylus. Separation and stage is just what I was after. It's great out of the box, but really starts to come alive after 150ish play hours. Very happy!

I have enjoyed the stock Ortofon 2M Red for a few years. I thought I’d eventually upgrade to the 2M Blue stylus since they share the same cartridge. When I decided to upgrade, I chose to jump to the 2M Bronze cartridge instead. I am glad I did. Remarkable! Higher highs, lower lows. It’s very revealing and well balanced. I am hearing new details in music I have enjoyed for decades. I am overjoyed with this choice.

20+ hours of use: Both the Ortofon 2M Blue & the 2M Bronze are nice cartridges. You'll find pleasure and a smile on your face listening to records with either. Ortofon puts out nice cartridges and you're going to hear great sound out of them with a good system. I'm playing my vinyls off a Dual CS 618Q turntable and out of a pair of Wharfedale Elysian 2 speakers and a Marantz Cinema 40 AVR. Haven't really noticed any discernible improvement on the 2M Bronze over my Ortofon 2M Blue. Several reviews mention the Ortofon 2M Bronze having a "thin" sound. I have to agree. The added depth and warmth I've been searching for in a higher end cartridge hasn't been there for me in the 2M Bronze. "Tangled Up in Blue" on Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" lp actually sounds not as good as it did on my 2M Blue. Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" sounds a bit better on the 2M Bronze. I can hear more flavor on the horns. Joni Mitchell's "Court & Spark" sounds outstanding on both of them. Haven't played any live orchestral music on either. Haven't heard an Ortofon Black or Black LVB, but I'm going to take the leap and buy one or the other. I give the 2M Bronze a 4 star - versus a 5 star - only because of not hearing a lot of difference between it and the 2M Blue, not because of a lack of quality. Both the Ortofon 2M Blue & 2M Bronze are top-notch cartridges. You might hear a noticeable difference between the two, I didn't.

I purchased a Project Debut Carbon last year with the default Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. After a few months and much review reading, I decided to buy a 2M Blue stylus from Amazon, which is compatible with the Red cartridge. There was a noticeable but moderate improvement in sound, and the more I used the cartridge the better it sounded. After a lot more review reading and coveting, I decided to bite the budget bullet and order the 2M Bronze cartridge from Amazon. I received it in two days shipping (from coast to coast) and installed it immediately. Both my brother and I noticed the difference instantly, without waiting through a break-in period, so it may only get better. A very noticeable improvement in sound, with much better clarity and a better soundstage. The highs seem somewhat better, and the base is about like before, very good. I also hear less needle dragging through the tracks The snaps, crackles and pops of old LPs are still there, but sound a little tighter. If I could do this over, I'd go straight from Red to Bronze and skip the expense of the mid step. My brother and I couldn't stop listening, it was that good.