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.

This is an outstanding cartridge for the price. Detailed, good definition, and able to hear individual instruments during loud passages. Sonic wise its up there with my Rega Aphelion. Highly recommend.

For a mid-priced cartridge, this 2M Bronze is really sweet. Very warm tones, yet crystal clear highs with amazing mids. The bass is solid and tight. This cartridge has sprung new life into some of my old LP's...it's like hearing them again for the first time.

I have enjoyed my Ortodon 2M red cartridge for a few years. After deliberating on whether to upgrade to blue (next in sequence from red) or to bronze (two steps ahead) lo and behold Amazon made it easier by knocking $100+ off of the price for bronze. The vast majority of the reviews are quite positive, with a few talking about a “break-in” period, which I don’t really get (someone mentioned it’s the ears that have to adjust not the actual cart?) but after installing this marvel of sound engineering today and giving it a good spin I am super glad that I made the move and really, the investment. INSTANTLY hearing more from the first needle drop (Firth of Fifth, from Genesis Second Out). Next was some Led Zeppelin (Song Remains The Same) followed by Steely Dan Gaucho. Just fantastic overall. Sound stage is broader, bass is punchier, vocals are right there. Cannot wait to make my way through my vinyl collection! And, if indeed there is a break in period and things will only improve from here, well I’m in for music nirvana. Way to go Ortofon on making such a great product and Amazon for putting it on sale.

Upgraded from the Blue to the Bronze and can tell you it is true... it is much better mostly with the highs. The one drawback is it will pick up any pops and clicks and magnify them , Just so ya know so not recommended unless you are playing a clean flawless record. A bad record will sound really bad. The plus side of this is the sound quality is amazing .

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.

This cart out performs most cartridges in it's price range and can compete with others in a higher price range and work just as good, if not better. If you only had a choice of 3 cartridges, this would be one for the collection.

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!