Ortofon 2M Bronze

Brief description

The Ortofon 2M Bronze is one of the two top-of-the-line models in the Ortofon 2M series, a line of moving magnet (MM) cartridges. The system can be upgraded to the Ortofon 2M Black by replacing the needle insert. The system's housing shape was designed by Moeller Jensen Design. The model was the facets of a cut diamond.

Specifications

General

• Manufacturer: Ortofon
• Model: 2M Bronze
• Years of manufacture:
  • 2007 - ? (Red, Blue, Bronze, Black)
  • 2012 - ? (2M as "Verso" series, 2M Mono, 2M 78)
  • 2013 - ? (2M PnP series with integrated headshell)
• Made in: Denmark
• Colour: black / bronze
• Weight: 7.2 g
• Original price approx.: from 350,- EUR (RRP, as of: 2015)

Technical Data

• Principle: Moving Magnet (MM)
• Frequency response: 20 - 29,000 Hz (-3 dB)
• Channel separation: > 26 dB at 1 kHz
• Channel balance: < 1 dB at 1 kHz
• Crosstalk attenuation:
• Output voltage: 5 mV
• Terminating resistor: 47 kOhm at 150-300 pF
• Inductance: 630 mH
• Needle type: Fine Line(r/R: 8/40 µm), bare
• Recommended contact force: 15 mN
• Needle compliance: 22 µm/mN
• Scanning capability at 315 Hz: 80 µm

Special Features

• 2M Verso series with threaded studs
• 2M PnP series with integrated headshell
• System body made of Lexan DMX
• Pickup needle interchangeable with 2M Black
• Winding made of silver-plated OFC copper wire

Notes

Other models in the same series:

• Ortofon 2M 78
• Ortofon 2M Mono
• Ortofon 2M Mono SE
• Ortofon 2M Red
• Ortofon 2M Blue
• Ortofon 2M Bronze
• Ortofon 2M Black

Reports

• LP issue 4/2008

"... the bronze model first leans back in comparison to the lively Blue - in direct comparison it seems casually elegant, but this has nothing to do with the slightly lower output voltage. The interplay between the modified cabinet and generator on the one hand and the sharp Fine Line needle grind works so well that this spontaneous impression of absolute effortlessness arises and even as a merciless tester one succumbs to the temptation to just listen to music. Of course, the 2M Bronze also has its strengths - quite a lot of them: The low bass range is even more sovereign than with the Blue, the midrange is just as well balanced, but the available colour palette has become a bit wider. The greatest tonal gain comes from the sharp needle grind in the treble, which is the icing on the cake of the Ortofon's fascinating playing style. In terms of spatial extension of the stage, the Bronze remains more or less the same as the 2M Blue, but the accuracy of the placement of individual voices gains considerably. All in all, one has to concede that the 2M Bronze also pays off sonically for this price jump compared to the next smaller model..."

• Stereoplay issue 3/2010

Sound: top class Price/Performance: good

• • Overall rating: good (64 points)

"Compared to the Vinyl Master Silver (2/04) in the reference turntable Linn LP 12 ES Radikal (6/09) the Bronze sounded a little less subtle and not quite as coherent and expressive in the mids. But it built up more pressure in the bass and conveyed the treble a bit more radiantly.

Links

• Ortofon 2M Bronze, 2M Bronze Verso and 2M Bronze PnP