Ortofon 2M Mono

[FreddieFerric]

I have this idea that my next audio related purchase (aside from music) will be a mono cart for my Technics SL-1210 MK V. I've been picking up a few of the new Mono reissues and figured a dedicated mono cart would be the best approach. It would fit my setup since I'm running 2 TT's and the McIntosh preamp handles both MM and MC simultaneously.

I've noticed that Ortofon also has a 2M Mono SE version that they say was released specifically to commemorate the 2014 Beatles Mono box set. The markup on that cartridge is nearly $300 more than the standard 2M Mono.

So, it begs the question: What's the real differences beside product diversification. Is it worth the extra money? And, most importantly; why?

Has anyone here heard or used both by any chance. I try to be somewhat frugal with my audio purchases, so not interested in wasting money just because it's Beatles thing. And no, I don't own that box set.

[Maks]

I looked into this a bit ago and bought a regular Ortofon 2M Mono to start the journey; the biggest difference I could tell between the two is the shape of the stylus. So it's not just a special Beatles cart. The SE stylus seems to have the same specs as the 2M Black and IIRC a reviewer said it's the same, though I cannot confirm that. I've not compared the two, but the short story is I went with the standard edition due to how I intend to use the cart (long explanation available upon request). If I was choosing a MM mono cart to use with my Mc pre as you are, I'd probably shell out the extra cash for the SE. Especially since your stereo cart is the SS Paua (I have one as well), you might as well spend the extra cash which in the grand scheme of this hobby isn't a lot.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Maks

I looked into this a bit ago and bought a regular Ortofon 2M Mono to start the journey; the biggest difference I could tell between the two is the shape of the stylus. So it's not just a special Beatles cart. The SE stylus seems to have the same specs as the 2M Black and IIRC a reviewer said it's the same, though I cannot confirm that. I've not compared the two, but the short story is I went with the standard edition due to how I intend to use the cart (long explanation available upon request). If I was choosing a MM mono cart to use with my Mc pre as you are, I'd probably shell out the extra cash for the SE. Especially since your stereo cart is the SS Paua (I have one as well), you might as well spend the extra cash which in the grand scheme of this hobby isn't a lot.

Interesting observations and thanks for the reply. The Ortofon website suggest the body material of the SE version is different from the regular 2m Mono. Unless I'm reading it wrong.

Are you pleased with the regular 2M Mono's sonic performance?

[Maks]

I'm happy w/the 2M Mono, but it is being used on my secondary TT that I mainly use for 78s so that is the reason I went with the standard version over the SE. I'm not sure I'd gain the full sonic advantages of the SE, plus I got a killer deal on it. I. Basically the deciding factors for me were that my mono rig is not really up to par with my main TT and the C2300's phono pre, so I didn't want to shell out big bucks to play my older mono LPs and 45s. If I'm playing new mono reissues I generally just use my VPI HW-40 w/the Paua. I wouldn't say there's a right or wrong, but since you've got a SL-1210 going in to a nice Mc, the extra $300 won't matter after a year. I don't think you can go wrong either way.