Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 Moving Magnet Cartridge Announced
Ortofon is celebrating what would have been Beethoven's 250th birthday with an exclusive model of its 2M Black cartridge.
Ortofon's 2M Black LVB 250, as its name suggests, is an enhanced version of the company's much-lauded 2M Black flagship phono cartridge produced to celebrate the 250th anniversary Ludwig von Beethoven's birth.
The 7.2 gram 2M Black LVB 250 uses he 2M Black's Nude Shibata diamond on a Boron cantilever, as enjoyed by the acclaimed MC Cadenza Black cartridge.
The Nude Shibata stylus's slim, highly polished profile (r/R 6/50 µm) allows for an exceedingly wide contact area. Additionally, thanks to the extremely stiff and lightweight Boron cantilever, we're told to expect remarkable transparency, speed and responsiveness as well as a 20Hz-20kHz + 2 / - 1 dB frequency response.
Furthermore, the 2M Black LVB 250 sports a new rubber compound for the suspension system based on the Multi-Wall Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNT) highly efficient nanofiller. Apparently, the unique MWCNT-based mix offers desirable mechanical properties, which ensure better damping and improve the overall performance of the cartridge.
Also, the word is that the new MWCNT rubber compound allows for more environmental-friendly production, which can never be a bad thing.
The Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 requires a recommended tracking force of 1.6 grams (the standard black needs 1.5g) and 20° tracking angle where its tracking ability at 315Hz is said to be 80 µm. The output voltage is quoted as being 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec. - 5 mV.
Improved channel balance at 1 kHz is given as < 1 dB. Also, channel separation is better than the standard 2M Black with quoted figures of 1 kHz > 27 dB, and at 15 kHz, - 15 dB. The 2M Black LVB has a recommended load resistance of 47 kOhm and recommended load capacitance of 150-300 pF.
Additionally, as the styli on the 2M Bronze and 2M Black are interchangeable with the one fitted on the 2M Black LVB 250, this may also be of interest to current cartridge owners looking for an upgrade path.
The Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 cartridge is expected to be available in February 2021, and will sell for AUD $1799 / NZD $1999.
Visit Ortofon for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
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