Michael Fremer

When readers ask why “they” no longer manufacture a really high quality moving magnet cartridge, I respond “Ortofon 2M Black” ($695). Its nude Shibata stylus delivers great detail, it’s an effective tracker at 1.5 grams and it outputs a generous 5mVs. Plus, based on years of experience reviewing the company’s output up and down the product line, it’s safe to say Ortofon delivers build quality uniformity at every price point. Oh, and the 2M Black is a sweet sounding, spectrally well-balanced cartridge.

Ortofon launched on a September 30th Facebook video the company's new MC Verismo cartridge. The previous day Ortofon's Leif Johannsen participated in a ZOOM interview with AnalogPlanet editor Michael Fremer and discussed the design and features of the new MC Verismo cartridge.

Ortofon's Chief Officer of Acoustics and Technology Leif Johannsen and Dee Hustinova, Ortofon U.S. General Manager stopped over today to show me a brand new Ortofon cartridge the design of which Leif has just completed. I can't talk about it or show it (that's why it's in his cupped hand).

Canada-born pianist Oscar Peterson was among jazz's most popular performers. HIs lyrical appeal crossed musical boundaries so that many people who didn't consider themselves jazz fans were fans of Oscar's.