Perfect! Here’s the listing for the Pro-Ject Pick-It S2 MM:
Pro-Ject Pick-It S2 MM Cartridge — Excellent Condition | Stylus Guard Included | Fully Tested
This is a Pro-Ject Pick-It S2 MM moving magnet phono cartridge, manufactured by Ortofon to Pro-Ject’s specifications and voiced by the Pro-Ject design team. The Pick-It S2 MM represents a collaboration between two respected names in analogue playback, combining Ortofon’s manufacturing expertise with Pro-Ject’s product development philosophy of prioritising musical performance over specification-sheet appeal. This particular example was tested by Andrew in our workshop and presents in excellent condition with minimal signs of use, complete with its protective stylus guard.
Condition: Grade A — Excellent
This Pick-It S2 MM is in excellent condition throughout with minimal wear. The semi-transparent grey cartridge body shows no significant marks or damage. The elliptical stylus is clean and undamaged with no visible wear to the tip or cantilever. The four connection pins are clean and free from corrosion. The threaded mounting holes are in perfect condition. The stylus guard is present and intact. Please refer to our photographs for a full assessment of cosmetic condition.
Key Features
The Pick-It S2 MM employs Ortofon’s split pole pin technology, a design feature normally reserved for higher-specification cartridges in the Ortofon range. Split pole pins reduce eddy current losses caused by magnetic hysteresis, allowing for extended high-frequency response and improved phase linearity. This technology was originally introduced with Ortofon’s 500 Series and became the distinguishing feature between their Super OM and standard OM cartridge lines. By incorporating split pole pins into an affordable moving magnet design, the Pick-It S2 MM achieves a frequency response characteristic that compares favourably with moving coil cartridges, delivering superior treble output with a dynamic and warm sound.
The cartridge uses a robust cantilever derived from professional DJ cartridge designs, chosen for durability without compromising sonic performance. Whilst DJ-specification components might seem incongruous in a Hi-Fi context, the stronger cantilever provides practical benefits: improved resistance to damage from handling errors during installation, better tracking stability under dynamic musical passages, and longer service life. The elliptical stylus tip provides detailed sound reproduction and expansive imaging, tracing record grooves with precision whilst maintaining excellent trackability.
The 7mV output voltage is notably higher than typical moving magnet designs, which commonly deliver 5–5.5mV. This elevated output provides compatibility with a wider range of phono stages, including those with lower gain or noisier input circuitry where the additional signal headroom proves beneficial. The higher output also makes the Pick-It S2 MM particularly well-suited to budget phono preamplifiers and entry-level systems where phono stage performance may be the limiting factor.
The cartridge body uses standard half-inch mounting with threaded holes for simplified installation. Unlike cartridges requiring separate mounting hardware, the threaded holes accept bolts directly, eliminating the need for fiddly nuts on the underside of the headshell and making alignment adjustments significantly easier. The Pick-It S2 MM is compatible with replacement styli from the Ortofon 2M series, allowing for future upgrades to 2M Blue or 2M Bronze styli if desired, though the extent of sonic improvement when upgrading styli on the S2 body is debated among enthusiasts due to the different generator specifications.
Technical Specifications (Source: Pro-Ject manufacturer specifications and published documentation)
- Type: Moving Magnet (MM) phono cartridge
- Generator Technology: Split pole pins (Ortofon design)
- Stylus Type: Special Elliptical
- Stylus Tip Radius: 8 x 18 µm
- Cantilever: DJ-specification robust design
- Output Voltage: 7mV at 1000Hz, 5cm/sec
- Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz (+3/-1dB)
- Channel Separation: Not specified by manufacturer
- Tracking Ability: 70µm at 315Hz at recommended tracking force
- Compliance (Dynamic, Lateral): 20µm/mN
- Tracking Force Range: 1.6–2.0g (16–20mN)
- Recommended Tracking Force: 1.8g (18mN)
- Tracking Angle: 20°
- Internal Impedance (DC Resistance): 1.3kΩ
- Internal Inductance: 700mH
- Recommended Load Resistance: 47kΩ
- Recommended Load Capacitance: 150–300pF
- Mounting Standard: Half-inch with threaded holes
- Weight: 7.2g
- Cartridge Colour: Semi-transparent grey body / red stylus carrier
- Country of Manufacture: Denmark (Ortofon facility)
- Stylus Compatibility: Ortofon 2M series (Red, Blue styli confirmed compatible)
Important Owner’s Notes
The Pick-It S2 MM uses standard moving magnet connection via four pins at the rear of the cartridge body. Wire routing and connection quality significantly affect performance, particularly with the higher output voltage where signal strength is less critical but noise pickup remains a concern. Ensure headshell wires are in good condition, properly dressed away from the tonearm’s earthing wire where possible, and securely connected to the cartridge pins.
The recommended tracking force of 1.8g falls within the range typical of modern moving magnet designs. Tracking too lightly risks mistracking on dynamic passages and increases stylus wear, whilst tracking too heavily accelerates record wear and may compromise high-frequency tracking ability. A proper stylus force gauge is strongly recommended for accurate setup, as tonearm counterweight markings can be inaccurate.
The recommended load capacitance of 150–300pF includes the capacitance of the tonearm wiring and phono cable combined. Most tonearm/cable combinations contribute 100–200pF, meaning an additional 50–100pF may be required at the phono stage input for optimal frequency response. Excessive capacitance causes treble lift and potential high-frequency instability, whilst insufficient capacitance may result in rolled-off treble. Many vintage and specialist phono stages include adjustable input capacitance; most budget designs do not.
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, we are well placed to assess and test equipment of this type. Every item we list is fully inspected and tested before sale — this cartridge was checked by Andrew in our workshop.
When you buy from us you can expect:
- Full inspection and testing prior to listing — not simply a visual check
- A 3-month guarantee on every item we sell
- Transparent descriptions with no omissions
- Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery
- After-sales support available by phone or email should you have any questions
Summary
This is a well-preserved example of the Pro-Ject Pick-It S2 MM, a thoughtfully engineered moving magnet cartridge that delivers performance beyond its modest price point through the incorporation of Ortofon’s split pole pin technology and a robust DJ-derived cantilever. The higher 7mV output provides excellent compatibility with a wide range of phono stages, whilst the elliptical stylus offers detailed tracking and musical engagement. In excellent condition with minimal wear, complete with stylus guard, and fully tested, this Pick-It S2 MM represents a sensible choice for anyone seeking an affordable cartridge that combines practicality with genuine sonic merit. Compatible with Pro-Ject turntables and any tonearm accepting standard half-inch cartridge mounting. This is a single-unit listing. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
