After me the needle had broken off from my Ortofon "X3 mc" by accident I had been looking for a new pickup for my Thorens TD 280 (Mark 1). Since I was very pleased with my old Ortofon I had first looked for Ortofon pickups and then I came across the "2m Red" and "Blue 2m". Since I had read this before had the "2m Blue" Capacity problems with long cables, with me 3 meters from the turntable to the AV receiver (Denon 3805) or stereo amplifier (Accuphase E-205), I had myself first for the " 2m Red "decided. After 2 days delivery time was finally here. Connected pickups and adjusted with mask, mirror and tone arm. Then laid the first board and off we went. The "Red 2m" sounded pretty good after several Hördurchgängen and came almost up to the sound of my old "X3 mc". Compared I had a recording of "X3 mc" on my CD recorder last week. Of course, with the same plate !! I was really surprised how well a pickup under 100 euros may sound nowadays. My old "X3 mc" had indeed been nearly 24 years on the puckel !! Now I am thinking on whether I should not but get the "2m Blue" or even the "2m bronze" me. Despite all this, I can do that "2m Red" all ambizionierten beginners recommend some want more than just a pickup.