Pro-Ject A2 Replacement Needle
Belt drive · Automatic · 33, 45 and 78 rpm · Needs a phono preamp
Covers the A2 (2M Red) and A2 (Sumiko Rainier).
Which version do you have?
If you have the A2 (2M Red)
The needle you need
Stylus 2M Red
The A2 (2M Red) takes the Ortofon Stylus 2M Red needle.
- Named by Pro-Ject as the replacement
- Elliptical tip
If you have the A2 (Sumiko Rainier)
The needle you need
RS Rainier
The A2 (Sumiko Rainier) takes the Sumiko RS Rainier needle.
- Named by Pro-Ject as the replacement
Upgrades that fit the A2
Ortofon makes the Stylus 2M Blue, with an elliptical tip, which fits the same 2M Red cartridge. It pushes into the same body as the standard Stylus 2M Red, so you change only the needle. The standard Stylus 2M Red has an elliptical tip.
Stylus 2M Blue
Elliptical tip · Diamond
New cartridge instead?
The A2 (2M Red) takes cartridges with a standard half-inch mount. We have not found a cartridge weight range for its tonearm, so check the weight of a new cartridge with Pro-Ject before you buy.
Do you need a phono preamp?
A phono preamp boosts the very quiet signal from the cartridge.
The A2 has none built in, so it needs an amplifier or speakers with a phono input, or a separate phono preamp.
Speakers that work with the A2
Each of these has its own phono input, so the A2 plugs in without a separate phono preamp.
MR1 Mk3
Also has an optical input, for a TV.
Coda W
Has a subwoofer output, if you want more bass later.
The Fives
Takes Bluetooth from a phone too.
Key facts: Pro-Ject A2
All versions
- DriveBelt drive
- OperationAutomatic
- Speeds33, 45 and 78 rpm
- Cartridge mountHalf-inch
- Built-in phono preampNo
- BluetoothNo
- USBNo
- Dust coverYes
- PlatterAluminium
- Power supply15V DC / 0.8A power supply
- Size (W × D × H)430 × 365 × 150 mm
- Weight7.3 kg
What differs between versions
| Fact | A2 (2M Red) | A2 (Sumiko Rainier) |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge | 2M Red | Rainier |
Versions of the A2
| Version | Status | Needle |
|---|---|---|
| A2 (2M Red) | Current | Stylus 2M Red |
| A2 (Sumiko Rainier) | Current | RS Rainier |
Other record players that take the Stylus 2M Red
How to change the needle on the A2
With the arm on its rest, hold the 2M Red cartridge still, pull the old needle straight forward off its front, then push the Stylus 2M Red on until it seats fully.
We take these details from Pro-Ject's own website and check them carefully, but makers change parts and part numbers, and we may miss an update. Before you buy, check the part on Pro-Ject's official website. If you spot an error, please tell us.
Questions about the A2
Does the A2 need a separate phono preamp?
Yes. The A2 has no phono preamp built in, so it needs one for its 2M Red cartridge, a moving magnet type. Use an amplifier with a phono input, powered speakers with a phono input, or a separate phono preamp.
Is there an upgrade needle for the A2?
Yes. Ortofon makes the Stylus 2M Blue, with an elliptical tip, which fits the same 2M Red cartridge. The standard Stylus 2M Red has an elliptical tip.
Can I fit a different cartridge to the A2?
Yes. The A2 has a standard half-inch mount, so you can swap the 2M Red cartridge for another of the same mount.
Can the A2 play 78 rpm records?
Yes. The A2 plays at 33, 45 and 78 rpm.
Do all versions of the A2 take the same needle?
No. The A2 (2M Red) takes the Stylus 2M Red. The A2 (Sumiko Rainier) takes the RS Rainier.