Help me choose a mono cartridge

Smoffatt - I don't know for sure - but suspect - the SE model is still available. You may want to check with Ortofon directly to find out. Or you could contact Acoustic Sounds or Needle Doctor.

I was in Austin a few weeks ago and visited Whetsone Audio. Brian DiFrank had a 2m in stock, but I don't know if it was an SE. He's a very accommodating fellow, and you might want to contact him at: brian@whetstoneaudio.com.

The SE version can only be purchased through the Ortofon WEB Store in Denmark as stated on their website. The SE is not sold through a dealer network brick and mortar or online.
Thanks

Has anyone heard the non-SE 2M Mono against the AT-33MONO? They're reasonably close in price; seems like someone might have checked out both before deciding which one to get.

The standard Ortofon 2M Mono runs about $350, and being MM, is high output. The AT-33MONO is low output. However, the AT-MONO3/LP is very similar but with relatively high output--1.2mV. I have that one and it doesn't need a step-up transformer.

The Ortofon 2M Mono, AT-33MONO, and AT-MONO3/LP all have spherical styli.

I know it's below the budget range under discussion, but I got my AT-MONO3/LP from Amazon for $112.65. It's a no-brainer at that price.

I really like the way this cartridge improves mono playback. Not only did it amp up the transparency and dynamics of my 2014 Beatles Mono LPs, it makes thrift shop mono pressings from the '50s and '60s sound excellent. Several were unplayably noisy with a stereo pickup, but are really quiet with the AT-MONO3/LP.

You will find a wide price range of mono carts on Acoustic Sounds, including Koetsu, Benz Ace, Denon, Shelter, Grado, Ortofon 2m and Quintet Mono versions, and Lyra Kleos.

Koetsu Black Mono will serve a musical reproduction with those records