Launched in 2016, the Audio-Technica AT-VM phono cartridges range formed an excellent affordable solution for vinyl enthusiasts. This year, the Japanese manufacturer has renewed the series with several enhancements to make the most of its proprietary VM Dual Magnet technology. Here’s what you need to know about the Audio-Technica AT-VMx range.
AT-VMx, a range for all enthusiasts
The Audio-Technica AT-VMx phono cartridge range comprises seven stereo and two mono models. It’s aimed at all vinyl enthusiasts, with a range of interchangeable styli that make it easy to upgrade a vinyl system.
While the housings of the AT-VM530xEN, AT-VM520xEB and AT-VM510xCB models are made of polymer, they also accept replacement styli from higher-end models, such as the Shibata or Special Line Contact styli in the AT-VM750xSH and AT-VM760xSL models. This compatibility allows music lovers to upgrade their system’s capabilities to suit their current budget, without having to change the whole cartridge.
AT-VMx: redesigned architecture
While the Audio-Technica AT-VMx cartridges still use VM Dual Magnet technology, they have been enhanced to optimize performance. They now feature a generator with para-toroidal coils, two per channel, one behind the other, to maximize efficiency. A central shielding plate separates the left and right channels to reduce crosstalk and preserve a clear stereo image.
What’s more, the PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) wire used for the coils optimizes signal transmission, resulting in more nuanced sound reproduction. Moreover, the number of coil turns has been reduced to improve transient response, enabling the Audio-Technica AT-VMx cartridges to react more quickly to signal variations, delivering a clearer, more realistic sound than the previous generation.
Boron and aluminum for high-end models
The Audio-Technica AT-VM740xML, AT-VM745xML, AT-VM750xSH and AT-VM760xSL models stand out from the rest of the AT-VMx range by the use of high-end materials such as aluminum and boron. The former forms the housing of these four cartridges. This metal reduces vibrations and internal resonance compared to the polymer shell used on other models in the range. The result is a more precise, distortion-free sound.
The cantilevers of all three models in the AT-VMx range are made of boron. This rare material, lighter than aluminum, guarantees a perfect balance between transient response speed and stability. Its lower mass gives the pickup more freedom to extract the finest details from the grooves.
Audio-Technica AT-VMx cartridges: key specifications
VM500x range with polymer housing
| AT-VM510xCB | AT-VM520xEB | AT-VM530xEN | |
| Stylus | Conical (0.6 mil) | Bonded elliptical (0.3 x 0.7 mil) | Integral elliptical (0.3 x 0.7 mil) |
| Cantilever | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Housing | Polymer | Polymer | Polymer |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 25kHz |
| Output level | 5mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec) | 5mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec) | 3.2mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec) |
| Price | €119 | €129 | €219 |
VM700x range with aluminum housing
| AT-VM740xML | AT-VM745xML | AT-VM750xSH | AT-VM760xSL | |
| Stylus | Integral micro line (2.2 x 0.12 mil) | Integral micro line (2.2 x 0.12 mil) | Shibata (2.7 x 0.26 mil) | Special Line Contact (1.5 x 0.28 mil) |
| Cantilever | Aluminum | Boron | Boron | Boron |
| Housing | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 25kHz | 20Hz – 27kHz | 20Hz – 27kHz | 20Hz – 30kHz |
| Output level | 3.2mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec) | 3.7mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec) | 3.7mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec) | 3.7mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec) |
| Price | €269 | €339 | €379 | €629 |
The full Audio-Technica AT-VMx phono cartridge range is available on Son-Vidéo.com. Replacement styli are also available, and are compatible with the previous-generation AT-VM range.
