Audio Technica VM phono cartridges represent the first new range of phono cartridges from audio experts Audio Technica in 30 years.
Audio Technica is an extremely well-regarded manufacturer of Hi-Fi, and pro-audio products; from headphones to microphones to phono cartridges, Audio Technica has been an acclaimed innovator for decades. For the first time in 30 years, Audio Technica launches a brand new range of phono cartridges.
It’s time we took a look at the superb value Audio Technica VM cartridge range…
Audio Technica – Audio Innovators
You may already know of the Audio Technica brand through their excellent range of headphones, or perhaps their range of professional microphones, which grace the world’s greatest studios and stages, worldwide.
It’s the company’s phono cartridges, however, which are the cornerstone technology upon which the Audio Technica brand was founded. Established in Tokyo, Japan in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, Audio Technica was originally founded as a phonograph cartridge manufacturer.
Audio Technica’s first products were the AT-1 and the AT-3 MM stereo phono cartridges which quickly established Audio Technica as masters of phono cartridges, and latterly, transducer design and manufacture as a whole.
Audio Technica VM Phono Cartridges
Audio-Technica revolutionised magnetic cartridge design with its patented Dual-Magnet design more than 40 years ago. Every cartridge in the Audio Technica VM range employs the company’s Dual-Magnet design, which duplicates the “V”-shaped arrangement of the magnets of the cutter head of the original record master.
The Dual-Magnet design helps to position the magnets to match the positions of the left and right channels in the groove walls, for a more accurate reproduction. As a result, the Audio Technica VM design provides exceptional channel separation, stereo imaging, frequency response and tracking of the record groove.
The Audio Technica VM range combines three different cartridge bodies and seven different stylus shapes, all designed to optimise playback of all types of stereo, mono and 78 RPM records. The modular design of the series gives the user access to an upgrade path as their needs and budget change.
Evolved Design
The Audio Technica VM series starts out with the 500 Series family, which is made up of four models. Each model in the 500 series features an aluminium cantilever, centre shield plate between the left and right channels to reduce crosstalk, and a durable low-resonance polymer housing.
The key differences are between the stylus tips and shapes, all of which offer key advantages in terms or price and performance. The VM510CB uses a 0.6 mil conical-shaped stylus bonded to a round shank for a durable, long-wearing and cost-effective solution
The VM520EB, VM530EN substitute elliptical and nude elliptical tips for higher fidelity, whilst the VM540 uses a MicroLine stylus to reduce distortion and enhance fidelity, even further.
For those with a collection of historical records, the 600 series should be of particular interest. The VM610MONO is designed for early microgroove vinyl-type records and uses a 0.6 mil conical-shaped stylus. The VM670SP for 78 rpm shellac or phonograph records uses a 3.0 mil conical stylus. Dual magnets are internally connected to reduce noise and obtain a true mono image.
The 700 series, ushers in a die-cast aluminium-alloy housing that minimizes internal vibration and provides additional electrical shielding. A nude stylus construction coupled to a precisely aligned, stiff lightweight aluminium cantilever, all aids in enhancing the exceptional high-end fidelity of the 700 series of VM cartridges.
Three models are available: The VM740ML featuring the AT exclusive MicroLine stylus. The VM750SH featuring the exotic Shibata shape stylus tip, and finally the flagship VM760SLC. The VM760SLC utilises a Special Line Contact stylus. The ultra-lightweight of this smaller stylus allows it to track record grooves with incredible accuracy and minimum abrasion as well as very low distortion and low record wear.
A Cartridge for all Purposes
Clearly then, if you’re in the market for a phono cartridge which offers superb performance, versatility, upgradability and the heritage of one of the industry’s greatest brands, then the Audio Technica VM range deserves to be at the top of your shopping list.
Whether you’re looking for a rugged, affordable work-a-day cartridge, a specialised cartridge for historical record playback, or a true Hi-Fi thoroughbred, you’ll find something to suit in the Audio Technica VM range of phono cartridges.