A New Chapter in the History of VM Cartridges
Bonded round stylus model delivering stable tracing performance
The flagship lineup of Audio-Technica's original VM cartridge technology has been reborn as the AT-VM700x / 600x / 500x Series (AT-VMx Series).
Marking the first renewal in nine years since 2016, the new lineup ranges from high-grade models featuring line contact stylus to standard models equipped with elliptical or conical stylus. In addition to delivering the finest sound quality ever achieved in VM cartridges, usability has also been significantly enhanced.
All models now employ PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) conductors, enabling powerful, impactful bass reproduction and expansive soundstage.
With a reduced number of coil windings, the sound signature is more agile, responsive, and musically expressive.
The newly adopted threaded cartridge body simplifies installation onto integrated tonearms. A V-cut added to the stylus protector provides a visual guide to the tip position,
improving visibility when cueing onto records.
The AT-VMx Series opens the door to a new era of listening, inviting you into a world of richness and musical depth.
*The image is AT-VM520xEB.
Audio-Technica's journey began in 1962 with the release of our first MM stereo cartridge, the AT-1.This cartridge laid the foundation of our company,
delivering excellent core performance while embodying our engineers’ relentless pursuit of superior sound.
In 1967, audio-technica introduced the AT-35X, the origin of our VM cartridge technology.Inspired by the working principle of the 45/45 cutting method,
it featured a groundbreaking mechanism and earned numerous international patents.
By 1979, the AT120E/G marked the starting point of the current VM lineage. Later, models such as the AT150MLX in Japan
and the AT440ML overseas became acclaimed long-selling products, cementing the VM cartridge as a global symbol of Audio-Technica.
In 2016, we reintroduced the lineup as the VM700/600/500 Series, standardized as a true global model.
Now, after nine years, the series undergoes its most significant renewal yet, ushering the VM cartridge into a new era.
The Highest Sound Quality* in VM Cartridge History
Delicate Expression Meets Lifelike Presence
The new VM series was developed with the concept of balancing refined playback precision with a sense of realism. Every material and production process has been meticulously reviewed, pursuing not only pure sonic fidelity, but also enhanced musical expressiveness for an immersive listening experience.
*As of May 2025, according to audio-technica JP internal evaluation.
- PCUHD Coil Conductor – A First for VM Cartridges
For the first time, our VM cartridges feature PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) wire,
the same conductor used in our Hi-Fi audio cables.
This achieves powerful low-frequency response and a vast soundstage.
By reducing the number of coil turns, the design delivers
a more responsive, airy, and musical sound.
PCUHD® is a registered trademark of Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
- A Wide Stylus Lineup to Suit Your Sound Preference
This entry-level model is equipped with a bonded conical stylus,
renowned for its stable tracing performance across diverse playback conditions.
It is the ideal first step for those beginning their vinyl journey.
- Center Shield to Suppress Electrical Crosstalk
In the AT-VMx series, a large center shield plate is positioned between the left and right channel coils.
This significantly reduces electrical crosstalk between channels, maintaining high channel separation and delivering a clearer, more defined soundstage.
- Cartridge Body with Proprietary Paratoroidal Coil Structure
Another hallmark of the AT-VMx series is its unique Paratoroidal Coil generator system.
This unitized design features a seamless core that allows magnetic flux to be perfectly contained within the specially wound coils.
The result is enhanced power generation efficiency and superior linearity, ensuring pure, accurate sound reproduction.
Enhanced Usability and Easy Operation
Threaded Cartridge Mounting Holes
The AT-VMx series is designed to support the integrated tonearms widely adopted in the global Hi-Fi audio market.
By adopting threaded mounting holes, cartridge installation onto integrated tonearms is now quicker, simpler, and more secure.
- Improved Stylus Visibility During Operation
Previous VM cartridges often received feedback that the stylus tip was difficult to see when lowering onto a record.
In this updated model, while maintaining full compatibility with previous bodies and replacement styli, a V-shaped guide cut has been added to the protector, improving visibility of the stylus tip for more precise and confident cueing.
The new packaging significantly reduces plastic usage, providing a more environmentally friendly and sustainable design.
