Description
A new chapter in VM type cartridge history begins
Models with a solid MicroLinear stylus, excelling in rich midrange reproduction
Audio-Technica's uniquely developed top-tier VM type cartridge lineup is reborn as the AT-VM700x/600x/500x series (AT-VMx series). This renewal, the first in nine years since 2016, features a wide lineup ranging from high-grade models with Line Contact styli to standard models with Elliptical/Conical styli. In addition to the highest sound quality in VM type cartridge history, usability has also been improved.
All models now incorporate PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) in their coil conductors. This achieves powerful low-frequency reproduction and a vast soundstage. By reducing the number of coil turns, a responsive, nimble sound quality and enhanced musical expressiveness are realized. Models equipped with a MicroLinear stylus are available in two types with different cantilever materials. The AT-VM740xML uses an aluminum tapered pipe cantilever, achieving both reduced weight and improved durability.
Furthermore, changing the cartridge mounting to a threaded specification makes it easier to install on integrated tonearms. Additionally, a V-cut has been added to the protector as a guide for the stylus tip position, improving the visibility of the stylus tip when lowering the needle onto a record.
The AT-VMx series leads to a new listening experience. The door to a rich world of sound is now opening.
Audio-Technica began its journey with the MM type stereo cartridge AT-1, launched in 1962. Analog cartridges, the foundation of our company, have continuously evolved through the pursuit of excellent basic performance and good sound by our technical developers, with improvements made to suit each era. In 1967, our unique technological development led to the birth of the AT-35X, the origin of the VM type cartridge. Its innovative mechanism, inspired by the cutting principle of the 45-45 method, earned numerous international patents. Later, in 1979, the first model of the AT100 series, AT120E/G, which became the starting point of the current series, was launched. Subsequently, models like AT150MLX in Japan and AT440ML overseas gained popularity and became long-selling items. The VM type cartridge became our iconic product, loved in various countries around the world. In 2016, the VM type cartridge was refreshed as global models, the VM700/600/500 series, with unified global specifications. This is the next renewal, after nine years.
Highest Sound Quality in VM Type Cartridge History*
Achieving both delicate expressiveness and immersive sound quality
For this renewal, development focused on achieving both delicate reproduction and immersive sound quality. The materials used and manufacturing processes have been thoroughly reviewed, pursuing not only pure sound reproduction but also high expressiveness for playing music.
*Compared to audio-technica JP as of May 2025
- First-time adoption of PCUHD for coil conductors
PCUHD, also used in our Hi-Fi audio cables, is adopted for the first time in a VM type cartridge. It achieves powerful low-frequency reproduction and a vast soundstage. Furthermore, by reducing the number of coil turns, a responsive and nimble sound quality is realized.
PCUHD: Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability
PCUHD® is a registered trademark of Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
- Hard material cantilevers exclusively for high-grade models
The high-grade models featuring Line Contact styli, AT-VM760xSL, AT-VM750xSH, and AT-VM745xML, utilize boron for their cantilever material. Its excellent vibration transmission speed enables quick and precise sound transients. The AT-VM740xML, on the other hand, employs an aluminum tapered pipe, offering two choices for MicroLinear styli alongside the AT-VM745xML.
- Housing material to maximize stylus characteristics
A high-end body featuring a die-cast aluminum alloy housing. It suppresses unwanted resonances, further enhancing the excellent sound quality of high-performance Line Contact styli.
- Diverse stylus lineup to meet desired sound quality
While possessing the excellent information retrieval and wide-range reproduction capabilities of a MicroLinear stylus, it offers a rich sound image and powerful mid-low frequency reproduction. Due to the larger contact area between the stylus tip and the groove, stylus wear is also slower, leading to a longer lifespan.
- Center shield to suppress electrical crosstalk
The AT-VMx series features a large center shield plate positioned between the left and right channels of the coil. This suppresses electrical crosstalk between the two, maintaining high separation.
- Paratoroidal coil structure adopted for the body
The AT-VMx series features a unique generating system called a paratoroidal coil structure. The paratoroidal structure is unitized, and since the core has no seams, the magnetic flux is contained within the specially wound coil. As a result, generation efficiency is improved, and excellent linearity is achieved.
Easier Operation, Improved Usability
Implemented threaded cartridge mounting holes
Supports integrated tonearms widely adopted in the global Hi-Fi audio market. By changing to a threaded specification, cartridge installation onto integrated tonearms has become easier.
- Improved visibility of the stylus tip during operation
With traditional VM type cartridges, we received feedback that the stylus tip was difficult to see when lowering the needle onto a record. In these new models, while ensuring compatibility with previous models (replacement styli and bodies), we have added a V-cut to the protector as a guide for the stylus tip position, improving the visibility of the stylus tip.
- Environmentally friendly packaging
Significantly reduced plastic usage, switching to more environmentally friendly packaging.
Specifications
| Type |
VM Type |
| Frequency Response |
20–25,000Hz |
| Output Voltage |
3.2mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec.) |
| Channel Separation |
25dB (1kHz) |
| Channel Balance |
1.0dB (1kHz) |
| Tracking Force |
1.8–2.2g (2.0g standard) |
| Coil Impedance |
3.2kΩ (1kHz) |
| DC Resistance |
750Ω |
| Recommended Load Resistance |
47kΩ |
| Recommended Load Capacitance |
150–250pF |
| Coil Inductance |
480mH (1kHz) |
| Static Compliance |
20×10-6cm/dyne |
| Dynamic Compliance |
7×10-6cm/dyne (100Hz) |
| Stylus |
Nude MicroLinear |
| Stylus Tip Radius |
2.2×0.12mil |
| Cantilever |
Aluminum Tapered Pipe |
| Vertical Tracking Angle |
20° |
| Dimensions |
H17.5 × W18.3 × D29.0 mm |
| Mounting Screw Thread |
M2.6 × 2 |
| Weight |
8.8g |
