Audio-Technica Updates AT-VMx Cartridge Series at High End Munich

Audio-Technica has launched its newly updated VM cartridge lineup: the AT-VM700x/600x/500x series – collectively known as the AT-VMx series.

Representing the first major update since 2016, the AT-VMx series promises the "best sound quality in the history of Audio-Technica's VM cartridges."

Using PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) as the coil conductor across all models is central to this latest redesign. The high-purity material is said to deliver a "powerful low-frequency response and an expanded soundstage." This is combined with a newly optimised coil structure that reduces the number of turns; each cartridge in the VMx series delivers "rich, responsive, and highly musical sound reproduction."

Usability is also improved thanks to threaded inserts in the cartridge body for simplified mounting onto integrated tonearms. Additionally, the flip-up stylus protector now features a V-cut to indicate the stylus tip position and serve as a guide when lowering the stylus onto the record.

The AT-VM760xSL, AT-VM740xML, AT-VM750xSH, and AT-VM745xML models sport a die-cast aluminum alloy housing. This suppresses unwanted resonance and further enhances the excellent sound quality of the high-performance line contact stylus.

The new series starts with the entry-level AT-VM510xCB which is equipped with a bonded conical stylus for stable tracing performance. Next in line is the AT-VM520xEB which is the range featuring a bonded elliptical stylus. This reduces tracing distortion, allowing for more accurate information retrieval. The 'sweet spot' in the VMx series is the AT-VM530xEN. Here, you have a lightweight nude elliptical stylus that reduces the effective mass of the vibrating system, combined with revised suspension wire to enable improved musical expression.

First of what we'd class as the premium options of the new Audio-Technica VMx series is the AT-VM740xML loaded with a microlinear stylus  that promises excellent detail and wide-range reproduction, while also delivering a rich soundstage and powerful mid-to-low frequency performance. Meanwhile, the AT-VM745xML adds a boron cantilever for even better detaile and a more immersive spatial representation. Penultimate in the range is the Shibata stylus equipped AT-VM750xSH. This presents excellent high frequencies but also rich mid-to-low frequency reproduction alongside superlative soundstage positioning. Top of the range is AT-VM760xSL that boasts a special line contact stylus that extracts all the information from record grooves. The precisely polished stylus tip delivers premium high-frequency response and detailed spatial expression.

For vinylistas with cherished mono recordings, the AT-VM610xMONO has got you covered with its conical stylus for stable tracing performance. Finally, the AT-VM670xSP features a bonded conical stylus with a tip curvature radius of 3.0 mil. This fits the wide grooves of SP records, ensuring stable sound reproduction.

The Audio-Technica AT-VMx Series will be available from 15th May 2025 at a starting retail price of £99 /€119.

A range of replacement styli is available from £49/€59. Also available is a cartridge headshell bundle for the VM520xEB/H, AT-VM740xML/H and AT-VM750xSH/H starting from £169/€199

Visit Audio-Technica for more information