Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red
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  • Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red
  • Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red
  • Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red
  • Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red
  • Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red
  • Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red
  • Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red
  • Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red

Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red

B01MEI1RPC
$258.00
rating Read the 8 reviews
Average rating: 5/5 Number of reviews: 8

Equipped with dual magnets that match the left and right channels in the stereo record groove for outstanding channel separation and extended frequency response MicroLine stylus traces record grooves with incredible accuracy, resulting in nuanced audio reproduction that elliptical and conical styli simply can’t match Stylus’s multilevel shape also wears better than other styli, while reducing the wear on your records Paratoroidal coils improve generating efficiency Center shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk Durable low-resonance polymer cartridge housing

The VM540ML Micro line stylus cartridge is the premier 500 Series VM540ML in Audio-Technica's New VM cartridge line - a line that harks back to A-T's Early days as a manufacturer primarily of high-end phono cartridges, while also incorporating today's advanced technology. Like all VM cartridges, the VM540ML is equipped with dual magnets that are positioned to match the left and right channels in the stereo record groove for outstanding channel separation and extended frequency response. The cartridge's Micro line stylus allows it to Trace the record groove with incredible accuracy, resulting in nuanced audio reproduction that elliptical and conical styli simply can't match. The stylus's multilevel shape also wears better than other styli, while reducing the wear on your records. Includes mounting hardware. Mount Half-inch, Vertical Tracking Angle: 23° Dimensions: 17.3 mm H x 17.0 mm W x 28.2 mm D


From the manufacturer


Specifications
  • Type: VM
  • Frequency Response: 20 to 27,000 Hz
  • Output Voltage: 4.0mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec.)
  • Channel Separation: 28dB (1kHz)
  • Output Balance: 1.0dB (1kHz)
  • Tracking Force: 1.8 to 2.2g (2.0g standard)
  • Coil Impedance: 2.7k ohms (1kHz)
  • DC Resistance: 800 ohms
  • Load Impedance: 47k ohms
  • Load Capacitance: 100 to 200pF
  • Coil Inductance: 460mH (1kHz)
  • Static Compliance: 40×10 -6 cm/dyne
  • Dynamic Compliance: 10×10 -6 cm/dyne (100Hz)
  • Stylus: Nude MicroLine (2.2×0.12mil)
  • Cantilever: Aluminum tapered pipe
  • Vertical Tracking Angle: 23°
  • Dimensions: H17.3×W17.0×D28.2mm
  • Weight: 6.4g
  • Replacement Stylus (Sold Separately): VMN40ML
  • Accessories Included: Four cartridge installation screws (5 mm x 2, 10 mm x 2), two washers, two hexagon nuts, non-magnetic screwdriver, brush, lead wire set

Audio-Technica VM540ML

MicroLine Nude Stereo Turntable Cartridge

The VM540ML MicroLine stylus cartridge is the premier 500 Series model in Audio-Technica’s new VM cartridge line – a line that harks back to A-T’s early days as a manufacturer primarily of high-end phono cartridges, while also incorporating today’s advanced technology. Like all VM cartridges, the VM540ML is equipped with dual magnets that are positioned to match the left and right channels in the stereo record groove for outstanding channel separation and extended frequency response.

The cartridge’s MicroLine stylus allows it to trace the record groove with incredible accuracy, resulting in nuanced audio reproduction that elliptical and conical styli simply can’t match. The stylus’s multilevel shape also wears better than other styli, while reducing the wear on your records. Includes mounting hardware.

Para-toroidal coils improve generating efficiency and offers superb linearity, since leakage of magnetic flux in this continuous and unitised magnetic circuit is low. Permeability of the cores is also optimised through the use of laminated cores.

A permalloy centre shield plate enables the effective separation of left and right channels, suppressing electrical crosstalk to below 40dB. This is similar to the actual crosstalk value found in the grooves of the record itself.

  • VM dual magnet cartridge with MicroLine stylus
  • Aluminum cantilever
  • Paratoroidal coils improve generating efficiency
  • Center shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk
  • Durable low-resonance polymer cartridge housing

A-T’s Dual Magnet Design Replicates the Structure of the Cutter Head

Instead of using a single, large magnet, the two magnets are arranged in the shape of a 'V'. The two magnets are positioned precisely to match the positions of the left and right channels in the stereo groove walls. Consequently, the VM design ensures outstanding channel separation, extended frequency response and superb tracking.

MicroLine Stylus

MicroLine profile diamond stylus offers high frequency response with less wear and distortion than elliptical or conventional linear contact styli.

500 Series

Standard cartridge body fitted with the para-toroidal coils, centre shield plate, and 6N-OFC coil wire which is the same as 700 series.

Replacement & Upgrade Styli

The cartridge becomes worn after an extended period of play, even the finest diamond stylus. Our VM cartridges can be used again for a long time only by replacing the stylus. Our renewed VM cartridges have 7 styli and 3 types of bodies. Not only it is not necessary to buy the cartridge itself, but also you experience the enjoyment of upgrade or various combination of VM cartridges.

Trusted by Professionals

Whether it’s on the boardroom table, the stage or in the studio, Audio-Technica products are trusted time and again by industry professionals looking for reliable, lovingly developed audio products for all budgets.

It’s Audio-Technica’s commitment to innovation, customer service and meticulous design that ensure professionals turn to us to provide solutions in conferencing, houses of worship, broadcasting, live sound, recording studios and beyond.

50 Years of Devotion to Music

For over 50 years Audio-Technica has worked alongside leading figures in sports and music broadcast to develop and hone a range of products that deliver on the highest level.

Audio-Technica have developed and delivered products to power the Grammys, World Cup, Super Bowl, Commonwealth Games as well as every Summer and Winter Games from Atlanta 1996 to Sochi 2014.

A Legacy in Innovation

Founded in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, Audio-Technica positioned itself immediately as a leader in the manufacture and design of innovative audio products. It’s expertise in innovation quickly spread to various new fields and led to the development of tone arms, microphones and headphones. Audio-Technica soon became a benchmark in those fields. Making history.

A self-made man and audiophile, Hidéo Matsushita was the former Director of the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art. It all started in his workshop, with the hand crafting of stereo cartridges. 50 years later, Audio-Technica has become a global leader in audio innovation.

A Passion for Listening

Humility, passion, creativity and expertise in sound are the core values behind Audio-Technica’s legacy, greatly inspired by its founder - whose imprint on the company’s philosophy is still felt today. Audio-Technica’s passion for listening evolved in the 70’s, when it started designing headphones, building upon a legacy in innovation, meticulous engineering and artistic design.

Today, Audio-Technica’s audio products have become globally synonymous with consistently high sonic performance paired with impeccable build construction and artistic design.

Data sheet

Product Dimensions
4 x 2 x 3 inches
Item model number
VM540ML
ASIN
B01MEI1RPC
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Item Weight
0.23 ounces
Manufacturer
Audio-Technica
Date First Available
January 19, 2017
Country of Origin
China
Language
English

Specific References

rating 5
02/13/2023
Anonymous
I purchased the Audio Technica VM540ml for my Acoustic Research XA turntable, which has a Rega 251 tonearm. I really like this cartridge. It tracks very well. Has excellent resolution and separation and seems to be a good match on my turntable and tonearm.I have previously used an AT VM95ml, which was surprisingly good, but the VM540 is a little better. The primary difference for me on my set up is separation. The VM540 really creates a wide soundscape with a lot of separation and a little fuller sound. I think either works well on the Rega tonearm, though, I suspect optimal compliance would be somewhere between these two. I have no issues with sibilance or brightness on my turntable. Very smooth from high frequencies to low, yet very resolving as well. I have about 10 hours on the cartridge and I really like it. I also have a re-tipped Denon 103 with the cap and a couple of vintage Shure carts (V15iv and M97xe) with aftermarket stylus, one from Jico, one from LP
rating 5
11/04/2019
Anonymous
Okay, so I am extremely pleased and amazed with this cartridge.I haven’t been into vinyl for long, but have been through a few setups. Started with a Ortofon 2m Red and Project Debut Carbon. The 2m red was errrh, okay. But it was very sibilant and lack dynamics.Secondly I upped my game and got both a Pioneer PLX 100 and Technics SL-1200 turntables. Firstly I paired these with a Ortofon 2m blue, hoping for an improvement from the Red. And yes, there was a noticeable improvement but it was still a little shrill, and brittle. And on both the Red and Blue, I had quite severe inner groove distortion. This is a no no for me, once you hear it, it’s unbearable. The last two tracks are very muffled and get progressively worse towards the label.So then I went to a Nagaoka MP-110, and I will say that the MP-110 is a very decent cart. It was much more dynamic, not so shrill, and more detailed. However...again I had inner groove distortion. So on I went.I finally decide
rating 5
11/29/2020
Anonymous
I’ve installed this as an upgrade on my Audio Technica ATLPX120 USB because although the cartridge it comes with is pretty good, the inner groove distortion was driving me mad. It really ruined the inner tracks of records for me.I bought this and after a bit of faff installing it onto the new headshell I had bought, I setup the turntable again ensuring correct balance and angle of the cartridge etc. And the distortion was completely gone. The dynamics we’re enhanced and overall it sounded better.This has been combined with a few other upgrades such as a phono box, hybrid cork/leather mat and a platter stabilisation weight and this has absolutely maximised the sound out of my AT. On its own the cartridge really was a major upgrade but combined with the other upgrades really has extracted all the performance available.The biggest thing for me was the cost. It is very expensive, not far off what I paid for my turntable but the enjoyment I now have means I think
rating 5
05/29/2018
Anonymous
After successfully using the much cheaper AT 110E for many I decided to upgrade my Sondek with something a little better. Since fitting the VM 540 ML a subtle mist seems to have cleared when playing my old LPs. The sense of the acoustic in the recording venues is so much more tangible, always assuming that the original recording is a good one. Instruments are clearly separated from each other and performances take on a new vibrancy. My wife and I played in an Abbey Road orchestral recording session towards the end of the analogue era and the LP was always a disappointment after having heard the playback in the studio. With the new cartridge her lovely crisp celesta playing even impressed her when I persuaded her to listen last week. Unfortunately it also shows up that one of us horn players managed to ‘blib’ a note. Too long ago to remember if it was me. So this cartridge, much more than any of my previous ones, brings performances to life. My CD player mus
Nice upgrade
rating 4
01/19/2023
GScott
I upgraded to this cartridge/stylus from an AT-VM95ML. At the same time, I upgraded from a 7.2 surround sound receiver to a good quality integrated stereo amplifier. I think that amp upgrade is what enabled the upgrade to the VM540ML be significant enough to justify the expense.
Thank you Audio Technica.
rating 5
12/16/2022
Huaping Zhang
I like my rega P3 turntable but I hate the Elys 2 cartridge. The cartridge itself totally a joke. So I bought the VM540. Thank God! It saved my setup and pulled me back to Vinyl world. I should buy a better one but it is good enough for the money! It's still in the break in period and I believe it will be sound better later.
Step up from my at-120eb cartridge
rating 4
07/08/2022
dram56
There is an improvement over my old at-120eb cartridge. I think the slight improvement is due to the microline stylus and not so much the cartridge. There does to seem to be a bit more clarity in vocals and other instruments like guitars in the mid range frequencies. Better channel separation too.If you prefer a microline stylus over eliptical, this is an inexpensive option. This is the best deal for a microline stylus cartridge IMHO.As far as how difficult the cartridge is to install, I would say it is pretty much the same as "most" other higher end Audio Technica cartridges. You must first remove the stylus to install the cartridge onto the headshell.This does make getting the alignment of the cartridge a bit more difficult than some other brands, but not overwhelming difficult.It is critical that you use a "cartridge alignment protractor" to ensure proper final alignment. But that is true with the installation of ANY new cartridgeOnce the cartridge is properly mounted to the headshell and the headshell is mounted to the tonearm, you need to set the tracking force to the recommended amount.In the case of the newer AT cartridges it is 1.8 - 2.2 grams. 2.0 grams seemed to work well for me. I had always set my old AT-120eb cartridge to 1.5.You also need to make sure your vertical tracking alignment "VTA" is correct. If your tonearm has a height adjustment, this is easy to do. If not, then you will have to adjust the platter height by adding or removing material to get the tonearm angle correct. The tonearm should be parallel to the record. A small round bubble level placed on the headshell with the stylus down in the groove of a (non spinning) record will ensure the tonearm is level (parallel) with the record.I prefer to have the base of the tonearm just slightly higher than at the headshell. I set the tonearm parallel to the record, then add .5 on the base height adjustment on my Technics turntable. I use a thick 180 gram record for reference. That seems to work pretty well.I hope this helps.
Best cartridge you'll ever have in this price range (and even sl
rating 5
11/18/2020
Alexandre Fernandes
This cartridge sounds amazing on my Thorens!Best buy I ever made.When you install it the sound feels very light and without bass... give the cartridge the odd 20h of break-in and magic happens!!After that period the sound is just gorgeous, alive, makes you want to dance to the music.The sound is very balanced. You have crisp, detailed high frequencies and intense, detailed low frequencies.The low frequencies are very present after the break-in, you do feel them but they are so well balanced with the rest of the music. Not overpowering at all but very present, just like in a live concert.I've had the Ortofon Red cartridge (much cheaper I know) but this is just a completely different ball game.The VM540 makes you feel like you're inside the music!

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