Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit Red

This cartridge is a remarkable improvement over the factory original on the AT-LP5 turntable.

１０数年交換していなかったので、思い切ってオーディオテクニカ製の物に交換して見ました。前には若干雑音があったのですが、交換してから全然すのような事がなくてとても気に入っています。

Some hidden frequencies can be accessed by this stylus and brings out the best and most accurate reproduction of sound.

Sound quality was lacking at first, but has come into its own with some break-in. The upper frequencies seemed a bit muted at first, but it has brightened a little with use giving a fairly balanced profile. Bass is well defined, clean, and not overly aggressive. Mid-range and higher frequencies are present and accounted for, but not as detailed as I would expect from a specialty cut stylus like this one. I came from a much cheaper Ortofon OM-10 that easily won hands down in the presentation of treble, dynamics, and perceived presence, although it had somewhat muddy-sounding bass and struggled with playing inner grooves without noticeable distortion. Where the AT cartridge shines is a lack of distortion. It is quite distortion free from beginning to end on each record. Inner groove distortion is very well controlled! I guess the best word I could use to describe the performance of this cartridge is “balanced,” which is a positive, but can honestly come across as somewhat sterile in some instances. It is definitely a step up from my previous cartridge in overall performance, but while it lacks the bothersome distortion, it also lacks some of the wow factor that you get during dynamic or treble-forward passages of a song. Update: I had to come back and update this review to give this cartridge the 5 stars that it deserves. The break-in period seems to be a bit long, but this cartridge does liven up quite a bit after giving it some time. I have probably put another 20+ hours on it since the review was written, and it has continued to improve in dynamics and detail. It sounds excellent across the board now. The wow factor is back when listening to some of my favorite LPs.

Crisp and clean sound. CD quality sound, with the exception of a few pops and cracks caused by dust.

It really is unbelievable how much better my records are performing with this simple, yet expensive catridge/stylus replacement. This is my 2nd upgrade from the original needle that comes with the audiotechnia LP 120. My daughter ruined my previous needle so it didnt take me long to find this highly recommended upgrade. I also upgraded the tone arm balance to a heavier weight separately with no noticeable difference in sound but less skips. This stylus really handles a dynamic range of music. I tested it with original pressings of Joni, Prince and Mavis Staples...really old records but the music just came alive. Crisp, bright, warm sound with all of the subtleties you hope for when you get into records...finally delivered with this VM540.

This cartridge is very nice. The sound is outstanding. There are a lot of reviews in the internet and they all agreed...one of the best cratridge in that range of price. Very satisfied. Note that youll probably need to fine tune the overhang of the cartridge. I installed it on my technics sl-3300.

Replaced an Ortofone 2m blue with this audio technica VM540ML/H. It sounds great. Really noticeable difference in sound. Really added space between instruments and each sound clear. Also, the highs seem louder. Not in a bad way. Ok sometimes some instruments can be a little much but mostly everything sounds noticeably better, more detailed than the Ortofone blue. I have an early pressing of Joni Mitchell’s Court and Spark lp and it sounds fantastic. Heard detail I’d never noticed before. Feels like a huge upgrade for the price. My set up: AT LP120 usb tt Schiit Mani phono preamp Denon PMA 800NE integrated amp Elac 2.0 Debut B6 speakers For additional context: The high ends seem louder and yes more pronounced. Where it was a little much for me was Dylan’s harmonica on a track or two from an original pressing of Highway 61 Revisited. This isn’t going to be a great choice for poor pressings or heavily played records with a lot groove wear or scratches because it picks up Everything. Also, if your amp or speakers tend to tilt up the highs already, it may not be ideal. I have t had it very long so I’m still getting settled to it and playing all my records again. Maribou State, Joni Mitchell, Gang Starr, Cannonball Adderly, Talking Heads, Art Blakey, Townes Van Zandt all sound fantastic.

Ho iniziato ad usare questa Audio Technica da poco montata su un Technics SL D1. Per adesso suona ottimamente senza aver toccato nulla della geometria sul headshell fornito dalla casa. Ho controllato con la dima è sembra tutto a posto. Il suono è molto pulito, privo di distorsioni, saturazioni sulle acute e molto ricco di dettaglio. Questa tipologia di testina a causa del alto dettaglio NON ama molto i vinili maltrattati, vengono amplificati tutti i danni dei solchi. Le stampe 180 grammi a spirale larga sono il suo territorio, riproduce scena e dinamica molto molto bene. La dinamica, appunto con dischi adeguati è godibile in ogni zona del vinile, anche nelle ultime tracce di album pieni. Durante il controllo della geometria ho trovato i dadini lenti ma può capitare.. li ho stretti. Non ho riprodotto più di una decina di vinili, aggiornerò la mia recensione dopo un necessario rodaggio. Bye

The first one I received had serious issues with the right channel and no adjustments I could make would fix it. I set up a return, and got a replacement. Im not a full on audiophile, but I enjoy listening to records and I look for the less expensive ways to improve playback quality. This one is a dream! Its tracking well on records that my original stylus had trouble with. The sound is clear and full. I havent been able to notice any inner groove distortion. This was a really good upgrade to my system and Im very happy I bought it. Some people claim it needs a break-in period before you get the best sound quality, but its already amazing out of the box.