Audio-Technica VM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red
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Availability:
In Stock.
Arrives
Jul 9 – Jul 16
Style: VM540ML Cartridge
Pattern Name: Cartridge
Features
- M dual Magnet cartridge with Micro line stylus
- Aluminum cantilever. Mount-Half-inch. Vertical Tracking Angle- 23.Dimensions-0.7 H x 0.7 W x 1.1 D inches
- Par toroidal coils improve generating efficiency. Recommended Load Impedance : 47,000 ohms
- Center Shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk
- Durable low-resonance polymer cartridge Housing
Description
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.
Brand: Audio-Technica
Included Components: Cartridge
Special Feature: Lightweight
Material: Polymer
Item Weight: 0.23 Ounces
Style: VM540ML Cartridge
Color: Red
Model Name: VM540ML
Compatible Devices: Amplifier, Receiver, Powered Speaker
Signal Format: phono
Additional Features: Lightweight
Compatible Devices: Amplifier, Receiver, Powered Speaker
Signal Format: phono
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 75 dB
Connectivity Technology: Wired
Style Name: VM540ML Cartridge
Color: Red
Item Weight: 0.23 Ounces
Enclosure Material: Polymer
Brand: Audio-Technica
Built-In Media: Cartridge
Model Name: VM540ML
Manufacturer: Audio-Technica
UPC: 042005193769
Global Trade Identification Number: 64
Mfr Part Number: VM540ML
Model Number: VM540ML
Item Type Name: Audio Technica Microline Stereo Home Audio/Video Product, Red (VM540ML)
Unit Count: 1.0 Count
Warranty Description: U.S. One-Year Limited End-User Warranty
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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is:
Jul 9 – Jul 16
Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
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Top Amazon Reviews
Style: VM540ML Cartridge
Pattern Name: Cartridge
I will second all of the reviewers on here touting the inner-groove distortion benefits of this cartridge and the stylus (VMN40ML red) combo. While it ameliorates most of the distortion there is still a pinch of it left, but it is a huge improvement. Like others have said, once you start hearing it in your records, you can't un-hear it. I had a particularly bad case of it with the "A Time For Love" LP by Bobby Hackett on a Project 3 record that was impossible to get rid of the distortion with anything I tried. This AT cart and stylus combo made the whole record sound much clearer. I'm in the process of dubbing my albums to USB sticks so I can play them back through my Yamaha RX-V6A, much like a record changer did back in the day. These are my relaxing patio records. This cart and stylus combo is prompting me to start over with my A1 records and re-dub them. It does come with a few caveats, but I think, even those are starting to improve as I break in the cart and stylus. One is a much more delicate-sounding high end, very clear, not shrill or sibilant, but it is brighter with a higher pre-emphasis than I'm used to hearing from an RXP3 or a Sumiko Olympia or even a Jico stylus. It is a little more scientific sounding like the Shures are, but it's starting to grow on me. I'm realizing when I process out what few pops and ticks I do have with Adobe Audition that the accuracy in which they are removed is a lot more precise, with no aberrations of Bobby Hackett's coronet, or ruining of the horns and saxes in big band arrangements, which is often the case with less accurate carts. Oft times in the past I had to skip over these sections of the music and hand remove the heavier ticks. But, now, I find the extra work isn't necessary with an improved cart and stylus and the automatic settings in the software often fare just fine with the musical material. Also the bass started out thinner on this cart, but, it's now starting to broaden out and get deeper with use. Like all new carts, it just takes awhile to loosen up and become more compliant. This stylus is a nude micro linear cut and does a sweet job tracking the groove while skipping through the surface noise like 80% of it isn't there any more when I compare it to an elliptical. This stylus effortlessly tracks down in the groove where a lot of stylii probably haven't tracked before. Some of the mint vintage vinyl I've recently acquired still plays with some surface noise on an elliptical, even after very thorough wet cleaning. This AT gets through those same passages with way less noise than the ellipticals do. So far, I'm very impressed. I'm only using this to dub my A1 vinyl, I switch back to the ellipticals for unknown records, until I get a feel for whether they are worthy of the treatment from this cart/stylus combo. As for the sound, the detail is much improved, even over my Sumiko, which I thought was a step up from my tried and true Shure carts from decades past. The delicacy of the reproduction in the speakers is reflected in the fact the stylus cantilever is also a delicate mechanism, totally able to roll with the perturbations of the groove. The mechanics of the AT remind me of some earlier MM designs from the 1960's, but I'm sure the stylus cut and higher output magnets, coupled with better hum-bucking coils have improved this cart's performance over any of those old predecessors. Another caveat, make sure your stylus is firmly seated when you get it, mine was slightly ajar, it played, but it was weak and slightly out of balance and had a light hum in the right channel. Turns out the stylus needed to be re-seated to get the full output and balance it out correctly. Also, the hum was caused by a defective new headshell. Once swapped, the AT cleared up and now plays like a champ. I was sorely disappointed at first, until I decided that a headshell swap was worth a try, and sure enough, it was worth all the effort. Another caveat, the cart body is wide, so you will need thin hex nuts or round nuts for your mounting hardware. Keep the screws as short as you can, because any screw thread protruding down will cause the stylus not to seat properly, or worse, cause it to be pushed out away from the cart body as you're mounting it, the screws have a tendency to want to toe out away from the body, if they are too long, and they catch the edge of the stylus grip on the way out as they splay. Just be aware. It's not too fiddly to get it to go right once you get the right hardware combo. Fortunately, I had plenty to choose from to make it work, from years of collecting TT hardware. Channel balance is within spec according to the computer captures I've made so far. Frequency looks to really top out at 24 to 25kHz, where the same recording on my Sumiko is extended to about 28kHz. Bass looks typical, down to about 5-15 Hz, with a -8 to -12 dB rolloff under 38 Hz. My Cambridge Alva Solo is already a tad rolled off here, too, so any drop off in bass can be noticeable on this cart, but like I said, it's starting to pick up after about 15 hours on it. It's not as warm as any of my other carts yet, but, I think it will get there in the next few weeks. As it warms up, it's starting to level out with the highs and is starting to sound more balanced. So far, sonically, it's shaping up to be a nice cart. I was fortunate to find this on Amazon as an open box, apparently someone wasn't willing to take the time with it to break it in, but I saved a bundle of bucks, so sometimes, you luck out. I know AT has a reputation for making shrill-sounding carts, while this one is noticeably bright, it is at least accurately so and it's starting to become fuller with each play. I think, in due time, this will level out to be an extraordinary player. It was definitely an upgrade for me from my already-nice Sumiko Olympia and assortment of Shure, Ortofon and AT carts. I would have likened this to the Ortofon Blue in the beginning, but even now, it's exceeding the blue by a few hundred yards in the sonic footrace. This is now my top player. Freq Resp: 20-27k, Opt 4mV, Ch. Sep. 28dB, Opt Bal. 1dB, Trk. Force 1.8-2.2g (2typ), Coil Imp. 2.7k(1kHz), DC Ohms 800, Load Imp 47k (typ), Load Cap. 100-200pF, Coil 480mH(1kHz), Static compliance 40x10(-6)cm/dyne, Dynamic compliance 10x10(-6)cm/dyne, Stylus Curve Radius 2.2 x 0.12mil, Aluminum tapered pipe cantilever, VTA 23 deg., Cart wght. 6.4g (almost a half gram heavier than the Sumiko).
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Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2021 by Marvin W.
Style: VM540ML Cartridge
Pattern Name: Cartridge
This is an amazing sounding cartridge in my humble opinion. In raw output quality and A/Bing between concurrent playback of digital tracks via a Schiit Audio Yggdrasil DAC from rips and Tidal (no analog section upgrade on the yggy, yet) I would say I am getting about 80-85% of the total clinical resolution with the VM540 on a Sony PS-X2 set at 1.90 gram tracking force. I consider this to be absolutely amazing and well beyond what I was hoping for. Now I paid good money for that DAC and its well worth its cost and then some IMO; it still is the single best audio purchase i have ever made. This cart obviously has varying defects in reproduction compared to it and truth be told, it's not worth going over. What is most important to note is that there is zero problems with any sort of sibilance. It has pretty much bomb proof tracking @ 1.8g and beyond. For my ears 1.9g had the best sound on my Sony PS-X2 and its stock tone arm and an Audio Technica AT-HS10 headshell. What impressed me most is how clearly synthesized sounds sound synth and how naturally correct brass horns and anything stringed. The instrument separation, soundstage, everything is rendered in just a lovely and natural way. Also it's worth noting discs I had that sounded worn out on other rigs with spherical or conical styli sound brand spanking new save for years of grime that just can't be cleaned out. Surface noise (lack of) is very good. For most budgets I would say this is an excellent cartridge to get provided your tone arm is a good match. Its performance is stunning given its price and compared to my digital end. Update edit 5-22-18: moved to a Sony PS-X6 (similar but superior table) about 50hrs into life and it's more wonderful still
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Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2018 by Rchiwawa
Style: VM540ML Cartridge
Pattern Name: Cartridge
Microline stylus,which means a long life and no inner groove distortion, and it has amazing sound quality. The only thing that some may not like, is that while being less pronounced than an AT440ML cart, the signature hike above 1Khz can be a bit fatiguing to many listeners until the stylus breaks in. It dims down some but is still prevalent. A nice tube preamp or EQ in your system can solve it altogether. I don't mind it, though. PROS: Fantastic sound, when set up properly it can eliminate IGD on even the loudest records, tracks like a champ at a light tracking force. Best value for a cart of this price that I've ever seen. CONS: Sound profile can be fatiguing for some listeners. The cart can also be sensitive to anti-skate adjustments, so make sure it's set properly. Use a CD or Laserdisc to help with that. Thanks to the type of stylus, more worn, dusty, and noisy records will show their flaws easier. Can be hard to install for a beginner. BOTTOM LINE: A well made, fair priced intro to Microline styli, and a solid upgrade above similar competition from Ortofon and Grado, for people who are already into vinyl. If you're not familiar with an Audio Technica sound profile, you probably won't like this cart right off the bat. This also isn't the cart for you if you play records that aren't in decent enough shape or not cleaned properly.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2021 by Mary Tomblin
Style: VM540ML Cartridge
Pattern Name: Cartridge
I bought this AT cart to replace an Ortofon RED on my Pro-Ject DC Carbon. This seems to be a VERY common thing for people to do. Turns out to be a super combo, so quiet and clear. The RED is an awesome cartridge, super round and pleasing in the lows, mids. But it can get harsh in the highs and you can get some distortion especially on the inner grooves. This was my experience with a few records like Band on the Run, Aja, Physical Graffiti and some others. Same thing on my old AT LP120 w/ AT95e cart. This AT cart is much more crystal clear. Pretty flat across the board. The highs are very musical and pleasing. NO DISTORTION! Even on the inner grooves. I will say it doesn't thump quite like the RED, but you can EQ that. If you currently have a RED or maybe a lower tier AT/Shure cart like what comes on the AT LP120, GET THIS CART! I cannot say how much this has improved my vinyl listening experience. HUGE! So worth every penny. I gave 4 stars so people would read this and also this ain't no Ortofon Black. This is a $250 cart and you could easily spend over $1000. Installing this cart is very tricky. It's not threaded for screws so it uses a nut underneath each side that you have to guide the screws into. Be ready to deal with tiny fiddly bits and frustration. It took me some effort and I'm pretty good with that sort of thing, so be patient. Highly recommend if you're ready to spend $ on listening. The audiophile rabbit hole is endless, so get something good and stick with it for a year or 2. Then UPGRADE baby!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2020 by adam walden
Style: VM540ML Cartridge
Pattern Name: Cartridge
Haven’t broken the cartridge in yet but so far so good. It’s surprisingly quiet as far as surface noise goes. The highs are bright and overall the sound is full if not a little flat in a good way. I didn’t find setting it up to be any easier or harder than similarly designed cartridges. The only “con” I could think of to mention isn’t really a con, but it is so quiet it almost takes away some of the character you get from vinyl but it sure does sound clean. If you have a decent set of speakers and turntable and are looking to get a little more out of your setup, then this cartridge is a good investment.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026 Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026 by CA
Style: VM540ML Cartridge
Pattern Name: Cartridge
I have an OG 1975 Thorens TD-145 with the TP-16 arm. This is a very heavy arm, which means it is a real pain in the neck to match up to a cart. Over the nearly 20 years I've had this 'table, I've tried a Grado Gold, a Grado Black, both which were horribly unstable in this arm. Then I found the AT 440 ML, the fore-runner to this cart I"m reviewing today.. The 440 ML got on *famously* with my Thorens, and it was a great sound. But alas, the 440 was discontinued, and this one, the 540, took its place. O.O It still tracks just as well as the 440, but the sound is so much more even! It is less "bright" than the 440, but immensely detailed! I have it going to a Parasound Z-Phono, then into a Panasonic XR-55, then into 1987 Klipsch Fortes. The sound from vinyl is heavenly. I do vacuum all records that come into my house before they get their first play, though. That said, just like the 440, this one also has an uncanny ability to be QUIET. Very few pops and tics if your vinyl is good and it's been taken care of properly. It won't help abused records. I *was* goign to get an OC9, but I like this so much I'm sticking with it until it wears out. Then I may just pop a new stylus on and keep going. I've found my sound. Well, I found my sound with the 440, but I found my sound again with this one! I was kinda upset the 440 had gone away 'til this one was in, adjusted, and properly run-in. Nota Bene for TP16 users: In my particular setup, I used the Thorens original cartridge alignment jig, the clear plastic one that has notches for front-and-back adjustment and up-and-down adjustment. It took no shims! Just bolted it straight up to the headshell, and the Vertical Tracking Angle was *perfect*.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2020 by LGC
Style: VM540ML Cartridge
Pattern Name: Cartridge
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 Gear. I haven't put them back on since I got this one.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2023 by Washington
Style: VM540ML Cartridge
Pattern Name: Cartridge
I have three turntables hooked up in my listening room. When my old Shure cartridge finally wore out on my Phase Linear 8000, I wanted to get a new cartridge for it, but wasn’t sure which route to go. On the others I have a Nagaoka MP-200 and an Ortofon 2M Blue. I love the Nagaoka, but it is really expensive, and getting another just wasn’t in the budget. I almost got another 2M Blue, but by the recommendations of others, ended up getting this Audio Technica. I didn’t know what to expect when hearing it. Let me tell you, I was shocked how good it sounded out of the box, even before breaking it in. I feel it’s close enough to my Nagaoka that I didn’t make the wrong decision, especially being so much cheaper! Punchy bass, crisp highs, and an excellent wide and rich soundstage. And it only gets better the more I break it in. If you’re thinking of getting this, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023 Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023 by Stacey Nash