Audio Technica AT-VM510xCB Moving Magnet Cartridge

About The Audio Technica AT-VM510xCB Moving Magnet Cartridge

The AT-VM510xCB Cartridge features a Conical stylus and is the entry into the 500 series model in Audio-Technica’s AT-VMx 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 AT-VMx cartridges, the AT-VM510xCB 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 AT-VMx series also introduces material and design changes to further refine the sound, offering responsive playback that is especially sensitive to the dynamism of musical expression. The cartridge’s Aluminium cantilever and Bonded Conical stylus tracks the centre of the record groove for reliable performance and durability.

Analogous to the Cutter Head: A cutter head carves out the record grooves. The modulations in the groove are ‘analogue’ mechanical equivalents of the original audio signals. To ‘read’ these modulations, Audio-Technica developed the internationally-patented Dual Magnet design which duplicates the structure of 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 AT-VMx design ensures outstanding channel separation, extended frequency response and superb tracking.

Highly Efficient Generator: The paratoroidal coil construction of the cartridge’s generator – two PCUHD coils per channel, one stacked behind the other – greatly improves electromagnetic performance, while a slight reduction in coil turns (compared to VM series cartridges) enhances transient response for clean, lifelike sound.

Centre Shield Plate between Stereo Channels: 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.

Interchangeable Styli: Since all AT-VMx and VM Series cartridges share the same body design and have a removable stylus, you can use almost any AT-VMNx or VMN replacement stylus* with any VMx or VM cartridge for easy experimentation with sound characteristics. *Excludes mono models

Conical Stylus: The conical stylus is the simplest and most widely used stylus. Its spherical tip normally touches the centre of the record groove walls. A conical stylus works best for low to moderately priced turntables and audio setups. It is also ideal for mono (vinyl with one channel) and older 78 RPM records. However, its shape prevents it from making detailed contact with much of the record groove walls, resulting in less fidelity. The upside is that conical styli have incredible tracking ability and rarely miss a beat, even on torture records.

Our Review

The Audio-Technica AT-VM510xCB is a fantastic little cartridge that punches well above its weight, making it a brilliant starting point in the 500 Series lineup. With its classic conical stylus and dual magnet design — modelled after the cutter head that originally etched the grooves into your records — it delivers surprisingly clear channel separation and a lovely extended frequency response. The aluminium cantilever and bonded stylus combo make for reliable, durable tracking that’s especially responsive to dynamic shifts in the music. Thanks to its paratoroidal coil generator and clever centre shield plate, it also offers impressively low crosstalk and lifelike sound, giving your favourite records new energy. And with interchangeable styli across the VMx and VM series, it’s a flexible proposition that invites easy upgrades down the track.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: AT-VM510xCB Moving Magnet Cartridge with Bonded Conical Stylus
• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN10xCB
• 0.6 mil Conical Stylus tracks the centre of the record groove for reliable performance and durability
• Paratoroidal coils improve generating efficiency for enhanced channel separation, channel balance, and transient response
• PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) coils – and fewer coil turns – deliver highly responsive, three-dimensional sound reproduction with excellent transient response
• Centre shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk for clear stereo sound
• Threaded inserts make cartridge easier to mount, especially to integrated tonearms
• V-cut in the flip-up stylus protector shows stylus position, serving as a guide for lowering the stylus onto a record
• Durable low-resonance polymer housing
• Aluminium Cantilever
• Compatible with any turntable headshell that accepts 1/2" cartridges
• Compatible with most AT-VMx series replacement styli, offering a wide choice of options for every budget and application
• Stylus Construction: Round Shank Bonded Conical
• Stylus Size: 0.6 mil
• Cantilever: Aluminium Pipe
• Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Channel Separation: 24 dB (1 kHz)
• Vertical Tracking Angle: 20°
• Tracking Force: 1.8 to 2.2g (2.0g standard)
• Recommended Load Impedance: 47,000 Ω
• Output Voltage: 5.0 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
• Output Balance: 1.5 dB (1 kHz)
• Static Compliance: 23 x 10 – 6cm / dyne
• Dynamic Compliance: 7 x 10 – 6cm / dyne (100 Hz)
• Mounting: ½” Centres
• Recommended Load Capacitance: 150 - 250 pF
• Included Accessories: Cartridge Installation Screws (M2.6) 10.0mm × 2, 8.0mm × 2, 5.0mm × 2, Washers × 2
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 17.6 x 18.3 x 28mm
• Weight: 7.2 grams
• Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year

Note: Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.