Audio Technica AT-VM520xEB/H Moving Magnet Cartridge & Headshell

About The Audio Technica AT-VM520xEB/H Moving Magnet Cartridge & Headshell

The AT-VM520xEB/H combo kit includes the AT-VM520xEB Cartridge pre-mounted on the AT-LT10 universal 1/2" mount Headshell. The AT-VM520xEB Cartridge features an Elliptical stylus and is a 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-VM520xEB 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 Elliptical stylus tracks the record groove with accuracy for outstanding audio reproduction.

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

Elliptical Stylus: The elliptical stylus has two radii, the front radius being wider than the side radius. The front radius rides in the centre of the groove like the conical, while the smaller side radius makes more contact with the groove walls. More contact with the record groove walls delivers a higher level of fidelity.

AT-LT10 Headshell: The AT-LT10 is a universal ½" mount headshell for 4-pin turntable cartridges with or without threaded inserts. The headshell’s elongated through holes allow cartridges to be precisely positioned to achieve proper overhang and effective tonearm length. The lightweight aluminium die-cast body keeps vibration to a bare minimum and the slip-resistant finger lift enables precise stylus placement. The AT-LT10 is equipped with OFC (oxygen-free copper) lead wires and comes with mounting screws.

Our Review

The Audio-Technica AT-VM520xEB/H is a seriously well-thought-out cartridge and headshell combo that blends classic design with modern precision. At the heart of this setup is the AT-VM520xEB cartridge, part of A-T’s renowned 500 series, pre-mounted on the versatile AT-LT10 headshell. The elliptical stylus and aluminium cantilever team up to deliver crisp, detailed playback, while the dual magnet design - mimicking the structure of a record cutter head - ensures superb channel separation and frequency response. It’s packed with clever engineering like a centre shield plate to cut down crosstalk, and a high-efficiency paratoroidal coil setup that makes the music sound lively and natural. The lightweight headshell is easy to align and install, and the interchangeable stylus design means you can tailor the sound to suit your taste. All in all, it’s a brilliant combo for vinyl lovers who want reliable, high-fidelity performance without diving too deep into the high-end rabbit hole.