Audio Technica AT-VM520xEB Moving Magnet Cartridge

About The Audio Technica AT-VM520xEB Moving Magnet Cartridge

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.

Our Review

The Audio-Technica AT-VM520xEB is a safe bet for anyone who loves their vinyl and wants to give it the attention it deserves. Nestled in the 500 series of A-T’s AT-VMx line, it’s got a charming nod to the golden age of high-end cartridges, while packing in some seriously clever modern engineering. With its bonded elliptical stylus and aluminium cantilever, it tracks grooves with admirable finesse, pulling out detail and nuance that lesser carts might miss. The dual magnet setup – mimicking the cutter head itself – is a stroke of genius, giving spot-on channel separation and a frequency response that’s gorgeously expansive. Add in the paratoroidal coils and that nifty centre shield plate, and you’ve got a cartridge that’s as musically expressive as it is technically impressive. Plus, the interchangeable stylus design means you can easily tweak your setup down the line – always a welcome bonus.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: AT-VM520xEB Moving Magnet Cartridge with Bonded Elliptical Stylus
• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN20xEB
• 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical bonded stylus tracks the record groove with accuracy for outstanding audio reproduction
• 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 Elliptical
• Stylus Size: 0.3 x 0.7 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.