Audio Technica AT-VM530xEN Moving Magnet Cartridge

About The Audio Technica AT-VM530xEN Moving Magnet Cartridge

The AT-VM530xEN 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-VM530xEN 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 Nude 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-VM530xEN is a bit of a find in the world of moving magnet cartridges – a lovely blend of vintage sensibility and clever modern engineering. Part of the esteemed 500 series, it nods to A-T’s heritage in top-tier phono design while bringing in sharp new tech like its dual magnet setup, which mirrors the cutter head that carves out the vinyl itself. That V-shaped magnet arrangement isn’t just for show – it delivers cracking channel separation and a frequency range that really lets your records breathe. The aluminium cantilever and nude elliptical stylus track with impressive precision, picking up every nuance like a charm. Thanks to smart design touches like the paratoroidal coils and permalloy shield plate, you’re treated to a clean, lively soundstage with next to no crosstalk. And with interchangeable styli across the VMx and VM range, it's a proper playground for analogue lovers who like to tinker.