Audio Technica AT-VM670xSP Mono Moving Magnet Cartridge

About The Audio Technica AT-VM670xSP Mono Moving Magnet Cartridge

The AT-VM670xSP Mono Cartridge features a Conical stylus and is a very special 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. The AT-VMx series introduces material and design changes to further refine the sound, offering responsive playback that is especially sensitive to the dynamism of musical expression. Designed for playing 78 RPM monaural records, the dual magnets in this cartridge are internally connected to reduce record noise and obtain a highly focused “centre” sound image that stereo cartridges can’t provide. 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.

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.

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-VM670xSP is a bit of a find in the world of mono cartridges and forms a special part of A-T’s AT-VMx line, which blends vintage know-how with modern finesse. Designed specifically for 78 RPM mono records, it features a bonded conical stylus and an aluminium cantilever that track with rock-solid reliability, making it perfect for lovers of classic vinyl. Its dual-magnet setup, internally linked to cut down on surface noise, delivers a focused, punchy centre image that stereo cartridges just can’t match. Drawing on the same design principles as a cutter head - right down to its paratoroidal coil generator - this cartridge channels every nuance of a recording with lifelike clarity. It’s not just a throwback; it’s a seriously capable performer that brings your old records roaring back to life.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: AT-VM670xSP Mono Moving Magnet Cartridge with Bonded Conical Stylus
• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN70xSP
• 3.0 mil Conical Bonded stylus designed for playing 78 RPM records
• Paratoroidal coils improve generating efficiency for enhanced transient response
• PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) coils – and fewer coil turns – deliver highly responsive, three-dimensional sound reproduction with excellent transient response
• 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
• Mono body terminating left and right channels reduces surface noise
• Compatible with any turntable headshell that accepts 1/2" cartridges
• Stylus Construction: Round Shank Bonded Conical
• Stylus Size: 3.0 mil
• Cantilever: Aluminium Pipe
• Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Vertical Tracking Angle: 20°
• Tracking Force: 4.5 to 5.5 g (5.0 g standard)
• Recommended Load Impedance: 47,000 Ω
• Output Voltage: 4.7 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
• Static Compliance: 23 x 10 – 6 cm / dyne
• Mounting: ½” Centres
• Recommended Load Capacitance: 150 - 250 pF
• Included Accessories: Cartridge Installation Screws (M2.6) 10.0 mm × 2, 8.0 mm × 2, 5.0 mm × 2, Washers × 2
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 17.6 x 18.3 x 28 mm
• Weight: 7.2 grams
• Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year

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