Audio Technica AT-VM740xML/H Moving Magnet Cartridge & Headshell

About The Audio Technica AT-VM740xML/H Moving Magnet Cartridge & Headshell

The AT-VM740xML/H combo kit includes the AT-VM740xML Cartridge pre-mounted on the AT-LT10 universal 1/2" mount Headshell. The AT-VM740xML Cartridge features a Microlinear stylus and is a 700 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-VM740xML 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 tapered pipe cantilever and Nude Microlinear stylus allows it to trace the record groove with incredible accuracy, providing more nuanced sound reproduction than elliptical and conical styli.

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.

Metal Body: The AT-VM740x’s die-cast aluminium body helps reduce vibrations and resonances.

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

Microlinear Stylus: The Microlinear stylus almost exactly duplicates the shape of the cutting stylus that produces the original master disc (the disc used to create the pressed vinyl record). This likeness enables the Microlinear stylus to track portions of the groove other styli cannot reach, resulting in extremely accurate tracing of high-frequency passages and a flat frequency response within the audible range. The unique multilevel shape also wears more evenly, greatly extending record and stylus life.

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-VM740xML/H is a seriously impressive solution for vinyl lovers who want top-tier sound without diving headfirst into high-end moving coil territory. This combo comes with the AT-VM740xML cartridge already mounted on the rock-solid AT-LT10 headshell, making setup a breeze. The Microlinear stylus is a standout - it’s shaped almost identically to the cutting stylus that created the record, so it traces the grooves with exceptional precision, pulling out detail and nuance that lesser styli miss. Backed by Audio-Technica’s clever dual magnet design and a highly efficient paratoroidal coil generator, the cartridge delivers wide, clean, lifelike sound with superb channel separation. The rigid aluminium body and cantilever keep unwanted vibrations at bay, while the universal headshell makes for easy tweaking and stylus swapping. It’s a beautifully engineered package that offers rich, dynamic playback and does your records justice.