Audio Technica AT-VM745xML Moving Magnet Cartridge

About The Audio Technica AT-VM745xML Moving Magnet Cartridge

The AT-VM745xML Cartridge features a Microlinear stylus and is a premier 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-VM745xML 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 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.

Solid Boron Cantilever and Metal Body: The AT-VM745x features a solid boron cantilever. Naturally lightweight and rigid, boron transmits signals from the record groove faster than an aluminium cantilever. The result is more accurate sound reproduction that’s particularly noticeable on dynamic musical passages. The die-cast aluminium body reduces vibrations and resonance.

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.

Our Review

The Audio-Technica AT-VM745xML is an excellent choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want to squeeze every drop of detail from their records without veering into audiophile excess. Part of A-T’s superb 700 series, this moving magnet cartridge brings a lovely blend of heritage and high-tech finesse. It features a Microlinear stylus that hugs the groove with pinpoint precision—more so than your typical elliptical or conical tips - while the dual magnet setup mimics the original cutter head design for spot-on channel separation and a wonderfully expansive frequency range. With a paratoroidal coil design, a solid boron cantilever, and a smartly built die-cast body, it offers impressively lifelike sound and rock-solid tracking, especially on dynamic passages. The added bonus? Interchangeable styli make it easy to tweak your sound without committing to a full new cartridge. All in all, it’s a refined, musically expressive performer that’s well worth a listen.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: AT-VM745xML Moving Magnet Cartridge with Nude Microlinear Stylus
• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN45xML
• Microlinear stylus tracks the record groove with incredible accuracy, providing more nuanced sound reproduction than elliptical and conical styli
• Significantly lighter stylus tip (compared to previous model) allows for more precise tracing of the record groove
• Solid boron cantilever quickly transmits vibrations from the record groove, ensuring accurate reproduction of dynamic musical passages
• Die-cast aluminium housing reduces vibrations and resonance
• 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
• 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: Square Shank Nude Microlinear
• Stylus Size: 0.12 x 2.2 mil
• Cantilever: 0.28mm Diameter Solid Boron
• Frequency Response: 20 - 27,000 Hz
• Channel Separation: 26 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: 3.7 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
• Output Balance: 1.0 dB (1 kHz)
• Static Compliance: 20 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, Non-Magnetic Screwdriver, Stylus Brush
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 17.5 x 18.3 x 29mm
• Weight: 8.8 grams
• Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year

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