Audio Technica AT-VM750xSH Moving Magnet Cartridge

About The Audio Technica AT-VM750xSH Moving Magnet Cartridge 

The AT-VM750xSH Cartridge features a Shibata Stylus and sits right near the top of 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-VM750xSH 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 Shibata stylus allows it to trace the record groove with incredible accuracy and minimum abrasion, resulting in nuanced audio reproduction, low distortion and low record wear. 

 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 para-toroidal 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-VM750x 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

Shibata Stylus: The Shibata stylus was originally developed to play four-channel (quadraphonic) vinyl records. The Shibata stylus has two radii, similar to an elliptical stylus. However, the radii of a Shibata stylus allow for more surface contact and effective pickup of ultra-high frequencies with less groove stress and distortion.

Our Review

The Audio-Technica AT-VM750xSH is a bit of a gem, really – perched near the top of the AT-VMx range, it brings together vintage cartridge know-how and some properly clever modern engineering. At its heart is a Nude Shibata stylus, which tracks the groove with such finesse it feels like the music’s being painted onto your ears – incredibly precise and with minimal wear on your cherished records. It’s all driven by Audio-Technica’s smart Dual Magnet design, modelled after the cutter head itself, ensuring stellar channel separation and a wide, lifelike frequency response. The solid boron cantilever is lightning-fast and clean as a whistle, while the paratoroidal coils and die-cast body keep things tight and vibrant. And if you like to tinker, the interchangeable stylus setup gives you loads of room to play. In short, it’s a cracking bit of kit for anyone serious about their vinyl.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: AT-VM750xSH Moving Magnet Cartridge with Nude Shibata Stylus
• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN50xSH
• Shibata stylus provides long of contact with the record groove, enabling the pickup of ultra-high frequencies with minimal abrasion and distortion
• 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 body 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 Shibata
• Stylus Size: 0.26 x 2.7 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.