Audio Technica AT-VM760xSL Moving Magnet Cartridge

About The Audio Technica AT-VM760xSL Moving Magnet Cartridge

The AT-VM760xSL Cartridge features a Special Line Contact Stylus and is the flagship 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-VM760xSL 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 ultra-lightweight special line contact 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 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-VM760x 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

Special Line Contact Stylus: The special line contact stylus is shaped to track the record groove with the highest level of precision, resulting in excellent high-frequency response, low distortion and minimum abrasion. The special line contact stylus makes more surface contact than any other stylus shape. It should be noted that due to its high-fidelity, the line contact stylus may produce more noise on heavily worn records. The line contact tip is used on our higher-end cartridges.

Our Review

The Audio-Technica AT-VM760xSL is an absolute jewel of a moving magnet cartridge - seriously refined yet brilliantly practical. As the flagship of the AT-VMx range, it blends the heritage of A-T’s classic designs with some rather clever modern engineering. Its dual magnets are a stroke of genius, precisely mirroring the stereo groove layout for splendid channel separation and a gorgeously extended frequency response. The Special Line Contact Stylus, paired with a solid boron cantilever, traces the grooves with a finesse that borders on the poetic - bringing out all the musical nuance with remarkably low wear and distortion. Add to that a high-efficiency generator, a rigid metal body to keep resonance in check, and ultra-pure coil wire, and you’ve got a cartridge that not only sings, but soars. It’s detailed, dynamic, and delightfully revealing - perfect for anyone looking to get seriously stuck into their vinyl collection.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: AT-VM760xSL Moving Magnet Cartridge with Nude Special Line Contact Stylus
• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN60xSL
• Special line contact stylus traces the record groove with extreme accuracy, delivering premium high-frequency response and detailed spatial expression
• 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 Special Line Contact
• Stylus Size: 0.28 x 1.5 mil
• Cantilever: 0.28mm Diameter Solid Boron
• Frequency Response: 20 - 30,000 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: 17.5 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.