The Audio-Technica AT-VM670xSP VMx MM Phono Conical Cartridge is purpose-built for the authentic, low-noise archival restoration and playback of vintage 78 RPM shellac records. Standard modern microgroove styli are far too narrow for coarse 78 RPM grooves, often bottoming out to introduce severe distortion and surface noise; the AT-VM670xSP solves this with a specialized 3.0 mil bonded conical diamond tip engineered specifically to ride the broader upper walls of vintage shellac pressings. Built with dedicated internal mono coil wiring, it responds exclusively to lateral horizontal groove movements while canceling vertical rumble and surface imperfections, reproducing historical recordings with clarity, dynamic presence, and minimal background noise.
Key Features & Innovations
Specialized 3.0 mil bonded conical diamond — large-radius spherical tip engineered specifically to seat properly in coarse 78 RPM shellac grooves without scraping or bottoming out in the groove trough.
Dedicated mono internal coil strapping — internally wired in parallel to extract pure horizontal modulation while rejecting vertical pinch distortion, surface ticks, and turntable motor rumble.
Para-toroidal coil architecture — continuous windings around laminated cores prevent magnetic flux leakage to ensure exceptional signal transmission linearity and high electrical efficiency.
Heavy-duty aluminum pipe cantilever — robust cantilever assembly engineered to handle the higher tracking forces (4.5 to 5.5 grams) demanded by historical 78 RPM pressings.
Threaded M2.6 mounting inserts — integrated threaded inserts in the rigid polymer cartridge body enable direct, secure top-down installation into any standard 1/2"-mount headshell without the hassle of loose nuts.
Dual-channel mono output — outputs identical monaural audio across standard left and right RCA channels, allowing direct plug-and-play hookup to modern stereo preamps and receivers without mono bridging adapters.
FAQ — Audio-Technica AT-VM670xSP VMx MM Phono Conical Cartridge
Can I use this cartridge to play standard 33-1/3 or 45 RPM vinyl records?
No. The Audio-Technica AT-VM670xSP features a wide 3.0 mil stylus tip designed strictly for coarse-groove 78 RPM shellac discs. Playing modern microgroove 33-1/3 LP or 45 RPM vinyl records with this stylus can permanently damage the record grooves. For microgroove mono vinyl, use the AT-VM610xMONO with its 0.6 mil stylus.
Does this cartridge require a turntable that can play at 78 RPM?
Yes. Your turntable must support 78 RPM rotational speed (such as the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB, AT-LP140XP, or AT-LP8X) to achieve proper pitch and playback speed for vintage 78 discs.
How does the internal mono wiring help reduce surface noise?
78 RPM shellac records are cut exclusively in the horizontal lateral plane. Normal stereo cartridges pick up both horizontal and vertical motion, transforming scratches, shellac grain, and turntable vertical rumble into audible noise. By wiring the coils internally for horizontal pickup only, vertical noise components are canceled out.
What is the recommended vertical tracking force (VTF)?
The recommended vertical tracking force for the AT-VM670xSP is 5.0 grams, with an acceptable operational range between 4.5 and 5.5 grams.
Why Buy From Us
Authorized Audio-Technica dealer offering 100% genuine products with full manufacturer warranty coverage
Expert technical assistance on 78 RPM shellac playback, cartridge setup, and headshell matching
Dedicated concierge customer service for archival audio consultation and equipment matching
Fast, secure insured shipping with protective crush-proof packaging on every order
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