Premium VMx Microlinear Cartridge for Detailed, Low-Distortion Vinyl Playback
The Audio-Technica AT-VM740xML VMx Microlinear Dual MM Phono Cartridge combines Audio-Technica’s premium VMx Dual Moving Magnet generator architecture with a nude Microlinear stylus for highly accurate groove tracing. Its 2.2 × 0.12 mil Microlinear profile is designed to follow intricate high-frequency groove information with precision, helping reduce inner-groove distortion while revealing subtle musical detail and spatial information.
The AT-VM740xML uses a tapered aluminum-pipe cantilever to reduce moving mass near the stylus tip while maintaining excellent rigidity. A die-cast aluminum body, PCUHD copper coil conductors, paratoroidal coil construction, center shielding plate, and threaded cartridge mounting holes complete a design intended for serious analog systems using high-quality moving-magnet phono stages.
Highlights & Benefits
-
Nude Microlinear Stylus — The 2.2 × 0.12 mil Microlinear profile traces complex groove modulations with high precision for strong detail retrieval and reduced inner-groove distortion.
-
Tapered Aluminum Cantilever — Reduces moving mass toward the stylus tip compared with a straight aluminum pipe, improving responsiveness to fine groove information.
-
PCUHD Coil Conductors — Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability wiring helps improve signal transmission and transient response within the generator system.
-
Die-Cast Aluminum Body — A rigid premium housing provides a stable mechanical platform while helping suppress unwanted resonance.
-
Threaded M2.6 Mounting Holes — Integrated threaded inserts simplify installation by allowing mounting screws to secure directly into the cartridge body.
Technology & Design
VMx Dual Moving Magnet Architecture — Separate magnets correspond to the left and right walls of the stereo record groove, closely mirroring the geometry of a stereo cutter head for precise channel reproduction.
Paratoroidal Coil Construction — Two coils per channel are arranged in a paratoroidal configuration to improve generator efficiency. A center shielding plate helps reduce electrical crosstalk between the channels.
Microlinear Groove Contact — The Microlinear stylus uses a very small contact radius along the groove modulation, allowing it to trace high-frequency information with greater accuracy than conventional conical or elliptical profiles.
Interchangeable VMx Stylus Platform — The AT-VM740xML uses the AT-VMN40xML replacement stylus and is part of Audio-Technica’s interchangeable stereo VMx platform, allowing compatible stylus-profile changes without replacing the cartridge body.
FAQ — Audio-Technica AT-VM740xML
What phono preamp does the AT-VM740xML require?
The AT-VM740xML is a moving-magnet cartridge designed for a compatible MM phono input or MM phono preamplifier. Audio-Technica recommends a 47 kΩ load impedance and 150–250 pF load capacitance.
What tracking force should I use?
Audio-Technica specifies a tracking-force range of 1.8 to 2.2 grams, with 2.0 grams as the standard recommended setting.
What replacement stylus fits the AT-VM740xML?
The direct replacement is the Audio-Technica AT-VMN40xML nude Microlinear stylus. Compatible stereo VMx replacement styli can also be used when a different stylus profile is desired.
How does the AT-VM740xML differ from the AT-VM745xML?
Both cartridges use the same 2.2 × 0.12 mil nude Microlinear stylus profile, but the AT-VM740xML uses a tapered aluminum-pipe cantilever while the AT-VM745xML steps up to a solid boron cantilever. The AT-VM740xML is rated at 20–25,000 Hz, 3.2 mV output and 25 dB channel separation.
Why Buy From Us
- Authorized Audio-Technica Dealer
- 5% Reward Points on Every Purchase
- Expert Cartridge, Tonearm and Phono-Stage Matching Assistance
- Professional Cartridge Installation and Turntable Setup Available
