Standard 500 Series moving magnet cartridge • 0.6 mil bonded conical diamond stylus • Para-toroidal generator coils • Aluminum pipe cantilever • Low-resonance polymer body • Center shield plate for channel separation
The Audio-Technica VM510CB Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge is the entry-level model in Audio-Technica’s premium 500 Series, engineered for dependable tracking and punchy, forgiving playback across classic and modern vinyl records. Fitted with a 0.6 mil bonded conical stylus mounted to an aluminum pipe cantilever, it rides centrally in the groove to reduce surface noise from older or worn pressings. Dual moving magnets aligned in a V-formation, paired with high-efficiency para-toroidal coils and an internal mu-metal center shield, deliver outstanding stereo channel separation and robust 5.0 mV output for dynamic analog performance.
Key Features & Innovations
0.6 mil conical bonded diamond stylus — spherical diamond profile sits securely in the center of the groove, making it less sensitive to record wear, dirt, and minor tonearm alignment errors.
Para-toroidal generator coils — laminated core design optimizes electromagnetic efficiency, resulting in linear frequency reproduction and high 5.0 mV signal output.
Dual Moving Magnet (VM) design — independent magnets arranged in a V-shape match the left and right groove wall angles of a record cutting head for reduced distortion and balanced tracking.
Internal mu-metal center shield — isolates electrical crosstalk between left and right channels to maintain broad, distinct stereo imaging.
Modular 500/700 series interchangeability — the shared cartridge architecture allows direct drop-in upgrades across the entire VM stylus line, including elliptical, MicroLine, and Shibata profiles.
Durable low-resonance polymer housing — lightweight, rigid composite structure minimizes parasitic motor and tonearm vibrations while keeping cartridge mass at an agile 6.4 grams.
What are the benefits of a conical stylus compared to an elliptical profile?
A conical stylus has a round contact radius that sits squarely in the middle of the groove. It is far more forgiving of surface imperfections, scratches, and alignment discrepancies than elliptical or microline styli, making the Audio-Technica VM510CB ideal for vintage, thrift-store, or moderately worn records.
What is the recommended vertical tracking force (VTF)?
The recommended vertical tracking force is 2.0 grams, with an acceptable operating range between 1.8 and 2.2 grams.
Can I upgrade the stylus on the VM510CB later?
Yes. The VM500 series body shares universal stylus compatibility across all 500 and 700 series styli. You can upgrade to the VMN20EB (elliptical), VMN30EN (nude elliptical), VMN40ML (MicroLine), or VMN50SH (Shibata) simply by snapping the new stylus assembly onto this cartridge body.
Does this cartridge include built-in threaded screw holes?
No. Unlike the VM95 series, the 500 and 700 series use standard slotted through-holes that require standard M2.6 screws and nuts (included in the hardware kit) to secure the cartridge to a 1/2"-mount headshell.
Why Buy From Us
Authorized Audio-Technica dealer offering 100% genuine products with full manufacturer warranty coverage
Expert technical assistance on tonearm mass matching, alignment protractors, and vertical tracking calibration
Dedicated concierge customer service for setup, calibration, and turntable performance optimization
Fast, secure insured freight shipping with protective white-glove packaging on every order
Related & System Matches
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Audio-Technica VMN40ML MicroLine Upgrade Stylus
Audio-Technica AT-HS10 and AT-HS6BK Universal 1/2"-Mount Headshells
Audio-Technica AT6011a Anti-Static Record Brush & AT607a Stylus Cleaner Fluid
