#1 Audio Technica VM540ML
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 9:10 pm
Nice Audio Technica VM540ML cartridge arrived this morning and is sounding really rather lovely
It is a solid, sure-footed performer and the micro line profile stylus ensures that end-of-side performance is faultless.
The cartridge is better balanced than the previous AT440MLb model, due to the fact that it is less bright. As a result of this better balanced frequency response, we get a natural presentation that is detailed and dynamic without throwing a welter of leading edges at the listener. The AT440MLb is a great cartridge, don't get me wrong, but this less treble happy VM540ML is a worthwhile improvement.
The VM540ML is most un-Audio Technica like in its general tonal balance. It's more like a Denon DL103, possessing a full bodied sound with a beautifully lit midrange, brimming with musical details. The top end is silky, smooth and again full of subtlety and like the Denon, it throws a nice, expansive soundstage
In the Mayware arm/JBE turntable, it is a state of the art tracker and gets on with making great music without fuss or favour. Tracking force at 1.8 - 2.2g is higher than the AT440MLb. I'm using 1.8g.
If you are in the market for a good moving magnet jobbie, this cart is a no-brainer.
It is a solid, sure-footed performer and the micro line profile stylus ensures that end-of-side performance is faultless.
The cartridge is better balanced than the previous AT440MLb model, due to the fact that it is less bright. As a result of this better balanced frequency response, we get a natural presentation that is detailed and dynamic without throwing a welter of leading edges at the listener. The AT440MLb is a great cartridge, don't get me wrong, but this less treble happy VM540ML is a worthwhile improvement.
The VM540ML is most un-Audio Technica like in its general tonal balance. It's more like a Denon DL103, possessing a full bodied sound with a beautifully lit midrange, brimming with musical details. The top end is silky, smooth and again full of subtlety and like the Denon, it throws a nice, expansive soundstage
In the Mayware arm/JBE turntable, it is a state of the art tracker and gets on with making great music without fuss or favour. Tracking force at 1.8 - 2.2g is higher than the AT440MLb. I'm using 1.8g.
If you are in the market for a good moving magnet jobbie, this cart is a no-brainer.