Audio-Technica Menu

VM740ML

Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge


U.S. One-Year Limited End-User Warranty

*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Actual selling price may vary; please check with an authorized Audio-Technica dealer.



BUY NOW

  • Overview
  • Features
  • Specifications
  • Reviews
  • Q & A

  • Overview

    The VM740ML MicroLine® stylus cartridge is a premier 700 Series model in Audio-Technica’s new VM 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 VM cartridges, the VM740ML 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 cartridge’s MicroLine® stylus allows it to trace the record groove with incredible accuracy, resulting in nuanced audio reproduction that elliptical and conical styli simply can’t match. The stylus’s multilevel shape also wears better than other styli, while reducing the wear on your records. Includes mounting hardware.

  • Features

    • VM dual magnet cartridge with MicroLine® stylus

    • Aluminum tapered cantilever

    • Paratoroidal coils improve generating efficiency

    • Center shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk

    • Die-cast aluminum alloy housing reduces vibration and adds a natural electrical shield

  • Specifications


    Frequency Response 20-27,000 Hz
    Channel Separation 28 dB (1 kHz)
    Vertical Tracking Angle23°
    Vertical Tracking Force 1.8-2.2 g (2.0 g standard)
    Stylus Construction Nude square shank
    Recommended Load Impedance 47,000 ohms
    Coil Impedance2,700 ohms (1 kHz)
    DC Resistance800 ohms
    Coil Inductance460 mH (1 kHz)
    Recommended load capacitance100-200 pF
    Output 4.0 mV (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
    Channel Balance 1.0 dB (1 kHz)
    Stylus Shape 2.2 x 0.12 mil MicroLine®
    Cantilever Aluminum tapered pipe
    Static Compliance40 x 10-6 cm/dyne
    Dynamic Compliance10 x 10-6 cm/dyne (100 Hz)
    Mount Half-inch
    Weight8.0 g (0.3 oz)
    Dimensions17.3 mm (0.7") H x 17.0 mm (0.7") W x 28.2 mm (1.1") D
    Replacement Stylus VMN40ML
    Accessories IncludedFour cartridge installation screws (5 mm x 2, 10 mm x 2), two washers, two hexagon nuts, non-magnetic screwdriver, brush, lead wire set


    Conditions

  • Reviews

    A stunning cartridge at this price point.

    5

    I have this on my VPI Scout feeding a Simaudio Moon 110LP. My previous two cartridges were moving coils at 2x+ the price of this cartridge. I don't think my Scout has ever sounded better. I am amazed. I will never be willing to spend $5K or more for a LOMC cartridge so I will never know how those sound. I can't imagine it getting that much better. I was also an Ortofon fan for a long time because my last AT cartridge (ATML150) was kind of a mixed bag that I never really fell in love with this. This one is a different kettle of fish altogether. Solid bass foundation underneath an open and beautiful midrange topped with a clean and clear top end that never sounds over emphasized or harsh. If you like small group jazz bands and jazz vocalists, put this on your tonearm, you may never take it off.

    Rainsville AL

    true

    A Masterpeice!

    5

    This is the finest moving magnet cartridge ever made. It rivals any moving coil on the market. You will not be dissappointed with this beauty!

    Nashville, TN

    true

    Excellent overall quality.

    5

    A nice upgrade from the discontinued AT 440ML. Has all the virtues of the 440 (excellent tracking, low distortion) without the hot high end. Very smooth and clear sound.

    Florida

    true

    Wonderful sounding cartridge - best buy among AT MM's

    5

    Probably the best buy from the new AT series. Huge upgrade from the 500-er line, easy to setup and provides a very musical, rhythmic, distortion free sound. It has enough heft to keep the presentation balanced however, in absolute terms its deep bass weight may be a little bit short of energy. Just noticeable, nothing serious. A very well crafted cartridge, perfect balance between price and quality, generally very high value. More suited to jazz and acoustic music than classical. Those classical music fans had better choosing the 750SA that is more calm and even more smooth.

    Budapest, Hungary

    true

    VM740ML Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

    5.0 4

    100.0

  • Q & A

    hi do i add the extra head shell weight technics 1210mk2

    joey

    Thank you for your inquiry. The extra weight is not necessary for this cartridge.

    AudioSolutionsManager

    hi i have a technics 1210m5g with stock head shell. i just purchased this cart, do i use the aux head shell weight i think its 4 extra grams with this vm740ml thanks

    joey

    Thank you for your inquiry. The extra weight is not necessary for this cartridge.

    AudioSolutionsManager

    I am a proud owner of an AT-LP5. Would this cartridge be a good upgrade for that table? In one of the other answers, you mention this being "medium compliance". What does this mean? Would it possibly be better to go with the vm540ml, or would I notice a difference considering I have a 100wpc class A amp, and tower speakers? I'm using the phono stage built-in to a that amp, a Kenwood from the '90's. Thanks for the help!

    Rich L.

    Thank you for your inquiry. Compliance is a somewhat long topic to discuss, nut in brief it refers to the suspension of the cartridge and should match the mass of the tone arm. The VM740ML would be a very good upgrade.

    AudioSolutionsManager

    Will the red styli work with AT440MLB? if not will there be any sort of replacement styli for the at440mlb?

    Adam

    Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, the VMN40ML will work on the AT440MLB.

    AudioSolutionsManager

    These new microline styli on this and the VM540ML track heavier than the previous design AT have used for years. Are these considered an improvement over the previous design?

    sdavies1970

    Thank you for your inquiry. Regarding the tracking force, we think the previous tracking force (1.0 to 1.8g, optimal 1.4g) is too low to have better sound quality and tracking ability. (especially, 1.0g) In the mid-80's, there was a kind of "competition of lower tracking force and high compliance", at least in Japan, and I heard every cart manufacturer was seeking it at that time. So I personally think low tracking force had lingered for decades without any modification. About the suspension, since the original VMs can have stability for 1.8g, new VM series have also stability for 1.8 to 2.2. (Of course, we checked the several tests such as Tracking ability and Stability for long time-maximum tracking force test and so on.) The only difference in terms of manufacturing process between 150Sa and 750SH or 440ML and 540ML is the pressure that was given in the process of stylus-cantilever assembly. In other words, New VM series' rubber dumpers are pressed with higher force compared with previous series.

    AudioSolutionsManager

    Will this be a good match for the Stanton t.92 turntable's arm, and is there an option for one with it pre-installed on the headshell?

    Blake

    Thank you for your inquiry. I cannot find any information on the internet about the effective tone arm mass for this turntable, so I cannot say for sure. This cartridge is a half inch medium compliance cartridge.

    AudioSolutionsManager

Product Search