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Customer Reviews

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Dual moving magnet phono cartridge with MicroLine® stylus and headshell

MFR # AT-VM540ML/H

5.0 out of 5 stars
79 reviews
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A MAJOR UPGRADE

Scott from LEBANON, PA on 7/11/2025

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I waited a while before reviewing to make sure it was well broken in. At about 3'4 weeks the improvements became noticeable, so be patient. Such excellent clarity and detail. Highs are bright and well defined with no sibilance. Bass is deep and strong yet tight. There's a presence to instruments that provides a sense that the musicians are in the room. I listen to classical, blues, rock/pop and techno/electronic. My system includes a Fluance RT82 turntable, Yamaha amp and vintage Advent Prodigy tower speakers.

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0 of 0 found this helpful

Nicely packaged. Shipped quickly.

Ryan from Spring, TX on 6/29/2025

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Shipped quickly. Well packaged. Still breaking in. Will update after it has time to break in. Playing on highly modified AR XA, McIntosh C35, ZU SW6, Yamaha MX1000, using phono built in on McI. Headshell mounted perfectly from initial measurements. Will update sound review in another 50-75 hours.

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Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Michael from Garden City, NY on 5/25/2025

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A noticeable upgrade from the cartridge that came with my Audio-Technica turntable.

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Nice upgrade

Howard from Norton, MA on 4/29/2025

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Sounds nice. Upgrade from the the AT-VM95 that came with turntable. Much more precise sounding.

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Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Brett from Lancaster, PA on 4/9/2025

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This needle offers an incredible increase in overall sound clarity and definition of instruments. It sounds cliché, but you will hear things that you have never heard before. Additionally, as always, the gentleman that I talk to, while picking out the needle was quite knowledgeable and very friendly

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Cons: No cons. Super easy to install

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0 of 0 found this helpful

Wonderful sound, great detail

James from CHATTANOOGA, TN on 3/26/2025

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I find listening to records with this cartridge to be wonderful. So much more sound information is extracted from the groove than is possible with an elliptical stylus. AT-LP8X turntable and AD Box S2 phono preamp. This cartridge is a real bargain compared to the more expensive Ortofon Bronze. This cart allows you to hear all the subtle timbre of each instrument. Audio- Technical pre mounted carts come with a 52.5mm distance from tone arm mount to stylus. On the AT-LP8X I had to move the cart forward to the end of travel: 55mm.

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Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

John from Knoxville, TN on 3/19/2025

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Wonderful cartridge that really woke up my turntable system. For several years I have been using a cartridge that, although it had lots of detail, the music had no life. This setup brought life back to the system and now I can feel that old enjoyment that I haven't felt in years.

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Noticeable sound improvement

Robert from East Amherst, NY on 3/1/2025

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Enjoying my new A/T cartridge. A noticeable improvement over my current A/T TK3Ea elliptical. More frequency range and great right/left channel separation! My vinyl collection is in excellent condition, but comforting to know that the nude micro line stylus will have a minimal effect on record wear over time.

Pros: Broader frequency range, better separation, less record wear, sounds great.

Cons: None

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1 of 2 found this helpful

Good deal

DONALD G from Maine on 2/25/2025

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When I first got this cartridge I did not like it but it has grown on me. After about 50 or so hours it is really sounding nice. Excellent channel separation, good base and treble. If I have a complaint it's that the soundstage is not the best and it's definitely on the bright side. This cartridge does give my other more expensive cartridges a run for their money. I purchased a VMN 50 SH stylus to replace the original Microline and the sound is now much warmer and the soundstage is much improved. For the price this cartridge is hard to beat.

Pros: Excellent channel separation. Hard to beat for the price

Cons: A bit on the bright side.

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Great cart

Thomas from Manteo, NC on 2/17/2025

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Excellent packaging and quick delivery. Always a great experience with Crutchfield. Cart is of exceptional value; terrific sound.

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Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

David from Bernville, PA on 2/5/2025

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Great company, always get what you ordered quickly and in great condition.

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0 of 0 found this helpful

Highly recommended for AT-LP120 upgrade

Craig from Fullerton, CA on 12/8/2024

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Got this as an attempt to upgrade from a Nagaoka MP-110 on my AT-LP120. Took a few moments to align and set the tracking force to 2 gm. Only about 6 hrs into listening and I sensed an improvement immediately. I feel there to be more transparency with tighter bass. The MP-110 was a great improvement from the cartridge that came stock, and this cartridge was a nice step up from that. In hind sight I definitely would've chosen to spend more for this cartridge over the Nagaoka if I knew before. But this was path that led me here and I appreciate the increased fidelity now. The surface noise seems to be muted with this new cartridge as well. I am content with the sound my system is allowing me to enjoy with this cartridge on duty. If there is more improvement to be had as I wear it in, I look forward to it.

Pros: I find the $300 price tag to be very reasonable for the improvement I experienced I like the retractable stylus protector Cartridge weight feels good

Cons: Don't have any at the moment

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4 of 4 found this helpful

Good match for vintage Fisher

Erica from Minneapolis, MN on 8/31/2024

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My vintage Fisher MT-6250 has been a beautiful table for me for 44 years. I had been running a stalwart Stanton 500 Mk II on it for the last three decades. The Stanton is a tough, remarkable cartridge for its day. I had given it a new stylus fairly recently, and it still sounds not too bad. But I wanted to get more from this really nice table. I'm glad I went with this cart pre-mounted on a new headshell. Installation was a snap, basically plug-and-play, with spot-on stylus-gasket span of 52.5 mm and no need to adjust alignment! I'm still breaking in the cart, and the new Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 that I sprang for at the same time. Already, I can tell that I've taken a big step up in spaciousness of sound, crisp (but not overly bright) detail in highs, and well-balanced low to mid. I hope to get more good years out of this great turntable with fine sound from the 540.

Pros: Easy mounting, spacious sound, detail in high freq., good-feeling low to mid, good upgrade for vintage table w/appropriate geometry

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2 of 3 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

John from Coshocton, OH on 7/19/2024

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This is the first time I have replaced a cartridge. I bought the VM540ML/H and it was easy to install! The sound quality was excellent. I could hear sounds that I could not hear with my old cartridge. This is a very good cartridge to buy.

Pros: Buy with head shell. Easy to install

Cons: None

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Russel from Orlando, FL on 7/17/2024

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Easy installation. Great sound!

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Gary from Crest Hill, IL on 7/2/2024

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This cartridge has brought my system to a whole new level. It brings out sounds on albums that I never heard before. Well worth the money.

Pros: Tracking quality, fair price

Cons: None

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Good cartridge.

Raymond from Oklahoma City, OK on 5/16/2024

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Easy to set up and sounds great.

Pros: Easy to set up.

Cons: Somewhat expensive.

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1 of 2 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

David from Marina Del Rey, CA on 5/14/2024

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Build quality on the cartridge and headshell is superb. Very revealing sound and good separation. Great value.

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1 of 2 found this helpful

Serious sound

Allan from Clementon, NJ on 4/16/2024

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Cartridge mounted on Technics GR2. Best record playing system I've ever had. Highly recommended.

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Great upgrade cartridge for me.

Norman from Springfield, MA on 4/13/2024

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I needed to upgrade my cartridge from a Shure m97xe. I bought it new a long time ago and figured it was time for a change. The new vinyl releases are available on 180 gram vinyl, so I figured an upgrade was indicated. Cartridge comes premounted on head shell to 52 mm overhang. I bought it for a Pioneer pl560 turntable, who's overhang is 49mm. I figured there would be enough play in the mount slots to push it back to 49mm. Unfortunately, it bottomed out about 1mm short. That's the high end of the tolerance. It still sounded great. Stylus is very fine and the diamond is very hard to see. A few days after installing it,I decided a new preamp would bring the best out of the new cartridge, so I scored a Cambridge Solo preamp from Crutchfield. Great choice. The sound is so clear and open now with zero background hiss. I'll be sticking with this AT cartridge for awhile. Naturally you have to do all the tweaking to dial it in,but it's worth the effort. And when you have 60 days to decide you either love it or not,buying it is a no brainer. Great purchase and I know Crutchfield will stand behind my purchase. Cheers!

Pros: Cartridge is already mounted. Check the overhang for your turntable ,then just dial in the stylus pressure and antiskate and you're good to go.

Cons: None so far.

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3 of 3 found this helpful

Awesome upgrade

Robert from Lakewood, OH on 2/11/2024

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So far, I love this cartridge and stylus. I wasn't sure if I would notice a difference from my Shure M97Xe. But, I am picking up sounds in records that I hadn't heard before. Plus, the music is rich and pure. Great natural sounding bass. I would highly recommend this cartridge if you're looking to make a change.

Pros: Clear rich sound. Nice solid bass Great sound right out of the box

Cons: None that I can think of

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Steven from Edmond, OK on 1/29/2024

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Works great on my Audio Technical LP-7, a Para sound preamp. I use it for new records in stereo. Older records, and mono sound better in my system with a VMN20EB stylus, which came with the turntable. Originally upgraded to the 40ML stylus, and then added a second 540ML with head-shell to have a spare stylus and to expedite changes for different types of records

Pros: Great sound quality and low noise.

Cons: None

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Upgrading the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 from AT95E to VM540ML/H cart.

Andrew from LEBANON, PA on 1/7/2024

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Just WOW! Every review I read about the difference between the standard issue AT95E cartridge and the and the VM540ML/H cartridge was spot-on. The difference in clarity and sound quality is amazing! Bright, crisp, clear and downright pleasurable sound with the VM540ML/H. This makes listening to vinyl that much more enjoyable. Furthermore, I can't say enough good about the customer and technical service provided by Crutchfield. One of the main reasons they are my ONLY source of audio equipment.

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Check your head shell weight first

Jeffrey from Indianapolis, IN on 1/7/2024

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I know this cartridge so I know it's good but I should have looked into my head shell weight. The one that is on the turntable is 2 grams lighter and so to use the new head shell and cartridge the counter weight had to be all the way back. So I've ordered a head shell like the original and will mount it. Just a word of warning do your homework!

Pros: It's a great cartridge for the money.

Cons: Make sure your head shell weight matches

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4 of 4 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Rick from Hershey, PA on 1/5/2024

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Sounds great

Pros: Very easy to install.

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Truly Amazing

Bruce from Maineville, OH on 1/4/2024

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Holy smokes this cartridge is awesome. I'm a middle age guy with tinnitus and wasn't sure I would be able to tell the difference. Boy was I wrong. This cartridge is very musical. By that I mean it emphasizes the mid and mid-low range while still providing nice but not harsh treble. Bass is more punchy and the overall sound is fuller and a touch warm (but not overdone). I read a lot of reviews and questioned whether the cult following was deserved. Having heard it now for myself I will say this cartridge produces a wonderful sound quality and punches above its price point. My next upgrade (not anytime soon) will be a MC cartridge, but I can see being very happy with this cartridge for a very long time.

Pros: Fuller sound with punchier low end and warm sound. Pleasant upper end without being fatiguing.

Cons: None

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3 of 3 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Douglas from Palm Bch Gdns, FL on 12/3/2023

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Purchased this model to replace my Stanton's 680's and am very happy. First album to try them in was The Cars Candy-O half speed master 180 G. And wow!!

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Brian from Menomonee Falls, WI on 11/16/2023

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Arrived in excellent condition. The cartridge works great and sounds wonderful. It's given life to my old and new records. Highly recommend.

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Charles from West Frankfort, IL on 6/17/2023

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Separation is better than my old ctg. happy with purchase

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Great upgrade

Gregory from Hendersonville, NC on 5/5/2023

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The Audio-Technical VM540ML/H is a very nice upgrade for my AT-LP120USB! It produces rich sounds while listening to my albums!

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Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Timothy from Trussville, AL on 4/30/2023

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Just what the doctor ordered! Clarity with no static!

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3 of 3 found this helpful

Just take the chance, get it

Robert from BOISE, ID on 4/27/2023

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This is a great product! Nothing but love to the developers of this cartridge. I am new to the turntable seen but wanted to take that first step into the cartridge upgrade world and see what 300 bucks sounds like. I am nothing short of amazed, I had to mount the cartridge to a curved headshell that I also purchased thru Crutchfield. Took time but once dialed in it sounds great. Do yourself the favor and just purchase it. Your ears will thank you.

Pros: The speakers just seem to disappear when music is played. Has very high detail

Cons: None, would purchase again.

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4 of 4 found this helpful

Excellent stylus!

James from Omaha, NE on 4/21/2023

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Excellent sound - makes my 180 g lp's sound like I've never heard them before!!

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1 of 1 found this helpful

A Solid Choice

Bruce from Edmond, OK on 4/7/2023

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Good bass, midrange and treble clarity. A top-notch cartridge that won't break your budget. It has a smooth and detailed sound.

Pros: Great tracking, nice soundstage.

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5 of 5 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Dan from Oklahoma City, OK on 3/28/2023

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A fantastic cartridge upgrade. The clarity in sound is phenomenal.

Pros: Excellent product. Easy to install.

Cons: None

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3 of 3 found this helpful

Sweet to the ears

Eric from Oak Lawn, IL on 3/13/2023

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A nice upgrade from the vm95e/h. I notice more clarity including highs and smooth bass. For vinyl listener's this is a great upgrade that wont break the bank.

Pros: Easy twist lock install Onboard stylus protector

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3 of 3 found this helpful

Your ears will thank you!

Leland from Delaware, OH on 3/10/2023

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This cartridge sounds wonderful. It's a great upgrade for my turntable. Now my records rival and sometimes surpass CD sound! Music and sound quality from records is full of surprises in the form of unheard details now heard clearly. The best setting for my phono preamp was 100 pf. When I set it to 200 pf, the higher frequencies were a little accentuated (pushed forward), and loud dynamic passages were a little compressed or jumbled, not clear. But at 100 pf, the sound was spot on for dynamics and for all frequencies. The bass from this cartridge is excellent! For the price I can't think of a better upgrade for a system with a turntable.

Pros: Premounted on a headshell makes life much easier.

Cons: None.

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6 of 6 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Glenn from Winchester, VA on 2/15/2023

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After buying a Denon DP400 from Crutchfield, I played some of my favorite vinyl music with the factory Denon cartridge. The sound was pleasing but not great. I swapped the factory cartridge for an Audio Technica 530 cartridge and played the same music. The result was better by a small margin. Finally I put the AT VM540ML/H cartridge in the system. That 540 plays well with my DP400. the sound became fuller in all ranges, more natural with better and smoother highs. I have a Virgil Fox "Heavy Organ" disc that sounds incredible with my system! For my set up the AT VM540ML/H is worth the upgrade dollars.

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7 of 7 found this helpful

Excellent sound and loud!

Bradley from Spokane, WA on 1/20/2023

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Excellent reproduction. Definitely improved the loudness over the stock V95 on my AT LP120 usb turntable. It is MUCH louder. In order to compete with MQA and Hi Res streaming files, I had to upgrade to a more expensive cartridge. This cartridge will definitely improve listening experience. I am not sure it is better than Ortofon Red. I'm sure that technically it is better, but I have a Technics S1300 that comes with the Red, and it is amazing.

Pros: Great sound

Cons: Maybe pricey compared to lesser priced Ortofon Red

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2 of 4 found this helpful

My Second Cartridge

Fred from Evanston, IL on 1/17/2023

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I had a DJ friend install my first cartridge. I loved the performance and sound so much that I decided to put in a dedicated Quad listening space in another room. My friend was not around, so I ordered the headshell and cartridge combo for a second turntable in the Quad Room. Installing and setting it up was a breeze for me! I'm listening to a Quad LP as I typed this review! Very happy with my purchase.

Pros: Ease of installation

Cons: Price (but worth it)

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Decent Upgrade, Not Great

Ralph from Columbus, OH on 1/5/2023

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Slight increase in sound quality over a highly used AT95EX cartridge. I had expected more in terms of sound improvement. This provides a clean and neutral sound but am wondering if I should have spent $600 instead of $300 to get a real sound quality upgrade

Pros: Cones mounted on head shell

Cons: Sound quality is decent, not great.

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2 of 8 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Michael from Palatine, IL on 12/27/2022

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Great improvement over the Ortofon 2M Bronze on my system. The Ortofon was bright / shrill and lacking lower end on my sstem. I also tried the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH, which was similar to the Ortofon. System: Technics SL1210GR; Elac PPA2 phono pre; Bowers & Wilins CM10 speakers. Soundstage is better, nice lower end.

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4 of 5 found this helpful

Value

Matthew from Foley, AL on 12/25/2022

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Great sound for a fraction of the cost of my moving coil cartridge. I have a rather high end set up with Technics 1200G, a Hana mc cartridge and a dedicated mc preamp. My total investment on these were over $7k I wanted a cheaper option on a cartridge as not to wear out my mc cart. I decided on the vm540ml/h and Ifi zen phono from Crutchfield, I have not been disappointed. I actually enjoy my music more with the relative inexpensive but quality Audio Technics cart as I am no longer constantly worrying about damaging my mc cart. Great value to performance from both Ifi and Audio Technica have me questioning my purchase of mc cart/phono purchases.

Pros: Top performance for a lower priced cart Perfect pre mount alignment for Technics

Cons: None

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Top of the MM hill

Lenny from Clarksburg, WV on 12/21/2022

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In my opinion, the VM540ML is one of the best MM carts available. The small size of the micro line stylus tip runs deeply into the vinyl groove which results it several improvements over the standard elliptical stylus. First, it picks up more information from of the vinyl especially those of the high end. Second, it produces a clearer, more distint sound. Third, it tracks extremely well, playing damaged tracks with a minimal of noise, seldom skipping. And, Audio Technica states this VM cartridge is an upgrade over the VM95 series. The result is outstanding sound, with well definied separation and imagining. The soundstage seems to engulf the listener. This cart/stylus will bring life to your system. It is complient with almost any turntable and is surprisingly rugged. Finally, the flip down stylus guard is a nice touch. Highly recommend.

Pros: A great upgrade in all areas.

Cons:

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4 of 4 found this helpful

Music to my ears

Jeremy from Summerland Key, FL on 11/27/2022

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Everything I was hoping for. and then some! This cartridge/headshell is crystal clear right out of the box. Beautiful soundstage and separation. I'm extremely impressed.

Pros: Price Sound quality Clarity

Cons: Nothing

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2 of 2 found this helpful

What a difference!

Geoffrey from Garfield Hts, OH on 9/14/2022

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I didn't know my stereo could sound so good. This cartridge was transformational to the albums I have been hearing all my life and makes new stuff sound clear and fabulous. It didn't occur to me that by purchasing a good-grade cartridge was a critical part of my signal chain for my turntable but I'm glad I found out. I got the one on the shell so I could easily swap back and forth between the new and the old. This one cost ten times the cost of my original and it is easily ten times better. Don't cheap-out on your cartridge - you'll never know what you are missing.

Pros: Fabulous sound Ease of installation Integrated stylus guard

Cons: none

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5 of 5 found this helpful

Great Cartridge

James from Henrico, VA on 8/20/2022

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Excellent cartridge. A step or two above my Shure M97XE. Hearing new things with every LP I've played. Very crisp, clear sound.

Pros: Easy to set up since it was pre mounted on headshell.

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

John L from Candia, NH on 8/8/2022

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Makes a big difference in terms of clarity with vinyl.

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0 of 0 found this helpful

Extremely easy plug and play upgrade

Joseph from Greenville, SC on 4/25/2022

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An extremely easy plug and play upgrade to my Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK and its entry level cartridge. I like having the cartridge already mounted to the headshell. That gives me the option of switching back and forth easily to compare. A tad bright on a few recordings but very clear improved detail, warmth, and separation on the majority of my vinyl collection. Sound staging is noticeably improved. Overall Very pleased with my purchase.

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Worth the pricie over the AT95E

Ora from Mount Vernon, OH on 3/25/2022

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Very nice upgrade over an AT95E on an Audio Technica LP120 turntable. 95E is a nice inexpensive cartridge/stylus combo, but the VM540ML improves highs and mid range. Vocals are now better and there is more clarity in complex multi-instrument pieces, i.e., you can hear individual instruments better and music overall no long sounds a little muffled. Seems less noisy, too, but I don' t know why that should be. Very pleased with the purchase and IMO worth doing.

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Superb Stylus

Eric from Denver, CO on 3/22/2022

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This is a neutral and open stylus that provides an ocean of detail without fatiguing the ears. The catch is that you, the listener will need to maintain your records in a very clean state to fully enjoy the sound of this product. The results are astonishing. I love this product, and it punches above it's weight.

Pros: Price to performance ratio is unequaled.

Cons: None.

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2 of 2 found this helpful

What I needed, when I wanted it.

Michael from Mays Landing, NJ on 3/20/2022

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Easy to install, already aligned. Very nice sounding cartridge/needle combo.

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0 of 1 found this helpful

What an excellent cartridge!!!

Chad from Locust Grove, VA on 1/17/2022

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Amazing sound!! This also does very well at reducing hissing and crackling on older records. Very happy with this purchase.

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Great sound

Crutchfield customer from Toledo, OH on 12/22/2021

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Now that both channels work I love this cart. Having it allows me to not have to use the expensive Shure V15 Type IV/Jico SAS. It sounds great and its not really broken in yet! Very balanced throughout the freq range. It is a steal at its price. Just buy one, the reviewers are not wrong about this!

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Merritt Island, FL on 9/25/2021

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Well worth the money. Put on my old Sanyo TP1020 and dramatically upgraded the highs.

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Auburn, MA on 9/19/2021

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I replaced my Ortofon 2M Blue with the AT VM540ML. To my ears, as well as my listening buddy,the Audio Technicia has a fuller sound. The 2M Blue was very bright for lack of better words almost to the point of fatigue. Loving the AT VM540ML so far and feel it's only going g to sound better the more I play. My system is made up of the following: Fluance RT85 TT Elac U i-Fi 2.0 bookshelf speakers Emotive A300 amp Emotiva PT100 pre

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19 of 19 found this helpful

Hits the sweet spot.

Crutchfield customer from Cleveland, OH on 9/6/2021

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This cartridge is the best bang for the buck MM cartridge I have heard in a very long time. A little less clinical than Ortofon red, but more detailed than Grado Gold. this hits the sweet spot with punch, air, drive and soul. I couldn't be happier at this price point.

Pros: Tracking, cohesive and dynamic sound.

Cons: Nothing at this price point.

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11 of 11 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Gold Canyon, AZ on 9/5/2021

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Really digs out the sound that's been unheard easy install good product

Pros: Quality in sound

Cons: None

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3 of 3 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Redway, CA on 8/30/2021

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Superb sounding cartridge!

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0 of 0 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Brooksville, FL on 2/18/2021

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Very nice mm cartridge with a Tech 1500c turntable. Utilizing a Schitt Mani phono stage & upgraded cables. Sound is toe tapping good.

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4 of 4 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Johnson Lake, NE on 2/8/2021

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This is a great cartridge, the pricing is good also.

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0 of 0 found this helpful

Maybe a defect but the one I was sent is ear-splitting shrill

Crutchfield customer from Harrison Twp, MI on 9/26/2020

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I love the Audio Technica brand and the interchange stylus idea is genius. I have many of the AT products at home and thought I would upgrade my beloved AT100e cartridge. I really love the look and feel of the headshell on the VM540ML/H and the detail it pulls from the records is stunning. However, after maybe 10 or more records I expected the shrill high-end to subside. It did not. On some records it was not that noticeable, but on others, an ear bleeding experience. It could be that the stylus has a manufacturing defect or something. Not sure. I'm suspecting the VM520E will be better suited to my taste since the AT100E has been so great. I will likely try the Microline again at some point, maybe for the VM95 line. I'm not saying I don't recommend this product. I'm assuming I have a defect on my hands. I'll keep buying Audio Technica products, just not this one.

Pros: Really nice headshell, great upgrade options, legendary cartridge, stylus plays with intense detail

Cons: Microline stylus can be very unpleasant with shrill highs on some records

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7 of 19 found this helpful

The best sounding and reasonably priced cartridge I have bought.

Wayne from CHAMPLAIN, NY on 9/22/2020

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This is a great sounding cartridge. I couldn't see paying a lot more money for the 740 or one with a Shibata sylus. I play mostly pop and rock 180 gram records. I honestly have to say that I have heard more detail in the songs than I did with my original elliptical stylus. It was a little bit to set up. So make sure you have your turntable specs handy. I wanted to have the tangency set on this cartridge, riding right in the groove. I didn't find that it was overly bright in sound like some have found. It was pure music. I am very particular at keeping my records clean and this takes advantage of that! You won't regret this purchase. Very happy!

Pros: Excellent sound and rides nice in the groove and pics up additional sound off the record (music wise) that you may have missed with an elliptical stylus.

Cons: Just make sure you set it up properly for whatever turntable you use it on. May take some reading up on.

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7 of 7 found this helpful

Love it!

Tamas from Sarasota, FL on 8/22/2020

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Very good sound! I upgraded my Denon DP 500`s cartridge. Little too loud on treble sound, but on this price range, I think the best you can get! Really happy to buy it!

Pros: Clear sound

Cons: Little too much high... can control it

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2 of 3 found this helpful

Crisp and Clean Sound

Robert from SHALIMAR, FL on 5/21/2020

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Crisp and clean sound, strong bass and awesome high frequency reproduction. The difference between my Shure cartridge and the VM540ML is like night and day. AT did everything right with this one.

Pros: Easy to switch cartridges with the head shell included, plug and play.

Cons: You might need to turn the treble down a notch, if think it's too bright.

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3 of 3 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Odessa, TX on 3/5/2020

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Great sound from my new cartridge. Easy to install and setup. Listening to all my vinyl now.

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1 of 1 found this helpful

Sleeper Alert !

Crutchfield customer from Columbia Falls, MT on 1/20/2020

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This stylus performs as well at others at twice the cost ! The clarity and frequency response is huge. Detail is very clear and alive ,but not edgy. So far it is as my ortofon bronze stylus ,warm and natural. The price is amazing.

Pros: An amazing value to performance

Cons: It wasn't free : < } ha ha

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3 of 5 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Citrus Heights, CA on 1/12/2020

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Great cartridge. Replaced an AT VM95E. Brought out better detail, soundstage and bass. Great tracking. I have nothing else to compare to. But it's currently being used on a Thorens TD318 and I'm really enjoying it. Should've bought cartridge only, but I purchased this when I was looking for a technics SL-1200.. And ended up finding a Thorens TD318 which has a fixed headshell.

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2 of 2 found this helpful

Amazing upgrade vs. prior cartridge

Chris from Cincinnati on 6/17/2019

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I upgraded in 2018 from the original cartridge that came with my Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB to an Ortofon Red. There wasn't much of a difference, unfortunately. I had major issues with sibilance and wobble/wavers in the vocals, which I thought were attributed to bad power into my apartment. Nothing solved this issue.....power conditioners, unplugging everything, etc. That was until I got the VM540ML. Not only is the sound much better than the Ortofon, the sibilance is completely gone. I first off began listing to records that sounded terrible, and they are now back to sounding amazing as they should. I did use a proper protractor and a gram scale and spent two hours making sure the headshell and cart were perfectly weighed and aligned. I couldn't recommend this cart more and look forward to only purchasing this one for years to come. WORTH THE MONEY. no sibilance

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Cons: Zero

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12 of 14 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Guaynabo, PR on 4/29/2019

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Good definition and clean sound for the price. Maybe a slightly bright, but did not cause listener fatigue.

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3 of 4 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Sacramento, CA on 4/14/2019

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Exceptional sound quality, improved high end

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3 of 4 found this helpful

Worth every penny.

Robert from Kalamazoo, MI on 2/24/2019

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This was an upgrade for the cartridge that came with my Audio-Technica. The sound is crisps and clear from the bass to the highs. Some vinyl now sounds better than the CD version.

Pros: Great tracking, and even sound.

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6 of 6 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Midland, TX on 1/21/2019

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great cartridge!

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0 of 2 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Chris from Hoosick Falls NY on 10/24/2018

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I was looking for a new cartridge to replace the one that came with the same turntable was directed to buy this from your counselor and I couldn't be happier sonically it sounds better than I ever could expect.

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3 of 4 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Syracuse, NY on 10/16/2018

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Sounds as great as advertised.

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1 of 3 found this helpful

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H

Crutchfield customer from Plymouth, WI on 7/1/2018

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The quick answer is, no sibilance. I tested it on , Black water by the Doobie Brothers from Best of The Doobies. All my other cartridges had terrible sibilance. With the vm540ml it played back with no harsh ssss sounds. I'm only giving 4 stars since I have no other cartridges in this price range to compare it with. I wanted a cartirdge without sibilance and I found it.

Pros: No sibilance.

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6 of 14 found this helpful

Great Cartridge

Eric D from Olive Branch, MS on 4/6/2018

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Amazing separation. Very low noise.

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2 of 3 found this helpful

Audi-Technica VM540 Stereo Carteridge

Martin from Manasquan, NJ on 1/30/2018

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Wonderful carteridge, great sound

Pros: Great sound.

Cons: Upgraded an AT95EX carteridge that came with an AT-LP5 turntable. I don't hear much difference between the two.

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2 of 7 found this helpful

Very fine sounding cartridge

Joe from Scottsdale, AZ on 8/14/2017

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The AT cartridge itself is great. Seems to track new and old vinyl with the same responsiveness, in fact older albums have never sounded better and I've only got a few hours on the setup. However, the head shell is inappropriate for the Denon turntable I bought it for. The thread size is correct, but theangle seems wrong, as if it's designed for a curved tone arm while my Denon is straight. I should have just bought the cartridge alone. I wound up remounting the cartridge in the Denon headshell.

Pros: Great cartridge

Cons: Wrong headshell

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3 of 8 found this helpful

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