Name: Audio-Technica VM540ML
Brand: Audio Technica
SKU: 057VM540ML
Price: 279.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

by Crutchfield's Eric A.

Get in the groove

What makes one stylus better than another? The shape and mounting of the stylus — the tiny diamond that traces the grooves of the record — is where small changes make a big difference in sound quality. The Audio-Technica VM540ML phono cartridge features an advanced 2.2 x 0.12 mil MicroLine stylus that gets deep into the cut and reproduces the smallest details of the music. When you're talking about the warm, natural sound of great vinyl, that small difference can mean everything.

Product highlights:

dual moving magnet design for excellent stereo separation
center shield plate between left and right channels reduces crosstalk
durable low-resonance polymer cartridge housing
2.2 x 0.12 mil MicroLine stylus traces grooves extremely accurately
- multilevel shape reduces wear on records
all-metal cantilever
frequency response 20-27,000 Hz
output voltage: 4.0 mV
stereo separation: 28 dB
channel balance: 1.0 dB
tracking force range: 1.8-2.2 grams
recommended tracking force: 2.0 grams
load impedance: 47k ohms
3/4"W x 3/4"H x 1-1/8"D
cartridge weight: 6.4 grams
warranty: 1 year
MFR # VM540ML

What's in the box:

Audio-Technica VM540ML owner's manual

Dual moving magnet stereo phono cartridge
4 Lead wires
2 Long screws
2 Short screws
2 Nuts
2 Washers
Brush
Non-magnetic screwdriver
User Manual
Disposal Note

Featured review

Loving the sound of this new cartridge. I had a DJ friend install and calibrate the cartridge for me. I've been spinning non-stop for the last week, and the sound is wonderful. A major upgrade from the cartridge that came with my Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB. I'm loving it!

Fred from Evanston, IL

See all 44 reviews

Customer Q&A

I was wondering if this cartridge would be a nice fit for an AR XA turntable? I plan on keeping the AR tone arm original.

Don't know. I installed this cartridge on my 38 year old Sansui FR-5080S Direct Drive turntable with the original arm and it performs in superlative fashion.

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44 reviews

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Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

Features & specs


Type	MM
Mounting	Standard
Stylus shape	MicroLine
Frequency response (Hz)	20-27k
Tracking grams	2.0
Stereo separation (dB)	28
Output voltage (mV)	4.0
Load Impedance (Ohms)	47,000
Load Capacitance (pF)	100-200

Product Research

Features

Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge: The VM540ML MicroLine stylus cartridge is the premier 500 Series model in Audio-Technica's new VM cartridge line. Like all VM cartridges, the VM540ML 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' multilevel shape also wears better than other styli, while reducing the wear on your records.

VM dual magnet cartridge with with MicroLine stylus
Aluminum cantilever
Paratoroidal coils improve generating efficiency
Center shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk
Durable low-resonance polymer housing

Note: This cartridge is designed to fit turntables that feature a standard 1/2" mount. It is not compatible with P-Mount style turntables.

Specifications:

Frequency Response: 20-27,000 Hz
Channel Separation: 28 dB (1 kHz)
Vertical Tracking Force: 1.8-2.2 g (2.0 g standard)
Stylus Construction: Nude square shank
Recommended Load Impedance: 47,000 ohms
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
Mount: 1/2"
Replacement Stylus: Part # VMN40ML
Coil Impedance: 2,700 ohms (1 kHz)
DC Resistance: 800 ohms
Load Capacitance: 100-200 pF
Coil Inductance: 460 mH (1 kHz)
Static Compliance: 40 x 10-6 cm/dyne
Dynamic Compliance: 10 x 10-6 cm/dyne (100 Hz)
Vertical Tracking Angle: 23°

Dimensions: 0.75" (w) x 0.75" (h) x 1.125" (d)

Weight: 6.4 g (0.2 oz)

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11 questions already asked

I was wondering if this cartridge would be a nice fit for an AR XA turntable? I plan on keeping the AR tone arm original.

energy slop Sep 27, 2023

2 answers

Hello, I am not familiar with the AR XA Turntable, so I cannot comment on the compatibility with the VM540ML cartridge.

devin Oct 01, 2023

Don't know. I installed this cartridge on my 38 year old Sansui FR-5080S Direct Drive turntable with the original arm and it performs in superlative fashion.

david Sep 30, 2023

Is installation easy? clear instruction comes with the cartridge?

ravikumar Feb 06, 2023

1 answer

Greetings Ravikumar, and thank you for your question. The instructions are easy to follow. Its 4 wires, and 2 screws, but the screws are small, and so are the wires. take your time, and you will manage just fine. If during your install you run into any problems, we have a tech support team here 7 days a week to help.

hogan Feb 06, 2023 (Staff)

Will this work on the Fluance rt81? Is there a mounted version for sale

matthew Jan 07, 2023

1 answer

This will fit the headshell included with the RT81. There is a mounted version, VM540ML/H, which I'll link here: www.crutchfield.com/p_057VM540H/item.html

zachary Jan 08, 2023 (Staff)

Will this cartridge work on the Technics SL-1200MK2?

jeff Nov 29, 2022

1 answer

This will work on the legendary Technics SL-1200MK2, Jeff. You can also get this fantastic cartridge pre mounted to an Audio-Technica Headshell in the link below to make the swap as easy as possible. Just screw it on, set your tracking weight and listen away. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_057VM540H/Audio-Technica-VM540ML-H.html

bo Nov 29, 2022 (Staff)

Will this work on a vintage Pioneer PL 570?

ray Oct 04, 2022

1 answer

What a great deck Ray! That is a gorgeous unit, and you should be able to use this Audio-Technica VM540ML. This does depend on your particular headshell style of course, but looking at the original included headshell on most PL 570's I can find online the VM540ML should mount. If there is any question you can always use this Audio-Technica AT-HS10 in the link below and replace your headshell too if you wish. You'll of course need to zero your tonearm weight and set the correct tracking force on setup. I hope this helps! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_057HS10BK/Audio-Technica-AT-HS10-Black.html

bo Oct 04, 2022 (Staff)

would this cartridge work with a PioneerPL530 turntable (circa 1976), with original head shell?

robb Oct 04, 2022

1 answer

Greetings Robb, and thank you for your question. Yes sir, almost a direct replacement cartridge. Will fit right on using the same screws already being used on your headshell now. Same 4 wire connection as well. I see a lot of the Audio Technica carts going on the original Pioneer headshell.

hogan Oct 04, 2022 (Staff)

Would this cartridge work with Rega Planar 1?

marius daniel Sep 26, 2022

1 answer

I see no reason why not, Marius. If you have a Planar 1 with a mounted cartridge, you can certainly upgrade to the VM540ML for even better performance! We provide lifetime Technical Support, so if you do have issues mounting your cartridge give us call at 1-888-292-2575, we are always here to help!

bo Sep 26, 2022 (Staff)

Would this fit on a vintage Technics SL-3300, which currently holds the original Shure S- 420?

jeff Sep 02, 2022

1 answer

Greetings Jeffery, and thank you for your question. As long as the original headshell is still on your Technics SL-3300 the Audio Technica VM540ML will work fine as a replacement cartridge.

hogan Sep 03, 2022 (Staff)

Will it fit the tonearm of my Music Hall USB-1 turnable?

miguel Jul 08, 2022

1 answer

This Audio-Technica VM540ML is compatible with your factory headshell on your Music Hall USB-1, Miguel. It is a considerable amount of work to unbolt the old cartridge and carefully re-mount this unit and connect the four tiny lead wires. Since your Music Hall USB-1 has what I would call a "traditional" tone arm, you can also grab one of these Blank Audio-Technica headshell's I've put in the link below for you with your new VM540ML to make easy work of the replacement, essentially making it quick change! We also offer a pre-mounted option in the link below that, for the easiest possible install. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_057HS10BK/Audio-Technica-AT-HS10-Black.html https://www.crutchfield.com/p_057VM540H/Audio-Technica-VM540ML-H.html

bo Jul 08, 2022 (Staff)

Does this go well with the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Espirit SB?

derek Jul 09, 2020

5 answers

I would say yes, because it sounds great with my Thorens TD 190.

michael Jul 12, 2020

I own a vintage Technics SL-1900 and am happy with the Audio Technica match-up. I am familiar with the Pro-Ject Esprit SB T.T. and don't own one but, I don't want to mislead you either. I can't answer your question.

jesse Jul 10, 2020

I would say yes. I am going to try it on my new Pre-Ject turntable. I presently have it installed on my Marantz Reference turntable and the sound was incredible. It replaced my old Signet Black Widow cartridge. Highly recommended it!

patrick Jul 10, 2020

Your turntable has a relatively light tonearm and no vertical tracking adjustment. Given that, I read good things about this cartridge with your turntable. It's a stunning improvement for me with an modified AT-LP120 and pioneer pl-540. I'm buying another one soon.

richard Jul 09, 2020

It is an excellent cartridge that will greatly outperform the Pro-Ject turntables. I would spend money on a used Thorens or Dual turntable instead, both of which have far better tonearms. Also, get a real phono amplifier like the NAD PP-2 if you don't have a preamp/receiver that has a phono section. The Pro-Ject phono amp is not nearly as good as a real audiophile phono amp.

hunter c Jul 09, 2020

Is this a good match for the Rega Planar 3?

james Dec 08, 2019

1 answer

Yes, that would be an excellent option for the Rega Planr 3 turntable.

casey Dec 21, 2019 (Staff)

SHOW MORESHOW LESS