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I have used many phono cartridges in my Rega turntable. Denon DL110, DL160 and DL301ii; Ortofon 2m Blue; Goldring E3; Audio Technica VM95EN, ML and SH; and Nagaoka MP200. Also, many years ago an Audio Technica OC9ML. The OC9ML had the best combination of tracking and detail but was a little shy in the bass. Plus, the stylus in not replaceable. The Nagaoka is the closest I came to getting the sound I wanted, but it still has an elliptical stylus and is not the last word in tracking ability. I had hoped that the VM95ML or SH would be the answer I was looking for: good tracking, good detail and accurate reproduction. Unfortunately, the VM95EN sounded the best to me, and the Nagaoka was better. After reading a couple of rave reviews about the VM540ML I decided to give it a try. Wow. This was the answer. Its response is not perfectly flat. It has a rising response from about 7khz to 14khz, topping out at maybe 3db higher at 14,000. I can't hear that high anyway. So I am left with a cartridge that provides detail but is really well balanced from the bass through the low treble. In my system, it sounds great. (Rega with RB220 tonearm, Darlington Labs MM-6 phono pre, Cambridge Audio CXA60 amplifier, Elac DBR62 speakers, SVS SB2000Pro sub). YMMV.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I've had 4 at440mla cartridges on different turntables over the years..I've bought more expensive cartridges,different makes,,ortophon,nagoka,grado.. shure v15.etc but but for the best tracking and this is important...no inner groove distortion...I always settle on audio technica to deliver...well I'm impressed w the vm540 ml...!I think it's a great replacement for the ,440,mla..even better actually...buy it..you won't regret it!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I am beyond impressed by this cartridge's performance. I purchased this to replace the Audio Technica AT112E/U on my Dad's old Technics SL-D202. It's probably a bit overkill for a $200 class vintage table, but you can't argue with the results. If you're on the fence go for it. I'd describe it as overall pretty easy listening and it feels alive. Cymbals, violin, and screaming guitar all sound nice and bright, but aren't at all painful to listen to. It's probably not quite "reference" class but the majority of audiophiles will find this cartridge does everything they ask of it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Very easy to install on AT headshell. The sound stage is wider than on stock AT-VM520EB cartridge. Seems to play older, less pristine LPs, with less noise. Takes about 20 hours of play to reach optimum sound.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Studied long and hard before I bought this cartridge, Should I replace my OM2 blue needle? Which sounded wonderful or switch to this? Best decision I made was to buy this VM540ML. It picks up so much more of the detail made into the record than the OM2 blue ever did. I'm very impressed with the performance of a microline stylus. If your trying to decide, I highly recommend this cartridge.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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