Audio-Technica VM610xMONO — Dual moving magnet mono cartridge for LP vinyl

The VM610xMONO is not a stereo cartridge with one channel strapped: its generator is built to read mono grooves and sum the information from both groove walls in phase. With a stereo cartridge, playing a mono record means summing channels, which cancels part of the vertical noise and thins the sound; here the motion becomes a mono signal from the outset, with less cancellation and a fuller, quieter result on 1950s and 1960s mono reissues.

Mechanically it shares the VMx platform: 7.2 gram black body, aluminium cantilever, 0.6 mil conical stylus and integrated M2.6 threads. The coil drops to 1.6 ohms and 240 mH, half that of the stereo versions, with 375 ohms DC resistance, while output stays at 5.0 mV and the horizontal/vertical ratio is 20 dB. Recommended tracking force is 2.0 grams, with a 1.8 to 2.2 g window, and response covers 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

This is the cartridge to fit on a second arm or a swappable headshell to hear that part of a collection as intended: centred voices, without the narrowing that electrical summing produces, and lower surface noise. Its replacement stylus is the VMN10xCB and mounting is standard half-inch. For 78 rpm records you need the VM670xSP, with a 3.0 mil conical tip and higher tracking force.

Technical specifications:

• Type: mono dual moving magnet (VM), 1/2 inch mount
• Stylus: 0.6 mil conical
• Cantilever: aluminium tube
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
• Output voltage: 5.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Horizontal/vertical output ratio: 20 dB (1 kHz)
• Coil impedance: 1.6 ohms (1 kHz)
• DC resistance: 375 ohms
• Inductance: 240 mH (1 kHz)
• Recommended load: 47 kohms, 150-250 pF
• Tracking force: 1.8-2.2 g (2.0 g standard)
• Vertical tracking angle: 20°
• Static / dynamic compliance: 23 / 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
• Dimensions: 28.0 × 18.3 × 17.6 mm
• Weight: 7.2 g
• Replacement stylus: AT-VMN10xCB (not included)
• Accessories: M2.6 screws of 10, 8 and 5 mm, two cleaners