Audio-Technica VM745xML — Dual moving magnet cartridge with Microlinear stylus and boron cantilever

The VM745xML sits in the middle of the VMx premium range: it shares the dual moving magnet generator and the nude Microlinear stylus of the VM740xML, but swaps the die-cast aluminium cantilever for a 0.28 mm solid boron one. Boron is light and very stiff, and carries groove vibrations about 2.5 times faster than the aluminium tube of the model below, so transients arrive more intact and the microdynamics of a recording stop sounding compressed.

The 2.2 × 0.12 mil Microlinear profile mirrors almost exactly the cutting stylus used to make the master, which lets it read the groove walls where an elliptical no longer reaches and keep a flat response across the audible band. The generator delivers 3.7 mV, separates channels by 26 dB at 1 kHz and extends to 27 kHz; the 3.2 ohm, 480 mH coil asks for the usual 47 kohm load with 150-250 pF, while the 8.8 gram body suits medium-mass arms. Integrated M2.6 threads let you mount it with two screws and no nuts underneath, and the V-shaped guard doubles as a cueing reference.

In practice this is a cartridge for systems that have already sorted out the phono stage and the arm, and that want more resolution without jumping to moving coil. Against the VM740xML it gains speed and cleanliness in dense passages; against the VM750xSH, the latter's Shibata tip offers slightly more contact at the top end, while the Microlinear tends to sound more neutral and to punish record imperfections less. The stylus is replaced by the AT-VMN45xML without changing the body, and tracking force is set at 2.0 grams within a 1.8 to 2.2 g window.

Technical specifications:

• Type: dual moving magnet (VM), 1/2 inch mount
• Stylus: nude Microlinear, 2.2 × 0.12 mil
• Cantilever: solid boron, 0.28 mm
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 27,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 26 dB (1 kHz)
• Output voltage: 3.7 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Output balance: 1.0 dB (1 kHz)
• Coil impedance: 3.2 ohms (1 kHz)
• DC resistance: 750 ohms
• Inductance: 480 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: 20 / 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
• Dimensions: 29.0 × 18.3 × 17.5 mm
• Weight: 8.8 g
• Replacement stylus: AT-VMN45xML (not included)
• Accessories: M2.6 screws of 10, 8 and 5 mm, two cleaners, non-magnetised screwdriver, brush