Audio-Technica VM760xSLC — Dual moving magnet cartridge with Special Line Contact stylus

The VM760xSLC is Audio-Technica's most ambitious moving magnet cartridge. It carries a 0.28 × 1.5 mil nude Special Line Contact stylus on a rectangular shank, a geometry that aligns the tip with the groove to a fraction of a micron and offers the largest contact area in the whole VMx series: the long, narrow contact line follows the groove walls with less pressure per unit area, which means low distortion and wear spread over more diamond.

The V-shaped dual magnet generator and paratoroidal coils deliver 4.0 mV, separate channels by 30 dB at 1 kHz and reach 30 kHz, with vertical tracking angle set at 23°. The coil is 2,700 ohms, the highest impedance in the family: that gives cable and phono stage capacitance (100-200 pF recommended) more influence over the top end than in the other models, so keep the phono lead short and low-capacitance. The die-cast aluminium body weighs 8.0 grams and tracking force is 2.0 grams, between 1.8 and 2.2 g.

This is a cartridge for records in good condition and for systems already sorted out: the Special Line Contact extracts every last detail from the groove, but it also exposes the noise of a battered record, and its sensitivity to setup demands a careful check of VTA and azimuth. In return, 30 dB separation and response to 30 kHz build a very solid image and a top end free of harshness. The stylus is replaced by the VMN60SLC, and the next step up in the house is already a moving coil from the AT33x or ART series.

Technical specifications:

• Type: dual moving magnet (VM), 1/2 inch mount
• Stylus: nude Special Line Contact, rectangular shank, 0.28 × 1.5 mil
• Cantilever: tapered aluminium pipe
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 30,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 30 dB (1 kHz)
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Channel balance: 1.0 dB (1 kHz)
• Coil impedance: 2,700 ohms (1 kHz)
• Recommended load: 47 kohms, 100-200 pF
• Tracking force: 1.8-2.2 g (2.0 g standard)
• Vertical tracking angle: 23°
• Static / dynamic compliance: 40 / 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
• Dimensions: 17.3 × 17.0 × 28.2 mm
• Weight: 8.0 g
• Replacement stylus: VMN60SLC (not included)
• Accessories: M2.6 screws of 5 and 10 mm, washers, hex nuts, non-magnetised screwdriver, brush, terminal lead set