Audio Technica VM670xSP Moving Magnet Cartridge

Product Summary

The Audio-Technica AT-VM670xSP is a specialised moving magnet phono cartridge designed specifically for playing vintage 78 RPM mono shellac records. Part of Audio-Technica’s premium VMx cartridge series, it combines modern cartridge engineering with a stylus profile tailored to the wider grooves used in historic recordings.

Unlike standard stereo cartridges, the AT-VM670xSP uses a mono-optimised design where the dual magnets are internally connected. This configuration helps reduce surface noise and produces a focused centre sound image that better reflects the way mono recordings were originally mastered.

The cartridge features a 3.0 mil conical bonded stylus, specifically shaped to trace the larger grooves of 78 RPM shellac records. This ensures reliable tracking, reduced groove wear and improved playback clarity when listening to historic recordings from early jazz, classical and vocal archives.

As part of the VMx range, the cartridge uses high-purity PCUHD copper coils and a refined generator design to deliver fast transient response and detailed playback. Threaded inserts in the cartridge body make installation simple on standard headshells using the common ½-inch mount system.

Key Benefits

• Dedicated moving magnet cartridge designed for 78 RPM mono records
• 3.0 mil conical bonded stylus ideal for wide shellac grooves
• Dual moving-magnet generator with internally summed mono output
• Reduces surface noise and improves centre imaging for mono playback
• PCUHD copper coils for improved signal clarity and transient response
• Durable low-resonance polymer cartridge body
• Aluminium cantilever for stable tracking performance
• Threaded inserts allow easy mounting with two screws
• Compatible with standard ½-inch mount headshells
• Ideal for collectors and archivists with 78 RPM record collections

Technical Specifications

Cartridge & Stylus

• Type: Dual Moving Magnet (MM) mono cartridge
• Stylus: 3.0 mil bonded conical
• Cantilever: Aluminium pipe
• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN70xSP

Performance

• Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
• Output Voltage: 4.7 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
• Horizontal / Vertical Output Ratio: 20 dB
• Tracking Force Range: 4.5 – 5.5 g (5.0 g recommended)
• Vertical Tracking Angle: 20°

Electrical

• Load Impedance: 47 kΩ
• Load Capacitance: 150 – 250 pF
• Coil Impedance: 1.6 kΩ
• DC Resistance: 375 Ω
• Inductance: 240 mH

Physical

• Mount Type: Standard ½-inch mount
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 28.0 × 18.3 × 17.6 mm
• Weight: 7.2 g

What’s in the Box

• Audio-Technica AT-VM670xSP cartridge with stylus
• Mounting screws (multiple lengths)
• Washers
• Stylus guard
• Product documentation