Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica VM670SP 78RPM mono phono Cartridge
Best choice for collectors restoring vintage 78 RPM record collections.
Rediscover the rich sound of your 78 RPM records with the Audio-Technica VM670SP cartridge. Engineered for monaural playback, this Dual Moving Magnet cartridge features a specialized 3.0 mil conical stylus and an aluminum cantilever for precise groove tracking. Its par-toroidal coils enhance efficiency, while the mono body design minimizes surface noise for a cleaner listening experience. The durable, low-resonance polymer housing ensures lasting performance, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and collectors preserving vintage vinyl.
$159.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1637
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-87%
Below average
Type
Dual Moving Magnet Mono Cartridge
/ Dual Moving Magnet Mono Cartridge
Who it's for
- Vintage record collectors preserving fragile shellac discs
- Audiophiles seeking authentic, low-noise mono playback
- Vinyl enthusiasts needing reliable, easy-to-install hardware
Who should skip it
- Serious archivists requiring precise stylus profile adjustments
- Beginners lacking compatible phono stage equipment
- Listeners wanting a single cartridge for all record speeds
Performance breakdown
78 RPM Fidelity
Specialized stylus geometry extracts maximum detail from vintage shellac grooves.
Surface Noise Reduction
Mono-specific design effectively masks the inherent grit of older records.
Tracking Precision
Aluminum cantilever ensures stable, accurate contact across worn record surfaces.
Installation Ease
Standard half-inch mounting makes setup straightforward for most turntable owners.
Build Integrity
Low-resonance polymer housing provides a stable, vibration-free foundation for playback.
Sonic Imaging
Par-toroidal coils deliver a focused, centered soundstage for monaural recordings.
Key Specs
Type
Dual Moving Magnet Mono Cartridge
Stylus
3.0 mil conical stylus
Cantilever
Aluminum
Coils
Par-toroidal
Housing
Durable low-resonance polymer
Weight
6.4 grams
Mounting Type
Standard 1/2 Inch
Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet (MM)
Features
- Optimized for 78 RPM monaural records
- Reduces surface noise for clearer audio
- Provides a focused, centered sound image
- Dual Moving Magnet system
- Durable aluminum cantilever
- Low-resonance polymer housing
- Easy installation with included hardware
- Part of the respected Audio-Technica VM series
What customers say
Users consistently praise the Audio-Technica VM670SP for its exceptional ability to revitalize 78RPM records. The core theme is the dramatic improvement in listening quality, transforming noisy playback into surprising clarity. Reviewers highlight how the specialized mono design and 3.0 mil stylus significantly reduce surface noise, allowing the warmth and detail of historical recordings to emerge. This cartridge excels at breathing new life into cherished collections, making previously difficult records genuinely enjoyable. Its reliable tracking and robust build quality reinforce its status as an indispensable tool. For dedicated 78RPM collectors, the superior sound quality delivered by this niche product offers excellent value.
Know before you buy
No, this cartridge is specifically engineered for 78 RPM monaural records. Its 3.0 mil conical stylus is too large for the grooves of standard microgroove records and will likely cause damage to them.
The VM670SP is a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge, so it is compatible with any standard MM phono stage. You do not need specialized equipment beyond what you would use for a typical turntable setup.
By using a dedicated mono body design, this cartridge minimizes the vertical surface noise often found on older 78 RPM records. It provides a more focused, centered sound image compared to using a standard stereo cartridge.
The VM670SP uses a standard 1/2-inch mount, making it compatible with the vast majority of turntables that allow for cartridge replacement. Ensure your tonearm can accommodate a 6.4-gram cartridge and that you have the ability to adjust tracking force.
The 3.0 mil stylus is specifically sized to track the wider, deeper grooves of vintage 78 RPM records. Using a standard stereo stylus on these records would result in poor tracking, high distortion, and potential damage to the record.
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