Audio-Technica
Audio Technica VM670SP Cartridge
Best choice for vintage 78 RPM record collectors seeking authentic playback.
This Audio Technica VM670SP cartridge is specifically engineered for the authentic playback of mono 78 RPM records. It features a 3.0 mil conical stylus mounted on an aluminum cantilever, ensuring optimal performance for this format. The cartridge utilizes dual magnets, internally connected to effectively minimize record noise and deliver a precise, centered sound image that distinguishes it from stereo cartridges. Installation is straightforward, with included hardware like screws of varying lengths, washers, and nuts.
$135.20
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1637
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-89%
Below average
Output voltage
3.015
/ mV @ kHz cm/sec
Who it's for
- Vintage collectors seeking authentic shellac playback clarity
- Audiophiles wanting reduced surface noise on historical mono recordings
- Serious archivists requiring dependable, high-quality hardware
Who should skip it
- Vinyl listeners needing a versatile, all-in-one playback solution
- Casual users without a quick-change headshell or second turntable
- Budget-conscious hobbyists with only a few 78 RPM records
Performance breakdown
78 RPM Fidelity
Engineered specifically to extract maximum detail from vintage shellac grooves.
Noise Reduction
Dual magnet design effectively minimizes surface crackle for cleaner mono playback.
Tracking Stability
The 3.0 mil conical stylus ensures consistent contact with wider grooves.
Installation Ease
Comprehensive hardware kit makes mounting straightforward for most standard tonearms.
Sound Imaging
Delivers a precise, centered mono image that stereo cartridges often lack.
Build Integrity
Aluminum cantilever provides the necessary rigidity for stable, long-term performance.
Key Specs
Output voltage
3.0mV @ 1kHz 5cm/sec
Frequency response
20-20,000Hz
Static compliance
15 x 10-6 cm/dyne
Vertical tracking angle
23°
Dynamic compliance
2.0 x 10-6 cm/dyne @ 100Hz
Stylus profile
Bonded Conical / Bonded spherical
Stylus radius
0.6 mil / 3 mil
Tracking force
4.5g - 5.5g
Features
- Optimized for mono 78 RPM records
- 3.0 mil conical stylus for accurate groove tracking
- Aluminum cantilever for stable stylus support
- Dual magnet system for enhanced sound clarity
- Reduced record noise for cleaner playback
- Focused center sound image
- Includes comprehensive installation hardware
What customers say
Customers consistently commend the Audio Technica VM670SP cartridge for its exceptional sound quality when playing 78 RPM records. Reviewers highlight its ability to faithfully reproduce vintage recordings, bringing out details often lost with less specialized equipment. Many appreciate the robust construction and reliable performance, considering it a worthwhile investment for dedicated collectors. The cartridge offers significant value by enhancing the listening experience for a specific format, making it a highly regarded choice for its intended purpose.
Know before you buy
No, the VM670SP is specifically engineered for mono 78 RPM records. Using it on standard stereo LPs will not provide the correct playback experience and may damage your records due to the 3.0 mil stylus size.
The dual magnet design is internally connected to create a focused, centered sound image. This configuration effectively minimizes surface noise and provides a cleaner, more stable output than a standard stereo cartridge would when playing mono discs.
The recommended tracking force for the VM670SP is between 4.5g and 5.5g. It is important to stay within this range to ensure accurate groove tracking and prevent unnecessary wear on your 78 RPM records.
Yes, it includes a comprehensive hardware kit containing screws of varying lengths, washers, and nuts. This ensures you have the necessary components to mount the cartridge to most standard headshells.
A 3.0 mil stylus is significantly larger than the stylus used for modern microgroove records. This size is specifically required to properly track the wider, deeper grooves found on vintage 78 RPM records, ensuring better sound quality and less distortion.
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