Audio-Technica
Audio Technica AT-VM670xSP
Best specialized cartridge for vintage 78 RPM record collectors.
The Audio Technica AT-VM670xSP is a specialized phono cartridge designed exclusively for playing 78 RPM shellac records. It features a 3.0 mil conical bonded stylus, optimized for the wide grooves of these vintage discs, ensuring excellent surface contact and reduced wear. The cartridge delivers true mono output by internally summing the left and right channels, providing a focused soundstage and minimizing groove noise. Its PCUHD coils and paratoroidal dual magnet structure ensure exceptional clarity and warmth, bringing historic recordings to life with remarkable detail and accuracy. The aluminum pipe cantilever and low-resonance polymer body contribute to its durable build and consistent performance.
$139.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1640
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-89%
Below average
Type
78
/ Dual Moving Magnet (VMx Mono for RPM)
Who it's for
- Vintage collectors seeking authentic 78 RPM sound clarity
- Archivists aiming to preserve delicate shellac record collections
- Audiophiles prioritizing reliable, high-quality vintage playback performance
Who should skip it
- Listeners wanting a single cartridge for all record speeds
- Owners of turntables lacking 78 RPM playback capabilities
- Casual vinyl fans seeking versatile, all-purpose audio equipment
Performance breakdown
78 RPM Tracking
The 3.0 mil stylus is perfectly sized for vintage shellac grooves.
Mono Signal Integrity
Internal channel summing effectively eliminates unwanted surface noise from mono discs.
Build Durability
Aluminum cantilever and rigid polymer body ensure long-term structural reliability.
Installation Ease
Threaded mounting holes make aligning this cartridge a straightforward, stress-free process.
Sonic Clarity
PCUHD coils extract surprising detail from even the most worn recordings.
Vibration Control
Low-resonance housing keeps the playback focused and free of mechanical coloration.
Key Specs
Type
Dual Moving Magnet (VMx Mono for 78 RPM)
Frequency Response
20 – 20,000 Hz
Output Voltage
4.7 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.)
Coil Impedance
1.6 kΩ (1 kHz)
Stylus Tip Radius
3.0 mil
Weight
7.2 g
Dimensions
28.0 mm x 18.3 mm x 17.6 mm
Tracking Force Range
4.5 – 5.5 g (5.0 g recommended)
Features
- Dedicated 3.0 mil conical bonded stylus specifically designed for 78 RPM shellac records.
- Internally summed mono output ensures tighter center imaging and reduced noise for mono playback.
- PCUHD coils and paratoroidal dual magnet structure for excellent efficiency and transient accuracy.
- Aluminum pipe cantilever provides a lightweight and rigid structure for consistent vibration transmission.
- Threaded mounting holes simplify installation onto standard 1/2" tonearms.
- Low-resonance polymer body enhances sonic clarity by resisting unwanted vibrations.
- Optimized for tracking the center of the groove on mono 78 RPM records, minimizing distortion.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Audio Technica AT VM670xSP for its exceptional sound quality when playing 78 RPM records. Many reviewers highlight its ability to accurately reproduce the unique sonic characteristics of vintage recordings, bringing new life to their collections. Users appreciate the clear, detailed audio output, making it a standout choice for dedicated enthusiasts. The cartridge offers a reliable and high fidelity experience, proving its worth for specialized listening.
Know before you buy
No, this cartridge is specifically engineered for 78 RPM shellac records. Its 3.0 mil stylus is too large for the narrow grooves of modern vinyl, which will cause significant damage to your records and result in poor sound quality.
Summing the channels internally helps cancel out vertical groove noise and surface imperfections common on vintage shellac discs. This results in a cleaner, more stable soundstage that is better suited for the mono recordings of the 78 RPM era.
The recommended tracking force is 5.0 grams, with an acceptable range between 4.5 and 5.5 grams. Because 78 RPM records are often heavier and more robust than vinyl, this higher tracking force is necessary to keep the stylus securely in the groove.
The AT-VM670xSP features standard 1/2" threaded mounting holes, making it compatible with the vast majority of modern and vintage turntables. As long as your tonearm supports a standard headshell mount, installation should be straightforward.
The aluminum pipe cantilever provides a lightweight yet rigid structure that minimizes unwanted resonance. This ensures that the vibrations from the record groove are transmitted to the magnets with high accuracy, resulting in clearer, more detailed audio.
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$139