Audio Technica AT-VM520xEB/H - Elliptical Bonded MM Cartridge w/ Headshell

Audio-Technica AT-VM520xEB – Entry-Level Elliptical Cartridge with High Output and Enhanced Detail

The AT-VM520xEB is a versatile and musical moving magnet cartridge that brings the precision engineering of Audio-Technica’s VMx series to an affordable, easy-to-install format. With an elliptical bonded stylus, aluminum cantilever, and upgraded internal coil construction, it delivers clear, dynamic sound with smooth treble, making it a perfect choice for entry-level audiophiles or those upgrading from basic stock cartridges.

🔹 Elliptical Stylus for Accurate Playback

• 0.3 x 0.7 mil Elliptical Bonded Stylus – Tracks grooves with higher accuracy than conical tips, retrieving more detail and depth from your records while minimizing inner groove distortion.

• Aluminum Cantilever – Offers fast, consistent signal transfer from groove to generator for clean, articulate sound across all frequencies.

• Tracking Force Range: 1.8 – 2.2 g (2.0 g recommended)

🔹 Dual Magnet Generator for True Stereo Reproduction

• Vertical Dual Magnet (VMx) Structure – Precisely mirrors the cutter head geometry, improving channel separation and stereo imaging.

• Paratoroidal PCUHD Coils – Uses Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability wire in a stacked configuration for better efficiency, transient response, and musical clarity.

• Center Shield Plate – Reduces crosstalk between channels, preserving clean, well-defined stereo sound.

🔹 Durable, Low-Resonance Body with Easy Installation

• Polymer Housing – Rugged and acoustically neutral, designed to reduce unwanted resonance for a more accurate sound signature.

• Threaded Mounting Holes – Makes installation to any 1/2" headshell fast and tool-friendly—no nuts required.

• Stylus Guard with V-Cut – Integrated flip-up protector includes a visible stylus alignment cue, improving usability and stylus safety.

🔹 Flexible and Upgradeable

• Interchangeable Stylus Compatibility – Fits most AT-VMx series styli (excluding mono models), enabling cost-effective upgrades or experimentation with different stylus profiles.

• Works with Most Turntables – Ideal for modern or vintage turntables with standard 1/2" cartridge mounts.

🔹 Technical Specifications

• Type: Dual Moving Magnet (VMx)

• Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz

• Output Voltage: 5.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.)

• Channel Separation: 24 dB (1 kHz)

• Output Balance: 1.5 dB (1 kHz)

• Coil Impedance: 3.2 kΩ (1 kHz)

• DC Resistance: 750 Ω

• Load Impedance: 47 kΩ

• Load Capacitance: 150 – 250 pF

• Cantilever: Aluminum pipe

• Static Compliance: 23 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne

• Dynamic Compliance: 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)

• Vertical Tracking Angle: 20°

• Dimensions (H x W x D): 28.0 mm × 18.3 mm × 17.6 mm

• Weight: 7.2 g

• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN20xEB

The AT-VM520xEB combines classic Audio-Technica musicality with upgraded coil geometry and installation ease, making it an ideal cartridge for anyone stepping into high-fidelity vinyl playback without sacrificing long-term upgrade potential.