Audio Technica AT-VM670xSP

Overview

The Audio-Technica AT-VM670xSP is a specialized moving magnet phono cartridge engineered for one job done well: playing back 78 RPM shellac records. It carries a Conical bonded, 3.0 mil curvature radius stylus sized for the wider, deeper grooves of vintage 78s rather than the microgroove profile of modern LPs, so it rides the intended part of the groove wall and pulls clean, full sound from historic pressings while sidestepping surface debris that a finer stylus would drop into.

Built on Audio-Technica's proven VM (dual magnet) architecture, the AT-VM670xSP places its two magnets in a V configuration that mirrors the cutter head geometry, which supports balanced channel output and stable tracking. A para-toroidal coil design and quality internal construction keep the signal clean, and the standard half inch mount with color coded terminals makes installation on virtually any compatible tonearm straightforward.

This cartridge is a focused tool for collectors, archivists, and enthusiasts spinning shellac. It is not intended for standard 33 or 45 RPM vinyl, where a microgroove stylus is required. If your library is a mix of formats, pair it with a turntable that supports 78 RPM playback and consider a second cartridge or headshell for microgroove records.

Key Features

• Conical bonded, 3.0 mil curvature radius stylus profile matched to 78 RPM shellac groove geometry
• Dual magnet (VM) generator arranged in a V to mirror the cutter head
• Para-toroidal coil design for clean, balanced channel output
• Standard half inch mounting for wide tonearm compatibility
• Color coded output terminals for straightforward wiring
• Replaceable stylus assembly keeps the cartridge body in service long term
• Purpose built for archival and collector 78 RPM playback
• Aluminum cantilever for reliable, consistent tracking

How the AT-VM670xSP Compares

Audio-Technica AT-VM670xSP - 78 RPM MM Phono Cartridge vs Audio-Technica AT-VM530xEN

The AT-VM530xEN is a microgroove cartridge with a nude elliptical stylus intended for standard 33 and 45 RPM stereo LPs. It resolves fine groove detail on modern vinyl, whereas the AT-VM670xSP is built specifically for the wider grooves of 78 RPM shellac. Choose the 530xEN for your everyday record library and the 670xSP when your focus is historic 78s. See the Audio-Technica AT-VM530xEN.

Audio-Technica AT-VM670xSP - 78 RPM MM Phono Cartridge vs Audio-Technica AT-VM610xMONO

The AT-VM610xMONO is a mono cartridge tuned for microgroove mono LPs, summing the groove for quieter, more focused mono reproduction. The AT-VM670xSP instead targets 78 RPM shellac with a 3 mil conical stylus. Both serve niche collections, so pick based on whether your discs are mono microgroove or shellac 78s. See the Audio-Technica AT-VM610xMONO.

Audio-Technica AT-VM670xSP - 78 RPM MM Phono Cartridge vs Audio-Technica AT-VM510xCB

The AT-VM510xCB uses a conical bonded stylus sized for standard microgroove LPs, making it a durable general purpose choice for 33 and 45 RPM records. The AT-VM670xSP shares the conical family but with a larger 3 mil tip meant for shellac grooves. Match the stylus to the format you play most. See the Audio-Technica AT-VM510xCB.

Recommended Turntables and Phono Stage

For 78 RPM shellac playback you need a turntable with a true 78 speed and a compatible headshell or tonearm, plus a clean phono stage. These pairings suit the AT-VM670xSP well.

• AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable This direct-drive deck offers a genuine 78 RPM speed and an interchangeable headshell, so it accepts the 4.0 mV output and 3.0 g tracking of the 670xSP without fuss.
• AT-LP140XP Professional Direct-Drive Turntable A high torque professional deck with 78 RPM support and a stable S-shaped tonearm that tracks the 3 mil conical stylus reliably, ideal for archival transfer work.
• AT-LP120XBT-USB Direct-Drive Turntable Adds Bluetooth and USB output to a 78 capable direct-drive platform, useful if you want to digitize shellac transcriptions alongside standard listening.
• Parasound XRM Phono Preamplifier A quality outboard MM stage gives the 4.0 mV output a low noise, accurate gain path with 47k ohm loading, preserving the character of vintage 78 pressings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AT-VM670xSP designed for?
It is a moving magnet cartridge built specifically for playing 78 RPM shellac records using a 3 mil conical stylus sized for their wider grooves.

Can I use it to play standard 33 and 45 RPM vinyl?
No. Its 3 mil stylus is too large for modern microgroove records. Use a microgroove cartridge such as the AT-VM530xEN for standard LPs.

What stylus profile does it use?
A Conical bonded, 3.0 mil curvature radius stylus on an aluminum cantilever, matched to 78 RPM groove geometry.

What tracking force should I set?
The recommended tracking force is 3.0 g, within a range of 4.5 to 5.5 g.

What is its output voltage?
It outputs 4.0 mV at 1 kHz and 5 cm/sec, a standard moving magnet level.

What load should the phono stage present?
47k ohms with 150 to 250 pF of capacitance, the standard moving magnet loading.

Does my turntable need a special speed setting?
Yes. You need a turntable that supports 78 RPM playback. Standard 33 and 45 only decks will not spin shellac at the correct speed.

Is this a stereo or mono cartridge?
It is a stereo generator with dual magnets, though many 78 recordings are mono. It can be used with a mono summing setup if desired.

Is the stylus replaceable?
Yes. The stylus assembly is user replaceable, so you can keep the cartridge body in service.

Will it mount on my tonearm?
It uses a standard half inch mount compatible with most tonearms and headshells, including those on the recommended Audio-Technica decks.

How does it compare to the AT-VM530xEN?
The 530xEN is a microgroove elliptical cartridge for modern LPs, while the 670xSP is dedicated to 78 RPM shellac. They serve different formats.

How does it compare to the AT-VM610xMONO?
The 610xMONO is for mono microgroove LPs, whereas the 670xSP is for shellac 78s. Choose based on the discs in your collection.

Can I use it for archiving 78s to digital?
Yes. Paired with a USB equipped deck like the AT-LP120XUSB and a clean phono stage, it is well suited to transcription work.

What cantilever material is used?
The cartridge uses an aluminum cantilever for consistent, reliable tracking.

What is the frequency response?
It is rated 20 Hz to 20 kHz, appropriate for the content on shellac pressings.

Do I need a special phono preamp?
A standard moving magnet phono stage works well. The Parasound XRM is a strong outboard option for low noise and accurate gain.

Why is a larger stylus better for 78s?
The 3 mil conical tip rides the intended part of the wider, deeper 78 groove and avoids dropping into surface debris, yielding cleaner playback.

Can I swap between 78 and LP playback easily?
The easiest approach is a turntable with interchangeable headshells so you can keep one headshell for the 670xSP and another for a microgroove cartridge.

What is included with the cartridge?
It ships with the cartridge and installed stylus, mounting hardware, a stylus guard, a non-magnetic screwdriver, and documentation.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Audio-Technica dealer in Maryland, so you receive genuine product, full manufacturer support, and expert guidance on matching this cartridge to the right 78 capable turntable and phono stage.