Audio Technica AT-VM670xSP - 78 RPM MM Phono Cartridge

Audio-Technica AT-VM670xSP – Dedicated 78 RPM Cartridge with 3.0 mil Stylus for Mono Shellac Records

The AT-VM670xSP is Audio-Technica’s premier cartridge designed specifically for playing 78 RPM shellac records. Part of the advanced VMx cartridge series, it combines a 3.0 mil conical bonded stylus, PCUHD coils, and internally summed mono output to bring historic recordings to life with exceptional clarity, warmth, and focus. For archivists, collectors, and vintage audio lovers, it’s the definitive choice for extracting musical truth from mono grooves.

🔹 Precision Stylus for 78 RPM Record Playback

• 3.0 mil Conical Bonded Stylus – Larger stylus tip ideal for tracing wide-groove shellac records, providing better surface contact and reduced wear compared to smaller-profile styluses.

• Tracks Center of Groove – Designed to navigate the geometry of mono 78 RPM records, retrieving full musical content with minimal distortion and surface noise.

• Tracking Force Range: 4.5 – 5.5 g (5.0 g recommended)

🔹 True Mono Output with Optimized Signal Clarity

• Internally Summed Left and Right Channels – Combines stereo output into a single mono signal, ensuring tighter center imaging and less groove noise when playing mono records.

• Horizontal/Vertical Output Ratio: 20 dB – Effectively suppresses vertical noise, making playback smoother and more focused.

🔹 VM Generator with Enhanced Coil Design

• Paratoroidal Dual Magnet Structure – Based on stereo VM technology, optimized here for mono, giving excellent efficiency and transient accuracy.

• PCUHD Wire (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) – Ensures low signal loss, improved bandwidth, and a more lively, immediate sound.

• Reduced Coil Turns – Enhances responsiveness and detail by enabling faster stylus movement translation into sound.

🔹 Durable Build and Cartridge Flexibility

• Aluminum Pipe Cantilever – Lightweight and rigid, it transmits groove vibrations cleanly and consistently, even at higher tracking forces required for 78s.

• Threaded Mounting Holes – Makes installation to any 1/2" tonearm simple—no extra nuts or tools required.

• Low-Resonance Polymer Body – Engineered for stability and resistance to unwanted vibrations, providing cleaner sonic output.

🔹 Technical Specifications

• 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.)

• Horizontal/Vertical Output Ratio: 20 dB (1 kHz)

• Coil Impedance: 1.6 kΩ (1 kHz)

• DC Resistance: 375 Ω

• Load Impedance: 47 kΩ

• Load Capacitance: 150 – 250 pF

• Cantilever: Aluminum pipe

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

• Vertical Tracking Angle: 20°

• Stylus Tip Radius: 3.0 mil

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

• Weight: 7.2 g

• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN70xSP

The AT-VM670xSP is not a stereo cartridge pretending to play mono records—it’s a true mono design tailored for 78 RPM playback. Whether you’re preserving vintage records or simply enjoying their timeless character, this cartridge gives them the detailed and authentic presentation they deserve.