Musical hours with the Audio-Technica VM540ML.

Inspired by the intensity of the emotions he experienced during vinyl listening sessions he organized while serving at the Bridgestone Museum of Art in Tokyo, Hideo Matsushita (1919-2013) decided to help more people discover the warmth of analog listening.

It all started in a small apartment in Shinjuku, where Hideo founded Audio-Technica on April 17, 1962, and began manufacturing turntable cartridges. The first two products, the AT-1 and AT-3 cartridges, were a great success, allowing visionary Hideo to expand his business by moving the company's new headquarters, where it remains to this day, to Machida. 

The core idea and belief was that "...high-quality sound should be accessible to everyone."

In full respect and embrace of the company's founder's philosophy, we decided to test a truly high-quality product aimed at vinyl enthusiasts, specifically the Audio-Technica VM740ML Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge.

Equipped with a Microlinear (ML) stylus, known for its exceptional precision and minimized distortion, particularly at high and mid levels, the VM540ML is an excellent cartridge for any analog sound lover, regardless of their musical preference. The Microlinear design allows for better tracking of the record, offering detailed resolution and optimal performance in high frequencies (commonly known as treble). The shape of this stylus aligns more closely with the groove geometry compared to more common spherical or elliptical styli, ensuring a longer needle life and better performance.

The cartridge uses the VM dual magnet system (double coil), designed to "mimic" the geometry of the cutting head used in the recording of vinyl records. This design delivers superior resolution and channel separation while providing accurate reproduction of the stereo image and overall sound.

Laying the Groundwork

We chose to install the cartridge on the SME Model 6 Classic, a reference turntable with multiple demands, to test the true capabilities and potential of the cartridge. As soon as our technician completed the installation and brought the turntable to the specially designed listening room on the upper floor of Athens Pro Audio, we were struck by the vibrant red color of the cartridge, which literally caught our eye against the deep black background of the beautiful and distinctive Model 6. The perfect atmosphere had already been set! We sat comfortably on the couch, and from that moment, we began our musical journey, swapping vinyl after vinyl without pause until we understood what makes the VM540ML so special.

Fidelity

It quickly became apparent that the cartridge delivers highly accurate sound reproduction, offering exceptional clarity and balance. The Microlinear (ML) feature makes the cartridge’s ability to precisely "find" every detail on the record abundantly clear, delivering rich sound with dynamics and tonality. With high frequencies being incredibly clean and controlled, even in demanding recordings, a midrange full of detail and harmony, and tight, well-defined low frequencies, the cartridge stood out, balancing all genres of music we tested perfectly. We were impressed by its immense ability to separate musical lines and provide an accurate stereo image in every listening experience with masterful precision, without beautifying or rounding off the music.

We started with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra), where the powerful dynamics and the exceptional stereo image were rendered with the appropriate attention to volume and depth. We continued with Mahler's Symphony No. 2, where the rich and varied orchestra truly put the 540 to the test, and it passed with flying colors! Of course, we couldn’t miss Bach with The Goldberg Variations, where Glenn Gould's 1981 detailed performance highlighted the sensitivity and accuracy in low dynamics and the piano's brilliance.

Leaving behind the emotionally intense impressions, we decided to move on to a classic jazz album and let Miles Davis take us on a journey into his own blue... Kind of Blue. Everything was superb. The warm sound of the trumpet and the excellent flow showcased balance and musicality. Our exploration continued with more relaxed tones, following the dynamic vibes we felt, and we indulged in the sweetness of Bill Evans' piano in Sunday at the Village Vanguard, an album with remarkable sonic detail and rhythmic agility. The performance was outstanding. We wrapped up with John Coltrane and A Love Supreme, a recording filled with emotion and intensity, featuring complex melodic lines. The perfect conclusion!

All of the above, and much more, were able to highlight the great potential of the VM540ML and provide us with the luxury of enjoying a thrilling sonic experience. Of course, it should be noted that like all cartridges, this one also requires not only the best possible pairing with the turntable, tonearm, etc., but also ample time to reach its full potential. 

See all the technical specifications of the Audio Technica VM540ML here.

Conclusion

We concluded that Audio-Technica's work on the VM540ML is outstanding in its entirety. Discerning enthusiasts, those who persist in seeking accuracy, detail, and vibrancy and enjoy immersive listening sessions, those who delight in every detail of their records, will be more than satisfied. 

If you’re looking for a cartridge that can deliver your favorite vinyls with exceptional quality, the 540 is your choice. We loved it!

AthensProAudio Team ©