Audio Technica's MicroLine Phono Cartridge Models: AT VM95ML vs VM540ML vs VM740ML

[@ynotw57]

I think there was a significant difference noticeable among the 95 (2:56), 540 (6:34), and 570 (9:48), especially at the crash. It could also be my imagination, but I couldn't hear as much compression happening leading up to the crescendo on the 570 in those timestamps. Good, Better, Best. Great comparison! Thanks for putting this out here.

[@bertroost1675]

I don't have golden ears but I really enjoy your videos. Thanks!

[@cosplay_hifi]

very very very nice video, thanks for your uploads, treasure of mine 💯💯💯

[@bkatbamna]

They all sound good. I'd probably take the 540 out of the three.

[@jofrposa]

Sin haber dedicado más de 15 minutos a la escucha 540 seguro las otras dos no existe tanta diferencia a a 95 se le apelotonan las notas en pasajes complicados donde la la 540 sale con más aire 😊😊 ya tienes otro suscrito.

[@MrYuriniko]

I’m running 540ml and this is my second one. I have used many MM and MI cartridges and stopped on 540ml. Only MC should replace this cartridge.

[@analoglooney]

MC's don't always sound better and can be a very expensive mistake. Enjoy your 540 and buy more records!

[@Dkv534]

95 has a lower compliance out of the three. 540 and 740 work best with low mass tonearms like sme mkiii. The loud horn parts sound louder with the 95, so my guess would be the tonearm is more than 10g?

[@igorb2908]

VM740ML beats the 95 totally, the 540 is not bad, but the 740 sounds a bit brighter. I use my 740 at 1.8 gr.

[@darthwarren4599]

What do u use to set vta? I know u use the gauge for the table for alignment

[@vinyltranslators3730]

The turntable has an adjustable height adjustment and it is set for the standard 18mm cartridge height. The only exception we found was the Ortofon M15E which has a height of 16mm. For that cartridge, we used a 2mm shim between the bottom of the head shell and the top of the cartridge.

[@roward48]

The 740 sounds flatter, i.e., not as bright as the 540. There is obviously a difference in the cart itself. Maybe the 740 are handpicked. Anyway, that would be my preference. Forget the 95.

[@chrishalle1982]

i would buy one time the VM740ML and then replace the needle with an VMN20EB so i have the superb cartridge but use a needle i can buy on regular bases.

[@blackhawk606]

Don't buy a bonded tip stylus. At least a nude version VMN30EN. Though once you''ll hear your records played with nude MicroLine you'll never wanna look back.

[@chrishalle1982]

@@blackhawk606 but the nude needle cost 140€ the bonded cost only 75€. I know nude is way better but it costs almost twice as much.

[@blackhawk606]

Nude plays with much less distortion than bonded. ML is almost perfect in that regard. Depends on condition of one's records of course. Choice is yours of course.

[@chrishalle1982]

@@blackhawk606 of course i dont want to argue against that But i have to Buy the New needles and 130€ is Just to much every 500 - 1000 hours.

[@pinkypoohable]

The VM740 brings refinement in sound quality, enhancement in instrument separation and improvement in sound stage.

[@markkohler8304]

vm 540ml !

[@analoglooney]

I have these three in my hoard and I don't really like any of them to be honest. The job of a phono cartridge is to be accurate, not bright and 'impressive'. They do track well though. A Stanton 681eee or Shure V15 iii/iv/v will send all these three models packing. Each to their own though.

[@Grimwriggler]

wonderful co,parisons the AT VM95ML is a bargain and not too far behind the 740 to my ears,