Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit Red

Just slot it in and experience the best AT has to offer. The VM540ML easily beats out the competition under $1000, and I didnt even break it in yet!

This cartridge is a remarkable improvement over the factory original on the AT-LP5 turntable.

Bought this while digitizing some old albums that were never released digitally. The sound quality difference between the 43 year old stock cartridge and this new one blew me away. I initially had a terrible hum when I installed the new shell with cartridge. After changing out cables and preamps and computer interfaces I found that ever so slightly twisting the cartridge shell in the tone arm magically eliminated the hum and massively improved the musical output.

Purchased this cart as an upgrade over the AT95E cart which came with my AT120USB turntable. Although the cart cost as much as the purchase price of my turntable four years ago, the microline cart made my turntable sound like an upgraded system, better channel separation, better highs and more volume.

if you’re looking for the best high end audiophile sound for the least amount of money in a cartridge/stylus combo, look no further. ESPECIALLY if your primary music choice is rock/metal. are there better cartridges? absolutely. not in this price range though. sound quality is great. no alignment necessary (at least not on my TT). shipped and arrived earlier than expected.

Absolutely spectacular. Felt compelled to write a review. Regardless of what some might say. I simply upgraded from the original cart to this on the At-Lp120. The music really comes alive.

I am with the overwhelming number of stellar reviews. One of said reviews did mention a drawback, and is my sole reason for writing this review. They said that the microline stylus when replacement is needed, it costs nearly as much as the entire cart. While this is undeniably true, I thought it good to point out from other site specs of the cart, the estimated lifespan of the stylus is 1000 hours! TLDR: as far as I can see, and especially at this price point, there is no downside to speak of. Pick it up and enjoy!

I replaced an ortofone 2M Red with this cartridge and stylus combo. I am not an audiophile but I do thoroughly enjoy listening to my records. In my opinion this cartridge has the best sound I have ever heard coming out of my Audio Technica lp120 turntable. It was amazing to me that I heard sounds coming from my vinyl that I never heard before when using other cartridges. I was a little hesitant because of the price but can honestly say that this was money well spent in my opinion. Really loving my vinyl now more than ever.

Great tracking and detailed sound with good bass response. I personally think it better than the Ortofon 2M Blue

Just what I needed to replace on my old Marantz turntable cartridge from the 70’s. Easy to install and get dialed in. Definitely noticed the difference in sound.