Customer Ratings & Reviews

Just received the cartridge and headshell. Installation was very easy. Upgraded from the standard VM95E that comes with the LP120. I did have to align the cartridge (used the Stevenson Protractor), but that wasn't very difficult. It does also come with a base to hold the entire assembly if you want to use that for your previous assemblies or if you like to swap them around which is nice. On first listen the sound stage is definitely more varied. I only had a chance to listen to two records on it so far, but I did do a "pepsi" challenge where I listened to the records on the old and the new needle and I was able to pick out some subtleties that I hadn't heard before. My current set up is the LP120 (with installed preamp physically removed) to a Pro-Ject Tube Box S2, to a Marantz SR5012 receiver which finally connect to a pair of Bowers and Wilkins 702 S2s and an ASW10CM subwoofer. I will still need to let the needle break in a bit, but on first listen, I am impressed.

I have an AT LP-120 and have upgraded the stock stylus 3-4 times and this BY FAR blows the rest out of the water. I hate this whole why Spend $$$ on a new stylus when you should just buy a new turntable. Yes, this stylus cost about the same as another LP-120 but if you were to get one of these for the LP-120 you wouldn’t be disappointed. It elevates the LP-120 to sound like an entirely different turntable in my opinion. You also get so much for your money in this stylus as others like it can range in the $$$$ ($1K plus!) Either playing those your Hi-Fi or headphones the sounds amazing. You can hear things so clearly, maybe hear things you never had before, and tell the difference of sounds that sounded pushed together. As for this comparing to the stock stylus it’s hands down the more exciting and if you went back to the stock you would miss this as it’s “hazy” it just sounds softer and less defined.

I love this cartridge. The sound is smooth and detailed. The channel separation is clean and distinct. A very nice upgrade from my AT95EX. Having the cartridge pre-mounted was a very nice option.

Wow, this is real a game-changer. You can hear a way more rich sound coming out of the speakers. Deeper bass, cleaner voices, and very vibrant metals (trumpets, cymbals, etc) Not so sure on the guitar but still better than the stock on my AT-LP120XBT.

Upgraded from the AT-95E that came with my AT turntable. The AT-VM540 has greater definition in the mid-range and highs while maintaining the bass. The separation between L and R channels is greater and the dynamic range slightly better as well. The articulation in the instruments was more defined than with the 95E. It competes with the Ortophon 2M Bronze, but substantially less in price.

I recently purchased a new Audio Technica turntable and put this tonearm, cartridge on. It’s an upgrade from the one that came with the turntable. I’ll store for later the other one. I found it much easier to get the tonearm with cartridge already installed. I haven’t installed a cartridge in many years.( Not that I don’t know how to ). I balanced the tonearm and set the tracking force and wha la. After I cleaned my old albums, tried it out and sounded wonderful.

Purchased the VM540ML/H after a ton of research to replace my AT-VMN95E on our AT-LP120XBT-USB. I'll be honest I went into thinking how much can it really sound better.... well, lets just say it's life changing sound difference. Highs and lows are so much cleaner and its ability to push through previously questionable skipping songs makes it worth every penny!!!!

I purchased this needle and cartridge to upgrade my turntable setup about two months ago. Now my only regret is not doing it sooner. Since this needle tracks deeper in the grooves my old LPs sound clearer with little to no surface pops and clicks. New LPs sound richer and fuller. I enjoy a variety of music genres, from Jazz to Rock to Classical and more. All sound so much better. I am extremely pleased with this purchase.

Phenomenal sound. Paired it first with the AT-LP120x, which substantially improved the quality of the sound. Now am using it with the AT-LP7, with superb outcome. This is my second VM540, having accidentally damaged the prior one by not cleaning the stylus properly. Lesson: get the right equipment to clean the stylus, and clean your records properly.

Wow is all I can say about this upgrade. The difference in sound quality is definitely worth the price. If you really want your music to come alive, this is the unit to get. Would highly recommend.

This cartridge and needle sound fantastic !! Not cheap but sound Awsome....

Great upgrade to the stock cartridge of my Denon turntable. the sound was richer, cleaner and more detailed with a more open soundstage. I’m only mad that I took this long to get it.

This was a Major upgrade to my AudioTechnica TT! Love it.

This sounds amazing on my old Fisher MT-6224. It was night and day difference between this and the Ortofon OM 10 and the AT-VM95ML. It, however, didn't sound better on my Fluance RT-82 with acrylic platter. I love listening with this on that old Fisher though. The music sounds smooth and so open. It's pricey but to me was totally worth it. I'm glad I took the chance with it.