AUDIO TECHNICA AT-VM530XEN

The Audio-Technica AT-VM530xEN is a dual moving magnet (VM) phono cartridge with a Nude elliptical stylus and aluminium cantilever. The model belongs to the AT-VMx series, an evolution of the VM family introduced in 2016, and retains the construction based on a dual magnet system arranged in a V configuration, designed to provide good channel separation and an extended frequency response.

The generator uses para-toroidal coils with ultra-high-purity PCOCC copper conductors. A central shielding plate separates the left and right channels, helping to reduce electrical crosstalk and maintain precise stereo separation. The cartridge body is made from a low-resonance polymer designed to limit unwanted vibrations during record groove tracking.

The Nude elliptical stylus has dimensions of 0.3 × 0.7 mil and is directly integrated into the cantilever, without the use of a bonded connecting element. This construction reduces the mass of the moving assembly and allows the stylus to accurately follow the groove modulations. The cantilever is made of aluminium and combines rigidity and low weight to facilitate the transmission of vibrations to the generator.

The cartridge uses a standard 1/2" mount and is compatible with a wide range of tonearms. The recommended tracking force is between 1.8 and 2.2 g, with a standard value of 2.0 g, while the recommended load impedance is 47 kOhm. The recommended load capacitance is between 100 and 200 pF. The terminals are gold-plated and the stylus guard is integrated into the cartridge body.

The VM series features an interchangeable stylus system that allows only the stylus assembly to be replaced when necessary. The AT-VM530xEN is compatible with the AT-VMN30EN replacement stylus, while the series also allows the use of styli with different profiles, including MicroLine, Shibata and Special Line Contact, making it possible to modify the tracking characteristics without replacing the entire cartridge.

The AT-VM530xEN sits within the VM range between models with bonded elliptical styli and those equipped with more advanced stylus profiles. Compared with a bonded elliptical stylus, the Nude construction reduces the mass of the stylus-cantilever assembly and allows more precise tracking of groove modulations, while MicroLine stylus models use a more elaborate contact profile.

Technical specifications:

• Frequency response: 20-25,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 25 dB (1 kHz)
• Vertical tracking angle: 20°
• Tracking force: 1.8-2.2 g (2.0 g standard)
• Stylus construction: Nude elliptical
• Recommended load impedance: 47 kOhm
• Coil impedance: 3.2 kOhm (1 kHz)
• DC resistance: 750 Ohm
• Coil inductance: 480 mH (1 kHz)
• Output voltage: 3.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Channel balance: 1.5 dB (1 kHz)
• Cantilever: aluminium pipe
• Static compliance: 23 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
• Dynamic compliance: 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)
• Recommended load capacitance: 150-250 pF
• Replacement stylus: AT-VMN30xEN (sold separately)
• Stylus curvature radius: 0.3 × 0.7 mil
• Type: VM
• Threaded hole: M2.6 × 2
• Accessories included: M2.6 cartridge installation screws (10.0 mm × 2; 8.0 mm × 2; 5.0 mm × 2); washers × 2
• Dimensions: 28.0 × 18.3 × 17.6 mm (H × W × D)
• Weight: 7.2 g