Review on 🎧 Red Audio-Technica VM740ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge for Turntables by Dawn Mattheis

The VM740ML is essentially an updated version of the AT440MLa. The key improvements are the aluminum mounting block reserved for the AT150MLx, as well as the reduced sag that allows this cartridge to better match the modern medium-duty tonearms that are the norm in the 21st century. Don't get me wrong, it still has the same Audio-Technica "Home Sound" if you will, but now with a 2 gram tracking force rating, these and the other cartridges from the new VM range are compatible with almost every one Arm compatible on the market today. I still wonder why Audio-Technica didn't switch to a threaded mounting block for these top-end VM cartridges. The nuts provided do NOT fit into the cartridge holder slots, so you must mount the cartridge onto the body with the screw heads at the bottom and the nuts at the top. Seems easy enough if you have a detachable shell. But with my Rega RB-202 yes. The entire process of installing and adjusting the pickup took more than an hour. But since it's a MicroLine needle, you'll need to set the alignment point, so plan on some fiddling if you don't have a detachable bowl! I recommend lots of breaks and reset periods. That's really the only complaint I have about the VM740ML. When delivered, the VM740ML is a bit brighter and shows only minor distortions during loud passages. But once it's set, it's tightened up properly and has a nice open sound from top to bottom. The bass is not boomy or bloated at all, but rather tight and controlled. The highs aren't bright IN YOUR FACE, but cymbals and other metallic sounds are clear and present. Stereo imaging and separation is VERY, VERY GOOD! I would say if you liked the AT440MLa you will love the VM740ML. Still trying to figure out why the VM740ML with the Nude MicroLine stylus on an alloy tapered cantilever is #3 in the 700 series and the VM750SH with the Nude Shibata stylus (which undercuts the MicroLine) is #2 and still is more confusing. , VM760SLC with its Nude Special Line contact pin (AT called it Linienkontakt) is cartridge number 1? It seems to me that everything is backwards, but we will have to wait for a three-car comparison to understand this. It's worth noting that the MicroLine stylus does a great job of extracting all the fine detail from your shots. BUT it's also great to let you know if the record is simply badly pressed, dirty, or has groove damage you weren't aware of. I found this car to really immerse you in the music with my audiophile clichés. However, with mass-produced mainstream rock records, or ones that have been released maybe 1 or 7 times, it really picks up the bugs and makes you think there's something wrong with your setup. But after checking everything, you'll find that it's not because of your settings, it's because you're playing with the best pen. I would be interested to know how the VM540ML (under 740ML model) sounds compared to the VM740ML. Both pickups use the same stylus (VMN40ML) and appear to be of the same specifications, the difference being the alloy 740 mounting block versus the plastic 540 mounting block. We'll have to wait for a direct comparison. Overall I would recommend this cartridge to anyone looking for a really good moving magnet for higher quality audiophile tracks and collections where most vinyl is in near perfect condition. ! If your collection isn't at this level, I'd check out the VM530EN, with its often more forgiving elliptical nude stylus. Turntable: Thorens TD-150 custom Tonearm: Rega RB-202 with rewired CardasPhono Stage: Cambridge Audio Azur 651P