Two new Audio-Technica releases have been unveiled at this year’s High-End Show: the AT-LPA2, Audio-Technica’s finest turntable to date, and an updated lineup of VM cartridges, the AT-VM700x/600x/500x series, collectively referred to as the AT-VMx series.
The newly updated VM cartridge lineup: the AT-VM700x/600x/500x series – collectively known as the AT-VMx series represents the first major update since 2016.
The AT-VMx series delivers the best sound quality in the history of Audio-Technica’s VM cartridges, compared to previous models as of May 2025, along with key usability improvements for today’s vinyl enthusiasts.
This next-generation lineup offers a wide range of cartridges designed to suit every listener – from vinyl newcomers to seasoned audiophiles. With options at every price point, the AT-VMx series serves as a clear upgrade pathway, allowing users to progress through the lineup as their system and listening preferences evolve.
At the core of the redesign is the introduction of PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) as the coil conductor across all models. This high-purity material delivers powerful low-frequency response and an expanded soundstage.
Combined with a newly optimised coil structure that reduces the number of turns, each cartridge in the VMx series delivers rich, responsive sound reproduction.
All models now also feature enhanced usability thanks to threaded inserts in the cartridge body for simplified mounting onto integrated tonearms. In addition, the flip-up stylus protector now features a V-cut to indicate the stylus tip position and serve as a guide when lowering the stylus onto the record.
Stereo Cartridges
- AT-VM510xCB: The entry-level model, equipped with a bonded conical stylus for stable tracing performance.
- AT-VM520xEB: The standard model with a bonded elliptical stylus. Tracing distortion is reduced, allowing for more accurate information retrieval.
- AT-VM530xEN: A premium nude elliptical stylus model, equipped with a lightweight elliptical stylus to reduce the effective mass of the vibrating system, combined with revised suspension wire to enable improved musical expression.
- AT-VM740xML: The Microlinear stylus offers detail and wide-range reproduction, while also delivering a rich soundstage and mid-to-low frequency performance.
- AT-VM745xML: In addition to wide-range reproduction, the combination with a boron cantilever enables detailed and immersive spatial representation.
- AT-VM750xSH: Equipped with a Shibata stylus, it excels not only in high frequencies but also in rich mid-to-low frequency reproduction. It is adept at conveying the intensity of the performance.
- AT-VM760xSL: Equipped with a special line contact stylus that extracts all the information from record grooves. The precisely polished stylus tip delivers premium high-frequency response and detailed spatial expression.
Monaural Cartridges
- AT-VM610xMONO. Equipped with a conical stylus that delivers stable tracing performance for replay of Monaural LPs and singles.
- AT-VM670xSP: Features a bonded conical stylus with a tip curvature radius of 3.0 mil. This fits the wide grooves of SP records, ensuring stable sound reproduction.
The Audio-Technica AT-VMx Series will be available from 15th May 2025 at a starting retail price of £99 /€119.
Also new is the fully manual AT-LPA2 turntable, drawing inspiration from the AT-LP2022, aiming for an even more enhanced showcase of analogue expertise.
Assembled from high-density transparent acrylic and engineered for audio clarity, the AT-LPA2 has been precision-crafted to deliver the purest possible vinyl listening experience.
Designed for vinyl lovers who value both form and function, the AT-LPA2 features a 30mm transparent, high density acrylic chassis and 20mm acrylic platter. This unique construction reportedly provides exceptional resonance control, minimising unwanted vibrations for remarkably clear playback.
At its heart is a precision-engineered belt-drive mechanism with an optical sensor positioned beneath the spindle. This constantly monitors platter rotation, ensuring accurate playback at both 33-1/3 and 45 RPM speeds.
By separating the components from the turntable itself, the AT-LPA2 isolates sensitive audio parts from potential electrical interference, preserving the clarity of your music.
The AT-LPA2 comes pre-fitted with Audio-Technica’s highly regarded AT-OC9XEN dual moving coil cartridge AT-OC9XEN’s stylus assembly is not field-replaceable, but Audio-Technica offers a fee-based Moving Coil Exchange Program to properly service your moving coil cartridge.
The cartridge’s low (0.35 mV) output voltage also requires the use of a step-up transformer or moving coil phono preamp to boost the signal. With its nude elliptical stylus and high-purity PCOCC coils, this cartridge captures every detail and nuance of a vinyl record with clarity, channel separation and low distortion.
Completing the package is a newly designed straight carbon-fibre tonearm. Precision-engineered for superior tracking, it features adjustable VTA, azimuth adjustment, a finely adjustable string-type anti-skate mechanism and interchangeable counterweights for broader cartridge compatibility.
The Audio-Technica AT-LPA2 turntable will be available at selected distributors from 15th May 2025 and will retail for £1,699 / €1,999.