Question: What Are the Differences Between the VM and VM95 Series Moving Magnet Cartridges?

Answer: First, let’s note the similarities between the VM Series and VM95 Series cartridges. Both series feature Audio-Technica’s patented Dual Moving Magnet design, a design which duplicates the V-shaped structure of the cutter head used to cut the modulations into the record groove during the record manufacturing process. These modulations are the mechanical equivalent of the original audio signal. The Dual Magnet design allows the stylus assembly to “read” these modulations with great accuracy. Two small magnets are precisely positioned on the stylus cantilever to match the positions of the left and right channels, which have been carved into the groove walls. Compared to larger, single-magnet designs, the Dual Moving Magnet design ensures outstanding channel separation, extended frequency response and superb tracking.

Both series of cartridges feature models constructed with polymer bodies, with some higher models in the VM Series using die-cast aluminum bodies. The polymer material is a cost-effective, rigid material with reasonably low resonance. The aluminum body is more costly to produce but is more rigid and does a better job suppressing any resonance. Aluminum also acts as a natural electrical shield against any noise which may be nearby.

Both series feature user-replaceable interchangeable stylus assemblies (within their respective series), which makes upgrading the cartridge to a higher level of performance quick and easy by simply replacing the existing assembly with one of a different stylus type.

VM Series

VM Series cartridges differ from VM95 Series cartridges primarily in the type of magnetic generator (engine) that is used. This generator is what ultimately produces the electrical signal that we eventually hear as music. The unique construction of the generator, known as paratoroidal coil construction, uses two coils per channel – one stacked behind the other – to greatly improve electromagnetic performance compared to non-paratoroidal coil construction such as that used in VM95 Series cartridges. Also, the use of highly sophisticated 6N-Oxygen Free Copper wire to construct the coils enables VM Series cartridges to extract an enormous amount of information from the record, resulting in high-resolution audio with precise imaging. These cartridges also use a large center shield plate between the left and right channels, suppressing any electrical crosstalk between them, to preserve channel separation. The higher the channel separation, the better the stereo image. When comparing their specifications, you will see that VM Series cartridges have 5 to 7 dB greater channel separation than VM95 Series cartridges.

The stylus cantilever (that small tube which angles downward and away from the cartridge body and has the diamond tipped stylus attached at one end and the magnets at the other end) is tapered on the VM Series. A tapered cantilever is more costly to produce, but its increasingly smaller diameter as it approaches the stylus means less moving mass at the stylus end of the cantilever. Lower moving mass greatly improves overall performance of the stylus assembly as a whole.

[caption id="attachment_25664" align="aligncenter" width="600"] VM750SH Cartridge (note the stacking of 2 coils – one behind the other – for each channel, and the center shield plate separating the channels)[/caption]

VM95 Series

Our VM95 Series of cartridges offers vinyl enthusiasts an affordable way to enjoy high-quality record playback. The dual magnet design of the VM Series is retained. A newly designed coil constructed of TPC (tough pitch copper) wire provides increased output voltage, and a new radial damping ring improves transient response and extends frequency response. All models in the series have removable styli and the same body design enabling users to interchange and upgrade any VM95 cartridge with any type of VMN95 replacement stylus. The cartridges are designed for easy installation, thanks to threaded inserts in the cartridge body that allow it to be mounted to a tonearm using just two screws. No nuts are required. Although VM95 Series cartridges do not use a center shield plate between channels like VM Series cartridges do, it should be noted that, like the VM Series models, the generator is fully encased in a mu-metal shield to protect the sensitive generator against static and magnetic fields.

[caption id="attachment_25665" align="aligncenter" width="600"] AT-VM95SH Cartridge (note the single coil per channel construction and lack of a center shield plate)[/caption]

If you have further questions about VM or VM95 Series cartridges or need assistance selecting the model that best suits your needs, please feel free to contact the Audio Solutions Department for assistance.