Question: What cartridges and styli does Audio-Technica offer for playing 78 RPM records?

Answer: With the resurgence in vinyl popularity over the last decade or so, vinyl enthusiasts are now venturing into their ancestors’ attics and secondhand stores to enter the realm of 78 RPM records! Playing a 78 RPM record properly is a little different than playing a 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPM record. Audio-Technica’s AT-LP120XUSB, AT-LP140XP, and AT-LP1240-USBXP turntables will allow the platter to spin at the 78 RPM speed. But the correct speed is only part of the solution – a proper 78 RPM stylus (needle) should also be used when playing 78 RPM records on your turntable. Please note that a 78 RPM stylus with a diameter of 3 mil is necessary for shellac records (pre-1958) and a stylus with a diameter of .6 mil is designed for 78 RPM vinyl records.

We have a few different 78 RPM cartridges to choose from. Determining which one is best for you is based not only on the material from which your records were made or the year they were released, but also on the condition of those 78 RPM records. Below you will find the current 78 RPM cartridge models we offer, along with recommended uses.

78 RPM shellac (pre-1958, 3.0 mil conical):

AT-VM95SP: Great for playing any 78 RPM shellac records, especially if they have some wear or scratches. Easy installation, no nuts required. This model is from our VM95 Series line of cartridges and styli. Its AT-VMN95SP stylus is also available separately and is compatible with any VM95 or XP Series cartridge for easy swapping.

[caption id="attachment_3779" align="aligncenter" width="300"] AT-VMN95SP stylus tracking on an AT-LP120XUSB[/caption]

VM670SP: Recommended for 78 RPM shellac records that are in pristine condition – very clean, not a lot of wear. Designed with para-toroidal coil construction and high-purity 6N-OFC (99.9999% pure oxygen free copper) wiring for maximum sonic purity and extraordinary resolution of fine musical detail. This model is from our line of VM cartridges and styli.

[caption id="attachment_34772" align="aligncenter" width="150"] VM670SP[/caption]

78 RPM vinyl (mono, 0.6 mil conical):

AT-VM95C: Great for playing any 78 RPM vinyl records, especially if they have some wear or scratches. Easy installation, no nuts required. This model is from our VM95 Series line of cartridges and styli. Its AT-VMN95C stylus is also available separately as an interchangeable replacement stylus compatible with any VM95 or XP Series cartridge.

VM610MONO: Designed specifically for playing mono records, with a specialized body and internal wiring dedicated to monaural sound reproduction. Having both left and right channels connected internally improves signal-to-noise ratio, minimizing surface noise. Designed with para-toroidal coil construction and high-purity 6N-OFC (99.9999% pure oxygen free copper) wiring for maximum sonic purity and extraordinary resolution of fine musical detail. This model is from our line of VM cartridges and styli.

If you have any further questions on determining which cartridge is right for your turntable, please contact us here in the Audio Solutions Department.