Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-VM510xCB is the entry point into the newer VMx cartridge family, but there is rather more going on inside it than the straightforward 0.6mil conical stylus might suggest.
The VMx generator has been substantially revised from the previous VM Series. Audio-Technica uses a paratoroidal coil structure with two coils per channel, PCUHD copper winding wire, fewer coil turns for improved transient response and a central shield plate to reduce crosstalk between the left and right channels.
The result is a healthy 5.0mV output for a conventional moving-magnet phono stage, together with 24dB channel separation and 1.5dB output balance at 1kHz.
At the groove, the AT-VM510xCB uses a bonded 0.6mil conical diamond mounted to an aluminium-pipe cantilever. Conical geometry is comparatively straightforward to set up, robust in everyday use and makes this an accessible starting point within the VMx family.
The clever part is the upgrade path. Audio-Technica has retained broad stylus compatibility across the VMx and previous VM Series, so the conical AT-VMN10xCB can later be replaced with Elliptical, Nude Elliptical, Microlinear, Shibata or Special Line Contact alternatives.
There is an important qualification, though. Changing the stylus does not magically change the rest of the cartridge. The AT-VM510xCB uses Audio-Technica's durable low-resonance polymer housing, while the higher 700 Series VMx cartridges use more substantial premium body construction. A better stylus is still a genuine upgrade, but the complete cartridge architecture remains part of the equation.
Installation is also much improved over older cartridge designs. M2.6 threaded inserts are built directly into the body, meaning two screws are all that is required. No balancing tiny nuts over an exposed stylus while questioning your life choices.
For someone wanting a straightforward MM cartridge now with a much more ambitious stylus upgrade route later, the AT-VM510xCB makes a very strong starting point.
Audio-Technica AT-VM510xCB Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Audio-Technica AT-VM510xCB is a stereo dual moving magnet cartridge from the latest VMx Series, supplied with a bonded 0.6mil conical stylus and aluminium-pipe cantilever.
The VMx platform introduces a revised generator, PCUHD copper coils, threaded cartridge mounting and extensive replacement-stylus compatibility while retaining straightforward conventional moving-magnet phono-stage requirements.
Available Cartridge and Stylus Options
This Audio T product page gives you two purchasing options:
AT-VM510xCB Cartridge
The complete VMx dual moving magnet cartridge supplied with the AT-VMN10xCB 0.6mil bonded conical stylus.
Choose this if you need a complete cartridge for your turntable.
AT-VMN10xCB Replacement Stylus
The bonded 0.6mil conical replacement stylus assembly only.
Choose this if your compatible VM or VMx cartridge body is already mounted and you simply need the replacement stylus.
Which Option Do I Need?
Replacing the complete cartridge? Choose AT-VM510xCB.
Already own a compatible cartridge body? Choose AT-VMN10xCB if you only need the conical replacement stylus.
If you are unsure about cartridge or stylus compatibility, contact Audio T before ordering.
What Is the Audio-Technica VMx Series?
The VMx range is Audio-Technica's updated premium dual moving magnet cartridge family.
Like Audio-Technica's earlier VM cartridges, it uses two moving magnets positioned to correspond with the left and right sides of a stereo record groove.
The VMx generation then introduces several changes to the generator and physical cartridge construction.
Vertical Dual Magnet Design
A stereo record groove contains two channel walls arranged in a V shape.
Audio-Technica's VM architecture uses two magnets positioned to correspond with those groove walls, closely reflecting the geometry of the cutter head used to create the original record master.
This arrangement is designed to support good channel separation, stereo imaging and frequency response.
Paratoroidal Coil Construction
The AT-VM510xCB uses Audio-Technica's paratoroidal generator construction.
Each channel uses:
Two coils, positioned one behind the other.
This arrangement is intended to improve generating efficiency while maintaining the dual magnet architecture.
PCUHD Copper Coils
A major change for the VMx Series is the move to:
PCUHD - Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability.
This high-purity copper is used for the generator coil windings.
The cartridge signal begins inside these coils, so their construction forms part of the complete electrical path from record groove to phono stage.
Fewer Coil Turns for Faster Response
Audio-Technica has slightly reduced the number of coil turns compared with the previous VM Series.
The aim is to reduce electrical and mechanical inertia within the generator and improve transient response, allowing the cartridge output to react quickly to changing musical information.
Centre Shield Plate
A central shield separates the left and right channel sections of the generator.
This is designed to reduce electrical crosstalk between the two channels and help preserve a clear stereo image.
24dB Channel Separation
Audio-Technica specifies:
24dB channel separation at 1kHz.
Channel separation describes how effectively the cartridge keeps information recovered from the left and right groove walls distinct.
1.5dB Output Balance
Output channel balance is specified at:
1.5dB at 1kHz.
This represents the permitted difference between the electrical output of the left and right channels.
0.6mil Bonded Conical Stylus
The AT-VM510xCB is supplied with the:
AT-VMN10xCB 0.6mil bonded conical stylus.
A conical stylus has a simple rounded contact geometry and tracks approximately through the centre of the record groove.
Why Choose Conical?
A conical profile provides several practical benefits:
- Comparatively straightforward alignment
- Reliable everyday record playback
- Durable stylus geometry
- Affordable replacement cost
- A simple starting point for future VMx stylus upgrades
More advanced stylus profiles can trace finer groove information, but conical remains an effective general-purpose solution.
What Does Bonded Mean?
A bonded stylus uses a diamond tip attached to a separate supporting shank.
This differs from a nude stylus, where the diamond itself forms both the contact tip and supporting shank.
Bonded construction helps keep the cost of the AT-VMN10xCB comparatively accessible.
Aluminium-Pipe Cantilever
The conical diamond is mounted to an aluminium-pipe cantilever.
The cantilever transfers the movement of the stylus into the dual moving magnet generator as the diamond follows modulation within the record groove.
5.0mV Output
The AT-VM510xCB produces:
5.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
This is a healthy conventional moving-magnet output and makes the cartridge compatible with a wide range of integrated and external MM phono stages.
47k-Ohm Phono Loading
Audio-Technica specifies:
47,000 ohms.
This is the standard input resistance used by the overwhelming majority of moving-magnet phono stages.
Use a Moving-Magnet Phono Input
The AT-VM510xCB is a moving-magnet cartridge.
If your phono stage provides selectable MM and MC modes, use the MM setting.
150–250pF Recommended Capacitance
Audio-Technica specifies total load capacitance of:
150–250pF.
This is worth noting because it differs from the 100–200pF recommendation used by the AT-VM95 family.
The total capacitance can include:
- Tonearm wiring
- Turntable phono cable
- Interconnects where applicable
- Phono-stage input capacitance
3.2k-Ohm Coil Impedance
The internal generator specification is:
3.2k ohms at 1kHz.
DC resistance is:
750 ohms.
Coil inductance is:
480mH at 1kHz.
These are internal generator characteristics and should not be confused with the external 47k-ohm load supplied by the phono stage.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
Audio-Technica specifies:
20Hz–20kHz.
This reflects the complete conical stylus, aluminium cantilever and VMx generator configuration.
1.8–2.2g Tracking Force
The specified operating range is:
1.8–2.2g.
The standard recommended setting is:
2.0g.
Do Not Deliberately Track Too Lightly
Running below the manufacturer's recommended tracking-force range does not automatically reduce record wear.
Insufficient force can cause mistracking and unstable groove contact.
Use a Stylus-Force Gauge
Set the tonearm according to its manufacturer's procedure and verify the final 2.0g setting with an accurate stylus-force gauge where possible.
20-Degree Vertical Tracking Angle
Audio-Technica specifies:
20 degrees.
Where the tonearm provides height adjustment, vertical geometry can be considered once cartridge alignment and tracking force have been correctly established.
Static and Dynamic Compliance
Audio-Technica specifies:
- Static compliance: 23 x 10-6cm/dyne
- Dynamic compliance: 7 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz
Compliance describes the flexibility of the cartridge suspension and forms part of the mechanical relationship between the cartridge and tonearm.
7.2g Cartridge Weight
The AT-VM510xCB weighs:
7.2g.
This should be checked against the adjustment and counterweight range of the intended tonearm.
Durable Low-Resonance Polymer Housing
The AT-VM510xCB uses a durable low-resonance polymer cartridge housing.
This construction is shared by the core VMx models, while the higher premium models within the family use more substantial body construction.
M2.6 Threaded Mounting Inserts
The VMx redesign adds threaded cartridge-mounting inserts directly into the body.
The cartridge attaches to a conventional half-inch headshell or suitable integral tonearm using two M2.6 screws.
No separate cartridge nuts are required.
Why Threaded Mounting Helps
- No tiny mounting nuts
- Easier cartridge installation
- Simpler alignment adjustment
- Reduced chance of dropped hardware
- Secure cartridge-to-tonearm coupling
Multiple Mounting Screws Supplied
Audio-Technica supplies three different screw lengths:
- 5mm M2.6
- 8mm M2.6
- 10mm M2.6
Two washers are also included.
Use the Correct Screw Length
Choose a screw that provides secure thread engagement without unnecessarily forcing a long screw into the cartridge body.
V-Cut Stylus Protector
The VMx stylus protector incorporates a V-shaped cut-out.
This gives a clearer visual reference for the actual stylus position when lowering the tonearm onto a record.
It is a small detail, but useful when cueing manually.
AT-VMN10xCB Replacement Stylus
The direct replacement stylus is:
AT-VMN10xCB.
This retains the original:
- 0.6mil conical profile
- Bonded diamond construction
- Aluminium cantilever
- 1.8–2.2g tracking-force range
- 2.0g standard tracking force
VMx Interchangeable Stylus System
The VMx cartridge body accepts a broad range of interchangeable Audio-Technica replacement styli.
Current VMx stereo options include:
- AT-VMN10xCB - Bonded Conical, aluminium cantilever
- AT-VMN20xEB - Bonded Elliptical, aluminium cantilever
- AT-VMN30xEN - Nude Elliptical, aluminium cantilever
- AT-VMN40xML - Nude Microlinear, aluminium cantilever
- AT-VMN45xML - Nude Microlinear, Boron cantilever
- AT-VMN50xSH - Nude Shibata, Boron cantilever
- AT-VMN60xSL - Nude Special Line Contact, Boron cantilever
An Easy Stylus Upgrade Path
You can begin with the conical AT-VM510xCB and later fit a more sophisticated VMx stylus without removing the cartridge body from the tonearm.
This can be a very convenient way to improve the groove-reading end of the cartridge.
Compatible With Previous VM Series Styli
Audio-Technica also retains broad stylus compatibility between the new VMx Series and the preceding VM Series.
Almost any compatible AT-VMNx or earlier VMN stereo replacement stylus can therefore be used with either generation of cartridge body.
Mono Models Are the Exception
Audio-Technica specifically excludes its mono cartridge configurations from the general interchangeable-stylus statement.
If you are combining legacy VM and current VMx components, check the exact stylus and cartridge model before ordering.
Does a Better Stylus Turn the VM510xCB Into a VM750xSH?
No.
Fitting a premium replacement stylus changes the stylus and cantilever assembly, but it does not replace the cartridge body or generator housing.
The higher VMx models use additional construction differences, including premium body materials on the 700 Series.
Think of It as an Upgrade, Not a Model Conversion
Fitting an AT-VMN50xSH to an AT-VM510xCB gives you a Shibata and Boron stylus system on your existing VM510xCB cartridge body.
It does not make the complete cartridge mechanically identical to an AT-VM750xSH.
AT-VM510xCB or AT-VM520xEB?
AT-VM510xCB
- 0.6mil bonded conical stylus
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- 5.0mV output
- 20Hz–20kHz response
- 24dB channel separation
- 1.5dB output balance
- 7 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- 2.0g standard tracking force
- 7.2g weight
AT-VM520xEB
- 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical stylus
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- 5.0mV output
- 20Hz–20kHz response
- 24dB channel separation
- 1.5dB output balance
- 7 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- 2.0g standard tracking force
- 7.2g weight
The principal change is the shape of the stylus touching the groove.
The AT-VM520xEB moves to a bonded elliptical profile while retaining the same core electrical platform and straightforward 2.0g setup.
Compare the Audio-Technica AT-VM520xEB at Audio T.
What Comes Above the VM520xEB?
The AT-VM530xEN retains elliptical geometry but replaces bonded construction with a nude diamond, reducing unnecessary moving mass at the end of the cantilever.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM530xEN at Audio T.
A Moving-Magnet Phono Stage Is Required
The normal signal path is:
Turntable ? MM phono stage ? amplifier line input.
If your amplifier already contains a suitable moving-magnet phono input, a separate external phono stage is not necessarily required.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Professional Cartridge Fitting
Correct installation can involve:
- Checking tonearm compatibility
- Selecting the correct M2.6 mounting screws
- Connecting the cartridge tags correctly
- Setting overhang
- Setting offset angle
- Setting 2.0g tracking force
- Setting bias or anti-skate
- Checking tonearm height where adjustable
- Checking moving-magnet phono-stage compatibility
If you are not comfortable carrying out these adjustments yourself, contact Audio T about cartridge fitting and setup.
Who Is the Audio-Technica AT-VM510xCB For?
Well Suited To
- Customers entering the VMx cartridge range
- Customers wanting a straightforward conical stylus
- Moving-magnet phono stages
- Turntables using standard half-inch mounting
- Customers wanting an extensive future stylus upgrade path
- Existing VM Series owners considering the new VMx generation
- Customers who value threaded cartridge mounting
Check Before Buying
- Choose complete cartridge or replacement stylus
- 5.0mV MM output
- 47k-ohm loading
- 150–250pF recommended capacitance
- 7.2g cartridge weight
- 2.0g standard tracking force
- 7 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance at 100Hz
- Mono models have different stylus compatibility rules
Key Features
- Audio-Technica AT-VM510xCB
- Audio-Technica AT-VMN10xCB
- VMx Series
- Dual moving magnet design
- Vertical dual magnet architecture
- Paratoroidal coil construction
- Two coils per channel
- PCUHD copper coil wire
- Reduced coil turns
- Centre channel shield plate
- 0.6mil conical stylus
- Bonded diamond
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- Low-resonance polymer housing
- Interchangeable stylus system
- VMx and legacy VM stylus compatibility
- 5.0mV output
- 47k-ohm load impedance
- 150–250pF recommended capacitance
- 3.2k-ohm coil impedance
- 750-ohm DC resistance
- 480mH coil inductance
- 20Hz–20kHz frequency response
- 24dB channel separation
- 1.5dB output balance
- 20-degree vertical tracking angle
- 23 x 10-6cm/dyne static compliance
- 7 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking-force range
- 2.0g standard tracking force
- 7.2g cartridge weight
- M2.6 threaded mounting inserts
- Half-inch cartridge mounting
- V-cut stylus protector
Frequently Asked Questions
What options can I buy on this page?
You can choose the complete AT-VM510xCB cartridge or the AT-VMN10xCB replacement conical stylus.
Is there a headshell version of the AT-VM510xCB on this page?
No. The current Audio T product listing contains the complete cartridge and replacement stylus options.
What stylus does the AT-VM510xCB use?
A bonded 0.6mil conical diamond mounted to an aluminium-pipe cantilever.
What is the replacement stylus?
AT-VMN10xCB.
Is AT-VM510xCB moving magnet or moving coil?
It is an Audio-Technica VM dual moving magnet cartridge.
What output does it produce?
5.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
What phono stage does it need?
A conventional moving-magnet phono stage with 47k-ohm input resistance.
What capacitance does Audio-Technica recommend?
150–250pF total load capacitance.
Is that different from the VM95 range?
Yes. The VM95 family is generally specified for 100–200pF, while the current VMx AT-VM510xCB specification is 150–250pF.
What is PCUHD?
PCUHD stands for Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability. Audio-Technica uses it for the coil windings in the VMx generator.
What is a paratoroidal generator?
The VMx design uses two coils per channel, positioned one behind the other, to improve generating efficiency.
Why has Audio-Technica reduced the number of coil turns?
Audio-Technica states that the reduced number of turns improves transient response, allowing the generator to respond more quickly to changing musical signals.
What is the centre shield plate for?
It separates the left and right channel sections of the generator to reduce crosstalk and maintain stereo separation.
What is the frequency response?
20Hz to 20kHz.
What is the channel separation?
24dB at 1kHz.
What is the output balance?
1.5dB at 1kHz.
What tracking force should I use?
Audio-Technica specifies 1.8–2.2g with 2.0g as the standard setting.
What is the dynamic compliance?
7 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz.
What is the static compliance?
23 x 10-6cm/dyne.
How much does the cartridge weigh?
7.2g.
Does it require cartridge mounting nuts?
No. The VMx body has integrated M2.6 threaded inserts.
What mounting system does it use?
Standard half-inch cartridge mounting.
Can I upgrade the stylus?
Yes. Audio-Technica offers compatible VMx stereo replacement styli ranging from bonded Elliptical through Nude Elliptical, Microlinear, Shibata and Special Line Contact.
Can I fit AT-VMN20xEB to the AT-VM510xCB?
Yes. This changes the cartridge from its original conical stylus to the bonded elliptical VMx stylus configuration.
Can I fit the Microlinear AT-VMN40xML?
Yes. It is part of Audio-Technica's interchangeable VMx stereo stylus system.
Can I fit the Boron Microlinear AT-VMN45xML?
Yes. It is physically compatible with the VMx stereo body.
Can I fit the AT-VMN50xSH Shibata stylus?
Yes, but remember that the cartridge body remains the AT-VM510xCB body. Fitting the stylus does not make the complete cartridge identical to the premium AT-VM750xSH.
Can I use older VM Series replacement styli?
Audio-Technica confirms broad compatibility between VMx and previous VM Series stereo replacement styli. Mono configurations are excluded from the general compatibility statement.
Will AT-VMN10xCB fit an older VM510CB?
Yes. Audio-Technica specifically lists the previous VM510CB among the cartridges compatible with the AT-VMN10xCB replacement stylus.
What is the V-cut stylus protector?
The flip-up protector has a V-shaped opening that provides a clearer visual reference for the position of the stylus when cueing a record.
What is above the AT-VM510xCB?
The next model is the AT-VM520xEB, which retains the same core VMx platform but changes to a bonded elliptical stylus.
Can Audio T fit the cartridge for me?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store for advice on cartridge compatibility, fitting, alignment, tracking force and VMx stylus upgrades.
Related Audio-Technica Products and Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable and cartridge matching
- VMx cartridge advice
- Replacement stylus guidance
- VM and VMx compatibility advice
- Stylus upgrade guidance
- Moving-magnet phono-stage matching
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias and anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm compatibility checks
- Capacitance guidance
- Stylus-care advice
- Turntable setup and optimisation
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you are unsure whether you need the complete AT-VM510xCB cartridge or AT-VMN10xCB replacement stylus, or if you would like advice on upgrading to another compatible VMx stylus profile.