Audio-Technica VM510CB Cartridge

Audio-Technica VM510CB is a VM-type phono cartridge designed for turntables with a standard 1/2-inch mount. It features a 0.6 mil bonded conical stylus and an aluminium cantilever. Its specified frequency range is 20-20,000 Hz.

The 5.0 mV output voltage is intended for a suitable phono preamplifier input. The recommended load is 47,000 ohms with a total capacitance of 100-200 pF. These parameters are important when matching the cartridge to an existing audio system.

Who this cartridge is for

This model is intended for a turntable that uses a standard 1/2-inch cartridge mount. The tonearm must allow the cartridge position and the required tracking force to be adjusted accurately.

The cartridge’s 6.4 g weight should be included when calculating the total mass of the cartridge, mounting hardware and headshell. The tonearm counterweight must be able to balance this combined weight. The cartridge dimensions also need to be considered when space in the headshell or beneath the turntable cover is limited.

Stylus and cantilever construction

The bonded conical stylus has a 0.6 mil tip and a bonded round shank. Although conical geometry is symmetrical, the cartridge still needs to be aligned accurately in relation to the record. Incorrect positioning can affect groove tracking in both channels.

Stylus movement is transferred to the generator through an aluminium pipe cantilever. The specified 23° vertical tracking angle is a cartridge design parameter. During installation, the tonearm can be positioned approximately parallel to the record, with the final position adjusted according to the stylus geometry.

Static and dynamic compliance are specified under different measurement conditions. The dynamic value of 8 × 10^-6 cm/dyne was measured at 100 Hz and should not be compared directly with the static value of 35 × 10^-6 cm/dyne.

Installation and initial adjustment

Attach the cartridge to the headshell without fully tightening the screws. First use a suitable alignment protractor to set the overhang and cartridge angle. Only then should the mounting hardware be tightened evenly while taking care not to rotate the cartridge.

The standard tracking force is 2.0 g. The permitted adjustment range is 1.8-2.2 g. Begin with the standard value and verify it using a stylus force gauge. A setting based only on the tonearm scale may be less accurate.

Insufficient tracking force can make stable groove tracking more difficult. The specified upper limit should not be exceeded either. Before adjusting the force, balance the tonearm as described in the instructions for the particular turntable.

Connecting it to an audio system

The cartridge signal must be sent to a suitable phono preamplifier input. A normal line-level input is not designed for a signal this low. If the amplifier does not have a phono input, a separate phono preamplifier is required between the turntable and amplifier.

The phono input load should be 47,000 ohms. The recommended total capacitance of 100-200 pF includes both the preamplifier input and the signal cable. Higher or lower capacitance can alter the balance of the high frequencies.

In a stereo system, the signal travels from the cartridge to the phono preamplifier and then to the amplifier. The same signal chain applies in a home cinema system. The AV receiver must either have a suitable phono input or accept the line-level output from an external phono preamplifier.

Stereo channel parameters

Channel separation of 25 dB at 1 kHz describes the separation between the left and right channels. The 1.5 dB output channel balance at 1 kHz indicates the possible difference between their signal levels. These figures should be considered together with accurate cartridge installation.

The 5.0 mV output was measured at 1 kHz with a modulation velocity of 5 cm/s. This stated measurement condition makes it possible to compare the cartridge sensitivity meaningfully with the input requirements of a phono preamplifier.

Technical specifications

Model	VM510CB
Type	VM-type phono cartridge
Mount	Standard 1/2-inch mount
Frequency range	20-20,000 Hz
Channel separation	25 dB at 1 kHz
Output channel balance	1.5 dB at 1 kHz
Output voltage	5.0 mV at 1 kHz and 5 cm/s
Vertical tracking angle	23°
Tracking force range	1.8-2.2 g
Standard tracking force	2.0 g
Stylus shape	Bonded conical
Stylus size	0.6 mil
Stylus construction	Bonded round shank
Cantilever	Aluminium pipe
Coil impedance	2,700 ohms at 1 kHz
Static compliance	35 × 10^-6 cm/dyne
Dynamic compliance	8 × 10^-6 cm/dyne at 100 Hz
Recommended load resistance	47,000 ohms
Recommended load capacitance	100-200 pF
Weight	6.4 g
Dimensions	17.3 × 17.0 × 28.2 mm (height × width × length)
Replacement stylus	VMN10CB
Included 5 mm screws	2
Included 10 mm screws	2
Included washers	2
Included hex nuts	2

What is included

Two pairs of mounting screws in different lengths are supplied. The 5 mm and 10 mm screws allow the appropriate length to be selected for the thickness of the headshell. Two washers and two hex nuts are also included.

FAQ

How can I tell whether this cartridge will fit my turntable?

The turntable must use a 1/2-inch mount. Its tonearm counterweight must be able to balance the cartridge together with the headshell and mounting hardware. You should also compare the dimensions in the specification table with the available installation space.

Can the cartridge be connected directly to a line input?

No. Its signal requires a phono preamplifier with the appropriate load. CD, AUX and other line-level inputs on an amplifier can accept only a signal that has already passed through a phono preamplifier.

How do I choose the correct mounting screw length?

The screw must pass through the headshell and leave enough thread for the nut to be secured properly. It must not press against the cartridge body. Choose the shorter or longer supplied pair according to the thickness of the headshell.

Can I replace only the stylus?

Yes. The specified VMN10CB replacement stylus can be changed without disconnecting all the cartridge wires. After replacement, it is advisable to check the tracking force again.

Can this cartridge be used with a home cinema receiver?

It can be used in a system with a suitable phono input. If the AV receiver does not have one, an external phono preamplifier is required. Its line-level output connects to an available input on the receiver.

How is the recommended capacitance calculated?

The total includes the capacitance of the phono preamplifier input and the cable. The amplifier setting alone therefore does not always show the final value. A shorter, low-capacitance cable can help keep the total within the specified range.

Does a conical stylus still require precise alignment?

Yes. Use an alignment protractor suitable for the particular turntable. Check the overhang, cartridge angle and tonearm balance. After fully tightening the screws, check the cartridge position once more.