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Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Technica AT440ML Phono Cartridge by mosin

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REVIEW: Audio Technica AT440ML Phono Cartridge

68.159.178.50


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Model: AT440ML
Category: Phono Cartridge
Suggested Retail Price: $219.00
Description: Audiophile series MM phono cartridge with
Manufacturer URL: Audio Technica
Model Picture: View

Review by mosin ( A ) on October 19, 2003 at 23:06:44
IP Address: 68.159.178.50
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for the AT440ML


This cartridge appears to be extremely well crafted, but it lacks the necessary backbone to produce convincing music. The bass has no bloom whatever, so it doesn't pass with me for that reason alone. It seems to be fairly detailed, but my ancient Dual 1019 with its old AT65E blows it away. A Dual 1019 isn't supposed to beat a Linn Sondek, but if the LP12 has to depend on the AT440ML to hold up its end, then the Dual wins hands down. Compared to even the cheapest Grado, the AT440ML gets a thumbs down in almost every area, except tracking ability. The highs are nice, but there is lot more to music that hitting a given frequency range on some piece of lab equipment. A pity really because AT made some great cartridges back in the day. Unfortunately, the AT440ML doesn't follow the family tradition.

The cartridge was used on a Linn Sondek LP12 with a Magnepan Unitrac 1 tonearm. The speakers were Magnepan 2.7s and the electronics were all PS Audio.


Product Weakness: Unconvincing midrange

Horrible bottom end

Dry sounding

Product Strengths: Tracks well

Nice highs


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: PS Audio 4.6, 4.5, 5.0
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): PS Audio Delta 100, PS Audio 200C
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Linn Sondek, Thorens, Dual
Speakers: Magneplanar 2.7, KEF 103.2
Cables/Interconnects: DIY & Van Den Hull
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Various
Room Size (LxWxH): 23' x 19' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments: Fairly well balanced
Time Period/Length of Audition: one week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Power Var
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Audio Technica AT440ML Phono Cartridge - mosin 23:06:44 10/19/03 ( 23)