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Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Technica AT440ML Phono Cartridge by mosin Welcome Licorice Pizza (LP) lovers! Setup guides and Vinyl FAQ. |
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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
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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)
- You're not alone #2 - jrtrent 19:03:22 10/20/03 ( 2)
- Re: You're not alone #2 - zygon 22:51:45 10/20/03 ( 1)
- Re: You're not alone #2 - jrtrent 06:35:53 10/21/03 ( 0)
please wait before posting a review of a new cartridge - Bruce from DC 10:10:08 10/20/03 ( 11)
- Re: please wait before posting a review of a new cartridge - beach cruiser 00:22:59 10/21/03 ( 0)
Re: please wait before posting a review of a new cartridge - mark111 10:31:16 10/20/03 ( 9)
- AT, no; Stanton, yes. - jrtrent 05:42:19 10/21/03 ( 0)
"Grado Wobble" - Adam 16:49:08 10/20/03 ( 1)
- Do a search. (nt) - John Elison 18:19:14 10/20/03 ( 0)
Re: pre-shipment break in - Bruce from DC 15:36:28 10/20/03 ( 1)
- i like that idea - mark111 16:59:45 10/20/03 ( 0)
Pre-shipment break-in? - John Elison 15:09:29 10/20/03 ( 3)
- Re: Pre-shipment break-in? - Audio Fan 18:41:53 10/20/03 ( 2)
- Re: Pre-shipment break-in? - John Elison 19:01:19 10/20/03 ( 1)
- Grado wobble - Audio Fan 10:56:36 10/21/03 ( 0)
you're not alone. - mark111 09:25:13 10/20/03 ( 0)
Audio Technica AT440ML Phono Cartridge - bwr 08:43:35 10/20/03 ( 0)
your findings are unlike - hifitommy 06:55:50 10/20/03 ( 0)
Perhaps you got a bad cartridge.... - John Elison 06:44:59 10/20/03 ( 0)
Audio Technica AT440ML Phono Cartridge - Audio Fan 06:35:05 10/20/03 ( 0)
Audio Technica AT440ML Phono Cartridge - zygon 04:42:12 10/20/03 ( 0)
"The bass has no bloom whatever" - Don T 00:42:18 10/20/03 ( 0)
This was the sound "out of the box"? Run-in not required for MM carts?....nt - feet's too big 23:34:12 10/19/03 ( 0)