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

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 DrSardonicus ( A ) on March 21, 2004 at 16:09:32
IP Address: 64.113.14.189

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The AT440ML has been at the forefront of my analog system now for nearly four years, so after living through cartridge swaps (one 440ML for another), I think that I'm ready to ascertain its characteristics. First of all, this cartridge is an excellent tracker. With the VTA carefully dialed in, it clears up to the +15db bias track on the HFNRR test record, and nearly clears the +18db track, only a slight buzz on the right. Its quiet in the groove, so much so that the hiss on the analog master tape (or whatever gen they use) becomes quite apparent. The stylus, a .12 mil micro linear type, digs deep to extract what seem to be almost unlimited sums of information.
It paints the picture explosively, with fierce attack and diffusing decay. And no annoying sibilants - like my earlier cart, a Grado Red. That cart had wonderful midrange, but hell if it could render a tenor (let alone a female vocal). The AT440ML faithfully follows what's in the groove of the record if nothing else. And from there it provides insight into your own systems' colorations. Another related item, the speaker cabling, should be included here. I retired my Audioquest Type 4's and replaced them with the nifty UBYTE-2 cables and was blown away by what I was missing. So this cartridge does make music, you just have to make sure the rest of the system is up to it. If this shows a downside, it's just that some systems aren't tuned for the style of reproduction that this cartridge is geared for. A Low to mid mass arm with quality bearings on a stable platform is essential, as this cart is highly compliant.
This cartridge is pretty close to being the ideal cartridge for my turntable. I might wish for a bit more bass boom, but it delivers the best (and the worst) my system has to offer, generally speaking. This is $89 (plus s&h) well spent. I'm sure that there's something better (like the $1000 Music Maker), but I doubt I'd ever spring that much $$$ for something I couldn't return. So for now I'll just spend the extra cash on going vinyl shopping!

Product Weakness: May sound edgy or thin on some systems; system-tweaking may be required.
Product Strengths: Lowest cost cart w/Microline stylus; very detailed, quick - great rhythm and tempo.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Marantz 510 (all caps replaced and bypassed)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Marantz 3300
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Kenwood KD-550/SME IIIs both w/various mods
Speakers:	Paradigm Eclipse Bipolars
Cables/Interconnects:	UBYTE-2 speaker, SME, Apature
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock/Pop - various
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	None
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	May sound edgy or thin on some systems; system-tweaking may be required.
Product Strengths:	Lowest cost cart w/Microline stylus; very detailed, quick - great rhythm and tempo.