Audio-TechnicaVM540ML MicroLine Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Turntable Cartridge Red

I've had the 440 MLa and it got worn out so I bought the 540 ML as a replacement but what a disappointment ! The sound was very different and completely unrelated to 440 MLa. So I got my reference disc (and used Pink Noise) to check the problem and here it is .... the cartridge has a 3 dB bump at 8 KHz and 6 dB bump at 16 KHz. This Cartridge is a problem if you want to listen directly to the turntable with no Equalizer. If that's the case, run away from this cartridge as far as you can ! If you have a graphic equalizer then set the 8 KHz to -3 dB and the 16 KHz to - 6dB and you'll be good to go. Since most of the time I digitize my vinyl using Audacity... So as soon as I record the vinyl to digital I need to equalize the Aduio to -3db at 8 KHz and - 6db at 16 KHz. And boy it sounds exceptionally great! I just wonder why did Audio Technica make a non-linear cartridge... I've had the 440 MLa and this cartridge sounds similarly great after the EQ part is taken care of. I've also had the Ortofon 2M Red and Bronze. This cartridge tops them both if proper EQ is applied. If you don't want to get the headache of working with EQ... I've tested the Ortofon 2M Red and 2M Bronze and I can say that both are near perfectly linear.(As a side not to Audiophiles.. yes I've used 100pF Capacitance and yes the Cartridge has been perfectly aligned using a protractor. The weight of the needle was adjusted at 1.83 g using a scale)