Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

This entire time I thought some of my vinyls were just poorly pressed... clearly not the case after I installed this needle. Every one of my records now sounds inCREDIBLE I cannot even believe the difference. I went from A.M. Radio needle to FLAC needle in a matter of a very well spent $150. Whoever cant hear the difference between their stock needle & this one is either deaf or just does not care about their musics audio quality.

Exceeded my high expectations.

Wow!!! What an improvement!! Not to mention easy to install, that is for the LP120. I was skeptical at first because of the cost but finally decided to take the chance. The sound is so much warmer and more crisp! So happy with my decision!

I have an Audio Technica LP120X turntable with a VM95E cartridge. When my stylus was accidentally broken, I opted for this stylus. I didn’t think it would make much of a difference. WOW! Was I wrong. The notes are crisper, the overtones much more defined, and the overall sound much richer. Even though $150 seemed expensive, I am enjoying the results.

I have a Audio Technica LPW30-TK turntable I got used. It came with the entry level blue conical stylus. Just upgraded to the red AT95 micro linear stylus. Thought I would put this out there for anyone debating pulling the trigger on the red stylus. I immediately noticed reduced overall amplitude (lower volume.) this isn’t an issue for me because I never run my system at full volume anyhow. Just turned it up a little more than typical. Highs are super crisp. Piano sections, crash cymbals, etc are all bright and crisp. Mids are solid with no distortion. I previously had bad sibilance on some records. Specifically my Journey’s Greatest Hits. I read this album was mastered really hot as it was intended for CDs and cassettes back in the 80s, and was never intended to be pressed onto vinyl. Anyhow, it was almost not worth listening to before and now it’s stellar. No more midrange distortion. Which is the main reason I went with the red stylus versus any of the others. Many reviewers said it corrected this distortion. Bass is tight and punchy and a bit more present than with the old stylus. The red isn’t cheap, but it was a worthwhile upgrade for me. Thanks for reading. Also: surface noise is pretty much non-existent. Much better than before.

I replaced the stock stylus on my ATLP120XBT and the music sounds much cleaner and crisper. It is noticeable to me but may not be to others including my wife. Would i buy again? Yes absolutely

Initially I went back and forth on this product. I didnt actually need a replacement stylus. I only had roughly 200 hours on my other one. I scathed the internet looking for reviews. I got mixed results. Some people said it made a world of difference and others swore it didnt do much apart from last longer. I can attest that this stylus does make a difference. Its a bit quieter overall, but you can hear severely less surface noise and get a more dynamic sound. Its warm, full, and beautiful. I played records back to back with the old stylus and the new to juxtapose the differences. I feel confident recommending this stylus to people. Purchase it! $150 may seem like a lot but it will make every record in your collection sound better!

Was a little hesitant given the high price tag, but after a bit of listening, I can confidently say it is well worth it. Sound quality is vastly improved, even on my budget setup. Way better than the stock VM95e on the LP120x. No adjustment needed to alignment, balance, or tracking force, even though I did it anyway just to be sure. Inner groove distortion is greatly reduced if existent at all as well as sibilance. However, I havent noticed much difference in terms of surface noise, though perhaps some might find the improved sound quality helps them ignore whatever ticks/pops are in their records easier. Rated for 1000 hours, so I will definitely buy another one of these when the time is up.

Got this one for my AT-LP5x. Well, it sounds richer in high range and more clear at low range. Definitely, this is my main stylus now. But dont expect much for the money you paid. It has just a slight difference, and only if you have mid-hi quality audio system and good ears. Other than that, you will not hear much difference between your default stylus and this one. I use internal phono, maybe an external one will open it more for me. But again, if the money is not a problem - I recommend this one! Good upgrade, definitely.

I bought this to replace the stock AT-VMN95E stylus on my AT-LP120XUSB turntable. I did not need a new stylus, but had read about how this was a decent upgrade to make. I wasnt sure about the $150 price tag, but since it is supposed to last about 3 times longer than the stock elliptical stylus, there was some value there as I plan to have this turntable for many years. Sound wise, I didnt notice much, if any, difference listening to new records. This is one of those YMMV issues - I have a decent system, but nothing to write home about. I use the LP-120Xusbs built-in phono pre-amp into an Onkyo TX-NR555 A/V receiver which goes out to a pair of Boston Acoustics VR965 speakers. All that goes into some 50-year old ears, so its likely I couldnt hear the increased frequency response compared to the VMN95E anyway. For used records, I did notice an improvement, though. I have an 80s pressing of UB40s Labour of Love that I bought at a used record store. It looked clean, but was pretty crackly when played with the VMN95E. Im sure they cleaned it, but there was still definitely some crud in the groove. When I tried it with the VMN95ML, it not only sounded better with the first playing, but the record also came out dirtier after playing due to the stylus getting all the loose gunk left from the cleaning out of the groove. After two more plays (and appropriate stylus cleaning), the record played near perfect. All that said, this is not the stylus for everybody. If you play a lot of vinyl and need to replace a VMN95E or VMN95C, its definitely something to consider. While it costs more, it lasts longer, so it would all balance out over the years. If you have a higher-end amplifier and speakers, it may also be worth the upgrade to help squeeze every last bit of sound out of your turntable.