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.

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 absolutely love this stylus! I am not an audiophile with thousands of dollars in equipment. I like listening to vinyl records, but I do not consider vinyl to be the be-all, end-all of audio. I have a somewhat entry-mid level turntable, and I always swore I wouldnt pay for a stylus that costs nearly the same as the turntable itself; however, Im glad I reneged on that philosophy. I first bought the cartridge for this 15 months ago and purchased this as the first replacement for the stylus, but it very well could have lasted even longer! The sound quality never really diminished; I personally never noticed any distortion or sibilance or anything of the sort. Its pricey, but worth it!

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.

Trying to justify the cost for this one. Upgraded from a 95E like most people to try and solve the sibilance and IGD issues with that stylus. Good news is that, to my ears, both of those problems are solved. However, it seems this comes at a loss of soundstage and tonality. The ML seems to produce borderline CD quality audio with clean new pressings. The harshness and break-up of hot, high pressings and complicated passages, especially towards the center of the pressing, seem to be much better, but theres also a muddiness and lack of separation throughout. Bass is less present, individual instruments have less space/definition, and flaws are more obtrusive in imperfect copies (because presumably youre digging up more information with this stylus shape). For reference, my setup is a Technics SL-D2 through a Realistic Stereo Mixer to Bose QC15/25 headphones 99% of the time. Considering becoming a complete vinyl idiot and picking up the comparable Nagaoka MP-110 to compare. Not sure about you, but I crave that sweet, sweet soundstage and theres something thats not clicking here.

With this stylus, I was able to hear things in a record that I have listened to for 35 years that I never heard before. Who would have thought that this little thing would make so much difference? Its not the cartridge, either. You can use the same AT cartridge- its this stylus that makes the difference. Im not really a crazy audiophile, although I do have about $1000 into my system- all in vintage speakers - none of the new crunchy ones. But this stylus makes a huge difference, probably the biggest difference per dollar of anything Ive used to upgrade my sound. The science behind it relates to how deep the stylus goes into the record grooves, and how it still sounds good as you get to the inner tracks of an LP, which usually has some quality degradation. Im no expert on this- so google it and you can find some more detailed explanations if you like. The bottom line is is YES you can hear the difference from a $35-50 stylus to a $150 one.

Good seller, good stylus

Accidentally broke my new stylus cleaning the T.T. bumped up to this one by recommendation from other vinyl people! Very happy! ; )

Exceeded my high expectations.

Amazing upgrade. Tracks like a bloodhoud. Has a extremely flat response paired with the correct preamp. The V series which replicates the cutting head angle with the double magnet placement is extremely accurate. If aligned correctly, NO distortion especially on the inner groove or with siblance.