Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

If you have the AT LPW40WN [or a turntable with a stock at-vmn95e cartridge (the green one)] you NEED to pull the trigger on this one. It takes the listening experience from a realistic 7 to a solid 9.5. About where I came from (atvmn95e) cartridge: When I originally purchased my turntable and spun some of my records I found that the mid-range of the vmn95e cartridge had more to desire from. It felt hidden in a way. The lows were just a bit boomy and the highs were too much in my face, which made me fatigued after a couple of LPS. All this being said I still found myself satisfied with the performance of the atvmn95e (as so many other vinyl listeners do). After replacing the cartridge with this new one I found an immediate tangible difference between the twos reproduction. The at - vmn95ML immediately fixed the sonic discrepancies I found above. The bass tightened up and leveled out, the mids became fuller and more present, and the highs sound became much more precise but all much less fatiguing (this for me was the big seller of satisfaction). Additionally, the new needle significantly decreased the pops, crackles, and excess noise that I experienced with my previous cartridge—what a sweet bonus. Keep in mind that this is the immediate difference. (AMAZING!) As other reviewers mention after 20-30 hours of break-in period the sound signature of the cartridge will come into its own. I will update my experience after 40 ish hours (to be safe) and place it below. Why should you get this cartridge? THE PRICE: At roughly $160 after tax and whatnot, its a steal for 1000 hours of great playback. Comparing it to the atvmn95e which comes in stock on many at turntables, its both cheaper in the long haul and a quality of sound upgrade. The e is typically about $50-60 and is rated for 300 hours which works out to be around 20 cents an hour give or take a couple pennies. Or about $200 for 1000 hours. The ML is around $160, after tax and is rated at 1000. So a saving of 40 bucks :)! EASY SWITCH OUT: If you have a cartridge that is already from the 95 series its an easy unplug and replug of the new stylus! (no need to waste money on a new headshell and cartridge! SOUND QUALITY: The micro liner design helps the stylus reach deeper into the grooves of your records ensuring accurate tracking and reducing distortion as a result. It really is a difference you will notice on the first spin. If you are contemplating pulling the trigger on this stylus, do It. You will NOT regret it.

Exceeded my high expectations.

Did surgery on stylus so it would fit my Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge. Slipped right into the cartridge. Sounds great.

The VMN95E stylus that came with my turntable might be an accessible option, but the IGD problem that occurred on at least 20% of my vinyls just bugged me too much. Finally broke down and got an upgrade to VMN95ML. PROBLEM SOLVED. The IGD problems is now inaudible on nearly all of my records. If you are looking for a new stylus for the same reason, go for it!

Excellent quality sound very satisfied

I had the green cartridge that came with my turn table. I listened and thought that sound could not get better but I was wrong. I upgraded to this red cartridge and I can honestly say, the music never felt so defined and clear. I can close my eyes and feel where the sound is played. Immersive!! I plan on upgrading again someday to discover more layers to the music I enjoy.

If you have an A/T turntable this is the best upgrade! Pricey but worth it.

Replaced a 95E stylus that although I felt was very good, only to be amazed at the frequency response of this stylus! It put new sounds in my old albums and made some of them quieter! I was hesitant to buy this because of price jump but am very glad I did now. Edit: 01/19/2022 Using a audio technica turntable LPW40WN (which is amazing for the price!). Had problem since the beginning of use that the stylus would always want to jump toward the middle when lowering with lever. Called a younger and wiser friend to look at it. When settings were all checked they were as recommended but when I put a blank sided lp I have on the turntable and lower the stylus it immediately jumps to the center? In order to adjust it to where it remains more stationary I have to set the anti skate to 4 (the highest setting it will go). Both the vm95EN and vm95E stylus are set around 2 on the adjustment knob with no problem. I contacted Audio Technicas service department with this problem as uneven pressure will not only damage stylus but grooves on the Albums. The only assistance they would give me is the statement Thank you for your inquiry. Using a blank record is not necessarily the best test for antiskate. It is best to listen for inner groove distortion when the stylus is on a song toward the end of the record. from Rick Joyner Manager, Audio Solutions., [email protected] Further checking under a magnifying glass shows a couple of fibers stuck in the bonding compound of the needle that are unremovable a manufacturing and QC problem. At $149.00 this is inexcusable. Further checking on the net has turned up others complaining of same problem with no solutions. I am going to be upgrading to the VM530EN series as I still love the turntable but will buy from a local supplier so that I can talk face to face if there is a problem. BEWARE AND CHECK BEFORE YOU CAN NOT RETURN!

Coming from the green 95E stylus even with the stock VM95E cartridge the ML delivers much better SQ. Surface noise and groove distortion are greatly reduced. Worthy upgrade if you cant quite afford the ML or SH cartridges.

Im a relative newcomer to the recent vinyl craze, so my experience with phonograph cartridges is pretty much limited to the Audio Technica AT-VM95E. I recently purchased my first turntable, a Technics SL-D2, which goes through an Art DJ PRE II phono preamp to a rather well-used and not particularly special set of Technics SB-SL501 speakers powered by an equally not-ultra-special Denon AVR-1602. The turntable came from ePray with a seemingly very-well-used Audio Technica AT95E phono cartridge, so I preemptively purchased a new Audio Technica AT-VM95E to replace it. Of course, once I installed it, I calibrated the tonearm counterweight and aligned the cartridge using a printed protractor. On well-produced records that are in good condition, this combination produced acceptable results - for approximately the first 2/3 of such a record, then I started experiencing rather noticeable inner-groove distortion. Sibilance was also prevalent throughout the entirety of any record I played. I decided this was unacceptable, and perused online forums for an answer. I learned that microlinear and Shibata-style stylii were much less prone to IGD and sibilance than elliptical stylii, and it was suggested that instead of purchasing a new cartridge, I purchase a replacement microlinear stylus for the AT-VM95E cartridge I already had. Swapping the stylus out is a breeze, and just to be sure, I double-checked the cartridge alignment with my protractor and adjusted the VTF down slightly to ~2.0g (I had been running the VM95E at about 2.2g). Problem solved. Inner-groove distortion has been reduced to the point that Im not totally sure I can even detect it. To test for sibilance, I played one of the most sibilant tracks I have on a record in my (albeit small) collection: So You Say by The Manhattan Transfer. Not a lick of sibilance. Where the VMN95E stylus made the track almost un-listenable, this one made it sound amazing. Im just starting out in the hobby, but Ive got to say that if I could go back, I probably would have just bought the AT-VM95ML instead of the AT-VM95E in the first place. Everything Ive played thus far that Id also played with the VMN95E cartridge installed sounds so much more defined with the VMN95ML stylus. Definitely worth it as far as this customer is concerned.