Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

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.

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

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 am still breaking this stylus in. I swapped the ML with a fairly new E to save on the cartridge. I did again align the cartridge, balance the tonearm, adjust the tracking force and the anti-skate before starting the break-in. I have only played a half dozen or so LPs with it. It does seem to be improving with each record. I did notice that I had to increase the volume control about 10% to get the same level as with my other cartridges including the Goldring e3 and the Ortofon 2M Red. Right now, all that I can say based on my old, non-audiophile ears is that the solo instruments on classical, country and western and 60s-80s R&R records seem to be more clear and there does seem to be less cracks and pops on the, very familiar to me, records that I have played, likely due to the shape of the stylus. I do like the estimated 1000 hours of use for the stylus. That is something to consider when making a choice, The 95ML sounds promising and I will continue my break-in test. The ML does sound better than the AT95E, the stylus that was replaced on an AT headshell. However, I am not going to just yet mothball my e3 or 2M Red, both of which also sound pretty good to me.

The sound stage is broader, the music plays louder, clearer in the bass and you hear more details in the music. My wife asked what Id done to get the player to sound better when walking by. I would buy this again.

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.

I got this to bring old vinyl back to life which it does but I got a bonus. With a cheap AT-LP-3 turntable and a cheap Yamaha amp Decent speakers like Kirksaeter center channel and Dayton BR-1 front and and rearsrunning 5channel stereoI getting sound equal to my old Stromberg Carlson Intregated with desent table and cartridge and Bose 301s that I had in the 1970s. Im now getting sound equal to that old system that I missed for so long. And the stylus isnt even broken in yet. wow very nice. Well worth the price if you are looking for flat warm tube like sound from the 60 and 70s. I though the sylus may be bent slightly but that must be the way its made. I lined it up with a arch protractor that audio technica sent and it tracks perfectly and low surface noise also. Well done Audio Technica.

This stylus might seem expensive to some, but is worth every penny. It brings out the rich tones and there is not much static at all. Currently listening to a Benny Goodman album from the 40s and it sounds amazing. You wont be sorry if you buy it.

Im just getting into the vinyl hobby and my young daughter decided to slam the tonearm and cartridge/stylus into the mat as I was changing an album over. This of course severely bent the cantilever. Not wanting to risk damaging my records, I decided this would be a good opportunity to upgrade the stock 95E stylus on my LP120X. After installing the 95ML, I immediately noticed much more pronounced and separated mids and high, whereas the 95E seemed to muddle them together. Again, Im still just getting into the hobby, but the clarity is definitely much-improved with this stylus. For the money, its well worth the upgrade. Now I just need to take measures to keep my daughter from touching this one--unless I need to convince my wife to allow another upgrade....

Decided to put this to the test and spin the loudest record I own, Wrath by Lamb of God. On the VM95E, there was a lot of noticeable inner groove distortion due to how heavy and hard the music on it is. After upgrading to the VM95ML, that sibilance and distortion is greatly reduced. The guitar tracks are well balanced and Randy Blythes screaming sounds much more clear in comparison. If you want well-mastered pressings to sound even better, this upgrade is worth it. Even for budget Hi-Fi setups.