Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

I replaced the VMN95E stylus on my AT LP120X with this stylus. Previously I was getting significant inner groove distortion in the last 1/3-1/4 of a lot of albums (mostly brand new albums that had barely been played). With some albums, distortion would show up even earlier with especially heavier recordings. After switching to this microline stylus, the inner groove distortion is essentially gone (or at least it is so low that it is covered up by other noise). Records that had tracks that were basically unlistenable because of distortion sound completely fine with this stylus. I primarily bought this stylus to try and fix my IGD issues, and it definitely succeeds at that. There may be an additional fidelity improvement from going to this stylus over the elliptical stylus, but that isnt as big a difference as the reduction in IGD. Basically, if you have a cartridge that currently has the elliptical version of this stylus and you are experiencing inner groove distortion, buy this stylus. It isnt cheap, but it will fix your issue and theoretically has triple the lifespan of the bonded elliptical stylus. It is a straight swap, so you dont need to realign or readjust anything.

Best needle ive ever had. But its way too much money. Wont buy again. Maybe worth $25. Someone is making a massive amount of profit off these....

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.

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.

My wife purchased a really good direct drive audio technica Turntable over the summer, I have been collecting vinyl for about a year and a half. I have a wide range of music from the 70s to today. I was handed some vinyl from my father that he has had for many many years. Some of it has been played so much that the records are looking slick. The stylus that came with my turntable would just glide over some of the records, thinking to myself that these records are shot, but i am not going to get rid of them since they came from my father. I also noticed as i played these older records, the sound just seemed kind of muffled and staticky, figured i would start searching for ways to improve the sound of my records. With the money my wife spent on this turntable, i would have never though the factory needle would be the problem. I upgraded from a middle of the road Sony turntable, and to be honest the sony sounded better, that was until i came across this stylus and started reading the reviews. I took a chance and said with the money i have spent on my collection, i am going to purchase this stylus and see if it helps my situation. Let me just say this, if you are hesitating on purchasing this stylus because of the cost or you are not sure it will improve the sound quality. Hesitate no more, the positive reviews are spot on. This stylus is so good, I can now listen to my fathers old worn out slick records, on top of that, the sound quality is outstanding. I would give more than 5 stars if i could. Too bad they do not install this stylus on the out of the box turntables.

I upgraded the stylus that came with the AT record player to this stylus and the upgrade was well worth it. Sounds great. The customer support from AT is outstanding.

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!

This stylus is wonderful, your music is more clearer with better bass tones. For the money the best upgrade for the AT LS 120X turtable.

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.

The sound quality is fantastic! This is quite an upgrade and worth each penny it costs!