Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7mil Elliptical Stylus

After thrifting a second turntable for my classroom setup, I took the opportunity to upgrade the cartridge and stylus on my Dual 1209 to this elliptical model. I transferred my previous cartridge and AT3600L stylus to the classroom turntable.Audio Technica has long held a strong reputation for quality cartridge/stylus combos, and this model did not disappoint. The elliptical stylus sits deeper in the grooves, providing greater depth and clarity of sound. It was easy to set up and install with basic knowledge of how the system functions. Make sure you are gentle while removing and replacing the wire leads, as these can be quite delicate. Also make sure to properly align the cartridge/stylus/head with the grooves and adjust your tonearm balance to maintain the proper tracking force, avoid damaging your records. Finally, be aware that an elliptical stylus will behave differently than a conical stylus in terms of "skating," so you will also probably need to readjust your anti-skate setting.So far, I am very pleased with the performance of this combo. It delivers a richer sound across a wider frequency range, and may even allow me to explore the quadraphonic capabilities of my vintage receiver if and when I add two more speakers to the setup.

The media could not be loaded. The sound quality of this cartridge rivals the $200 (in the 80's!!) Audio-Technica AT29SX. For the cost of a replacement stylus for that 29 today, I can buy approximately 3 of these!This is a great, amazing value in a quality phono cartridge. The AT-VM95E features an elliptical diamond stylus which tracks the record groove smoothly and accurately. The sound quality is phenomenal. Deep lows that had the sub under my desk making happy vibes, crystal clear highs with treble extension and clarity that a CD can't touch, and the midrange is present, forward and clear. Female vocals are textured, full and weighty. I auditioned Carole King's Tapestry and was blown away. The piano in "Smackwater Jack" was in the room with me. Stereo imaging and soundstage are broad and have good instrument placement and separation. With a claimed 20db of stereo separation, I'd call it conservatively rated. The soundstage moves outside the speakers and there's plenty of channel separation for my ears. While on the subject of specs, I have no doubt on the validity of the claimed 20Hz-22kHz frequency response! The depths of lows I was able to hear and the reach and clarity of the highs left no detectable rolloff in my listening.All said, this is beyond a great value, it's a must buy. If you're in the market for a replacement, an upgrade or are resurrecting and old turntable, look no further. I've been an Audio-Technica fan since I knew what a cartridge did. I've owned Shures, Pickerings, Ortofons, Empires and Nagaokas. I keep recommending AT.The design of this cartridge is well thought out. The threaded screw inserts are a dream for those of us with older eyes and fingers. No more fumbling with those tiny nuts. In my case, the short body on this cartridge (see the pic of my old AT-29SX above - it's long) allows it to mount fully forward in my angled Sony headshell. Alignment was confirmed on a cartridge protractor to be spot on. Not sure if this will be the case with all headshells on all tonearms. Likely not, but it's nice to get lucky sometimes!Gripes... OK, all rave reviews need a gripe or two. None rise to the level of deducting a star, mind you, but nevertheless there are some niggles. First, the old white-body AT cartridges of yesteryear had tiny colored rings around the connection pins. This made it a no-brainer to see where each wire went. Of course, this was decades before one could solve the question with a 15 second Google search. Second, every AT cartridge I bought back in the stone age included a screwdriver. What gives? Of course for $65 bucks, I suppose I can live with it. And third, wait...there is no third.Another great feature of this cartridge is the broad range of upgrade styli available. AT has carried this tradition forwards from years ago and it continues to be a reason I would choose them again.My setup here is a Sony PS-T22 (circa 1980) with upgraded audio cables feeding an iFi Zen Air Phono preamp into a FiiO K7 DAC (just using the line-in and headphone amp). From there I am running a SMSL A300 integrated amplifier feeding Neumi BS5 bookshelf speakers. For critical listening, I usually rely on my in-ear monitors. My go-to IEMs are the iBasso IT01s. These are what I used for much of the review above.

For those who have a turntable with the very common AT-3600l cartridgethis will be a perfect upgradethe AT-VM95E retains much of the pleasant character of the legendary 3600l ,but with a more defined midrange .the improved midrange enhances the low and high range by allowing those bands to better be replicatedwhat I like most about the AT-VM95E is the sweetness of the high end ,it doesnt have too much of that crispy high frequency that can often promote sibilance or raspy effects.being that I am over 60 yrs old my high range perception is not as good as it used to be so I tend to increase the treble level when listening to vinyl more than many younger people mightthe VM-95E is the first cartridge that handles higher range boost with no effort , the sweetness characeristic of the cartridge sounds and handles the top end better than any "budget" cartridge I have owned and for that its a winneroverall great cartridge for the price ,has great definition overall and retains some of the charm the 3600l provides that has made it a favorite among even the picky audiophile crowdthe VM-95e is by far the perfect upgrade for those who enjoy the 3600lits a great budget Cartridge regardless of your circumstance .if your on the fence ,,,buy it ,absolutly worth every penney

excellent for the price, good even response, not overly bright or bass driven

Replaced an old 30yo cartridge assy w/ diamond needle with new one that was almost a perfect look alike. Just take 4 various colored wires off the old one and place ea. of the colored wires on the same position/ port/ pin on the new one. Simple.

It sounds real good on playback of the record.

This is a great cartridge, Don't hesitate. I love how some of the other reviewers arecomplaining about bent stylus cantilevers right out of the box. This is BS. These peopleare damaging stylus themselves by accident and don't realize it or they know that theycaused it and are trying to get replacement for free. Most GEN X vinyl noobs don't realizehow delicate the "needle" actually is.