Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

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.

Sound quality is improved over the ATVM95 that came with the turntable. It is a noticeable improvement, and the cost per play is the same since this needle lasts longer so this is an easy decision.

I upgraded the stylus from the AT-VMN95E (Green Cart) on my Fluance RT81. The upgrade is as easy as switching the stylus - no rebalancing the tone arm needed. While the Green Cart is pretty good, the AT-VMN95ML (Red Cart) provides more detail and crispiness. Depending on the recording, you can hear more detail in the guitar strings and differentiation between the instruments with the Red Cart. If my budget was tight, I would stick with the Green Cart but I dont regret spending $149 for the incremental improvement of the Red Cart.

Excellent quality sound very satisfied

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....

Sonic performance with this stylus Is unbelievable at this price point

Exceeded my high expectations.

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.

Ive had my AT-LP120 turn table that came with the 95E (Green) stylus for about 2 years & I play records daily. According to Audio Technica this stylus should be good for 300 playing hours which Ive horribly surpassed, so I started my search for a new needle. I listen to mainly heavy metal so I wanted a needle that would offer good sound quality for that type of music. Reseaching various discussion boards and product reviews helped a little bit, but no one really provided a clear answer. I looked at many stylus options & decided to stay within the Audio Technica family. COMPARISON: I played 3 records (original first pressing albums) with both the 95E and 95ML cartridges at the same volume. Both needles produced clean audio. The fact that I couldnt hear any major difference between a needle that has a few hundred hours of playtime over a brand new 95ML was a surprise. Im not sure how drastic an improvement or change I was expecting, but there certainly was no AH-HA moment or WOW factor. Its not like I went from hearing mud to crystal clear audio. It was very... similar. The 95E is a work horse needle for sure. If it can take hundreds of records and daily abuse and STILL sound as good as a brand new 95ML - I guess theres your answer. Well see if this 95ML Red holds up nearly as well. Dont get me wrong, the 95ML sounds fine BUT for the money - I do NOT hear a $100 price difference between the 95E and 95ML. If I knew then what I know now I honestly would have saved the cash and just purchased another 95E Green. I dont know what Amazons policy is for linking YouTube reviews, but if you want to actually HEAR the comparison Ive got it out there for you to check out. The title is: REVIEW: AUDIO TECHNICA STYLUS COMPARISON (95E VS 95ML) Good luck with your search and I hope this helps with trying to find yourself a replacement stylus.

I finally broke down and paid $149.00 for this stylus, and Im glad I did! It fits my Audio Technica AT-VM95E cartridge perfectly on my AT-LP120X turntable. My main concern was inner groove distortion. The distortion has been reduced SIGNIFICANTLY on my albums, and even inaudible on some! Totally happy with this! Really good sound reproduction, as well, and tracks well at 2 grams for me. One small concern: On some of my 45s, Ive noticed that it digs excessive amounts of debries from the grooves. However, I know these 45s are clean! Some, I have cleaned at least three times recently. I deeply cleaned one, dried it, put it on to play, and it did the exact same thing as before. It was like I hadnt even touched it! I let it play all the way through on one Play, and about a quarter of the way through prior. I dont think Ive harmed the stylus, but it is a small concern. So far, I havent had this problem on 12 inch LPs, and dont seem to notice any audible differences in the sound after allowing the stylus to ‘dig into’ my 45. Other than this small concern, I’m totally happy and would recommend purchasing if you’re up for spending the money.