Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

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.

It was time for the first stylus change on my new Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable which came with a VM95 cartridge with an elliptical stylus. After researching, I new I wanted to upgrade to a microlinear cut stylus. So I bought the AT-VMN95ML stylus which was a tremendous sonic improvement over the elliptical stylus. But at the same time, I invested in the Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit which took the turntable to new heights of sonic clarity and instrument separation. So I give the VMN95ML a very good grade but I give the VM540ML an outstanding grade.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Bought this to replace the stock VMN95E on my TT. I dont hear any discernible improvement.

Excellent quality sound very satisfied

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.

After being largely disappointed in the Ortofon red, I got this and was blown away. First spin was genesis selling England by the pound reissue and it rocked the house. Fantastic floor and action on this stylus. Best sound I’ve ever had out of a turntable. Sure at $150 it’s a little pricey, but for 1,000 hours of banger sound quality it’s well worth it.