Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

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.

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 bought this to replace the stock AT-VMN95E stylus on my AT-LP120XUSB turntable. I did not need a new stylus, but had read about how this was a decent upgrade to make. I wasnt sure about the $150 price tag, but since it is supposed to last about 3 times longer than the stock elliptical stylus, there was some value there as I plan to have this turntable for many years. Sound wise, I didnt notice much, if any, difference listening to new records. This is one of those YMMV issues - I have a decent system, but nothing to write home about. I use the LP-120Xusbs built-in phono pre-amp into an Onkyo TX-NR555 A/V receiver which goes out to a pair of Boston Acoustics VR965 speakers. All that goes into some 50-year old ears, so its likely I couldnt hear the increased frequency response compared to the VMN95E anyway. For used records, I did notice an improvement, though. I have an 80s pressing of UB40s Labour of Love that I bought at a used record store. It looked clean, but was pretty crackly when played with the VMN95E. Im sure they cleaned it, but there was still definitely some crud in the groove. When I tried it with the VMN95ML, it not only sounded better with the first playing, but the record also came out dirtier after playing due to the stylus getting all the loose gunk left from the cleaning out of the groove. After two more plays (and appropriate stylus cleaning), the record played near perfect. All that said, this is not the stylus for everybody. If you play a lot of vinyl and need to replace a VMN95E or VMN95C, its definitely something to consider. While it costs more, it lasts longer, so it would all balance out over the years. If you have a higher-end amplifier and speakers, it may also be worth the upgrade to help squeeze every last bit of sound out of your turntable.

Good seller, good stylus

Sonic performance with this stylus Is unbelievable at this price point

This entire time I thought some of my vinyls were just poorly pressed... clearly not the case after I installed this needle. Every one of my records now sounds inCREDIBLE I cannot even believe the difference. I went from A.M. Radio needle to FLAC needle in a matter of a very well spent $150. Whoever cant hear the difference between their stock needle & this one is either deaf or just does not care about their musics audio quality.

This stylus upgrade for the AT-VM95E cartridge is worth every penny. The cartridge becomes the AT-VM95ML. It certainly lives up to the glowing reviews.

With this stylus, I was able to hear things in a record that I have listened to for 35 years that I never heard before. Who would have thought that this little thing would make so much difference? Its not the cartridge, either. You can use the same AT cartridge- its this stylus that makes the difference. Im not really a crazy audiophile, although I do have about $1000 into my system- all in vintage speakers - none of the new crunchy ones. But this stylus makes a huge difference, probably the biggest difference per dollar of anything Ive used to upgrade my sound. The science behind it relates to how deep the stylus goes into the record grooves, and how it still sounds good as you get to the inner tracks of an LP, which usually has some quality degradation. Im no expert on this- so google it and you can find some more detailed explanations if you like. The bottom line is is YES you can hear the difference from a $35-50 stylus to a $150 one.

I’m satisfied, the delivery was fast and the package well-packed. The quality is great, I really feel the difference in the sound

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.