Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

Initially I went back and forth on this product. I didnt actually need a replacement stylus. I only had roughly 200 hours on my other one. I scathed the internet looking for reviews. I got mixed results. Some people said it made a world of difference and others swore it didnt do much apart from last longer. I can attest that this stylus does make a difference. Its a bit quieter overall, but you can hear severely less surface noise and get a more dynamic sound. Its warm, full, and beautiful. I played records back to back with the old stylus and the new to juxtapose the differences. I feel confident recommending this stylus to people. Purchase it! $150 may seem like a lot but it will make every record in your collection sound better!

Finally upgraded to this from the stylus that came with my turntable. What a difference! Highly recommended to upgrade!

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.

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.

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 the AT VM95E cartridge for a Rega P1. The elliptical stylus was okay, so I replaced it with the Microline stylus (uses the already setup and aligned body from the VM95E). The difference is very clear, even with my older ears. Better bass, less distortion. Nice thing with the ATvm95 series is you can switch the stylus around and do AB testing without having to remount the cartridge body. Might try the SH stylus next.

I replaced the stock stylus on my ATLP120XBT and the music sounds much cleaner and crisper. It is noticeable to me but may not be to others including my wife. Would i buy again? Yes absolutely

Im quite happy with the sound quality Im getting from this stylus.

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....

I upgraded from a stylus lower in the AT-VMN line and couldn’t be happier. Very easy replacement, with clear instructions. It’s a great stylus.