Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

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.

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....

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.

Did surgery on stylus so it would fit my Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge. Slipped right into the cartridge. Sounds great.

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.

I had the cheap AT-VM95E (the green one) that came with my record player. I thought it sounded pretty good, but it did seem to overdrive on the louder parts (I think thats called sibilance?). This red one sounds so much clearer, even on older records, and theres no more sibilance. I get that feeling like the singer and instruments are right in the room with me more often. Definitely worth the upgrade for sound quality, plus it lasts over 3 times longer.

Sounds great and was easy to swap out.

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

Drastically improved the sound quality