Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

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.

I upgraded from the 95E recently to this ML stylus, simply swapping it out and remeasuring the tracking and alignment (it stayed spot-on). Thankful for so many reviews addressing specific personal concerns I kept searching for, I want to echo observations that were spot on: vast improvements to inner groove and sibilance distortion, as well as surface noise virtually dropping to the floor. The clearer sound on so many different albums boosted my passion for this hobby again. It’s been fun to revisit so many tracks to hear new things - bonus level up! The others who mention fatigue relief should be highlighted, too. I didn’t know I was even suffering until I made the change! Every range of sound is improved, and my personal pain spots of some favorite albums can now be fully enjoyed as intended - this was this missing piece after adjusting and tweaking everything else I could. It’s not a cure-all, and still not “perfect” by any stretch, but for the value I’m glad I saved up and prioritized this purchase. Like so many have said before, it’s time to stop hesitating and just go for it!

Sounds great and was easy to swap out.

Got this one for my AT-LP5x. Well, it sounds richer in high range and more clear at low range. Definitely, this is my main stylus now. But dont expect much for the money you paid. It has just a slight difference, and only if you have mid-hi quality audio system and good ears. Other than that, you will not hear much difference between your default stylus and this one. I use internal phono, maybe an external one will open it more for me. But again, if the money is not a problem - I recommend this one! Good upgrade, definitely.

Let me start by saying that this is a must if you purchased an Audio Technica LP120. It blows away the cartridge that comes with the player. The sound that comes out of this is crisp and clear. The eliminated sibilance and inner groove distortion. I would definitely recommend this product!!

Trying to justify the cost for this one. Upgraded from a 95E like most people to try and solve the sibilance and IGD issues with that stylus. Good news is that, to my ears, both of those problems are solved. However, it seems this comes at a loss of soundstage and tonality. The ML seems to produce borderline CD quality audio with clean new pressings. The harshness and break-up of hot, high pressings and complicated passages, especially towards the center of the pressing, seem to be much better, but theres also a muddiness and lack of separation throughout. Bass is less present, individual instruments have less space/definition, and flaws are more obtrusive in imperfect copies (because presumably youre digging up more information with this stylus shape). For reference, my setup is a Technics SL-D2 through a Realistic Stereo Mixer to Bose QC15/25 headphones 99% of the time. Considering becoming a complete vinyl idiot and picking up the comparable Nagaoka MP-110 to compare. Not sure about you, but I crave that sweet, sweet soundstage and theres something thats not clicking here.

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.

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.

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.

Im just getting into the vinyl hobby and my young daughter decided to slam the tonearm and cartridge/stylus into the mat as I was changing an album over. This of course severely bent the cantilever. Not wanting to risk damaging my records, I decided this would be a good opportunity to upgrade the stock 95E stylus on my LP120X. After installing the 95ML, I immediately noticed much more pronounced and separated mids and high, whereas the 95E seemed to muddle them together. Again, Im still just getting into the hobby, but the clarity is definitely much-improved with this stylus. For the money, its well worth the upgrade. Now I just need to take measures to keep my daughter from touching this one--unless I need to convince my wife to allow another upgrade....