Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

I finally broke down and paid $149.00 for this stylus, and Im glad I did! It fits my Audio Technica AT-VM95E cartridge perfectly on my AT-LP120X turntable. My main concern was inner groove distortion. The distortion has been reduced SIGNIFICANTLY on my albums, and even inaudible on some! Totally happy with this! Really good sound reproduction, as well, and tracks well at 2 grams for me. One small concern: On some of my 45s, Ive noticed that it digs excessive amounts of debries from the grooves. However, I know these 45s are clean! Some, I have cleaned at least three times recently. I deeply cleaned one, dried it, put it on to play, and it did the exact same thing as before. It was like I hadnt even touched it! I let it play all the way through on one Play, and about a quarter of the way through prior. I dont think Ive harmed the stylus, but it is a small concern. So far, I havent had this problem on 12 inch LPs, and dont seem to notice any audible differences in the sound after allowing the stylus to ‘dig into’ my 45. Other than this small concern, I’m totally happy and would recommend purchasing if you’re up for spending the money.

This stylus is wonderful, your music is more clearer with better bass tones. For the money the best upgrade for the AT LS 120X turtable.

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.

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.

Decided to put this to the test and spin the loudest record I own, Wrath by Lamb of God. On the VM95E, there was a lot of noticeable inner groove distortion due to how heavy and hard the music on it is. After upgrading to the VM95ML, that sibilance and distortion is greatly reduced. The guitar tracks are well balanced and Randy Blythes screaming sounds much more clear in comparison. If you want well-mastered pressings to sound even better, this upgrade is worth it. Even for budget Hi-Fi setups.

I upgraded the stylus that came with the AT record player to this stylus and the upgrade was well worth it. Sounds great. The customer support from AT is outstanding.

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.

The sound stage is broader, the music plays louder, clearer in the bass and you hear more details in the music. My wife asked what Id done to get the player to sound better when walking by. I would buy this again.

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.

The sound quality is fantastic! This is quite an upgrade and worth each penny it costs!