Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

I absolutely love this stylus! I am not an audiophile with thousands of dollars in equipment. I like listening to vinyl records, but I do not consider vinyl to be the be-all, end-all of audio. I have a somewhat entry-mid level turntable, and I always swore I wouldnt pay for a stylus that costs nearly the same as the turntable itself; however, Im glad I reneged on that philosophy. I first bought the cartridge for this 15 months ago and purchased this as the first replacement for the stylus, but it very well could have lasted even longer! The sound quality never really diminished; I personally never noticed any distortion or sibilance or anything of the sort. Its pricey, but worth it!

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.

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.

Amazing upgrade. Tracks like a bloodhoud. Has a extremely flat response paired with the correct preamp. The V series which replicates the cutting head angle with the double magnet placement is extremely accurate. If aligned correctly, NO distortion especially on the inner groove or with siblance.

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 bought an Audio Technica AT- VM95E a while back, with the bonded elliptical (green) stylus. For the money, its impressive. I then bought the conical (blue) stylus for playing older, mono records. It is also impressive for that purpose. I recently got a VM-95EN stylus too. Thats the nude elliptical (orange). It REALLY impressed me. Compared to the bonded elliptical, its clearer and noticeably more defined, has a more open top end, is punchier and tracks better. Finally, I just got the AT-VM95ML, micro-linear (red) stylus. And as great as the nude elliptical is, this stylus represents a significant improvement over it. Its even punchier, has an even better top (and bottom) end, has noticeably better clarity and definition, a slightly wider and deeper soundstage and tracks amazingly well at 2 grams. I have yet to hear even a hint of inner groove distortion. The nude elliptical is very good in this regard too but the ML is even better. The other thing I noticed right away was lower surface noise with this stylus shape. The music seems to just leap out of the grooves. The dynamics are amazing and the noise level is low. Theres a real solid feel to the sound of the cartridge with this stylus. Its fun and exciting to listen to! Sonically, its a bit on the brighter side of the spectrum. All the styli I have for this cartridge share that quality to some extent. It doesnt bother me at all. On most records, it sounds great. On the few that it doesnt, I have other cartridges to choose from ready to go in head shells. If you couldnt tell by now, I really like to play with different phono cartridges and styli to get different sounds and to discover which cartridges and styli are best for different types of records, whether they be new, old, stereo or mono etc. Anyway, if you already have an AT-VM95C or E and you can afford to pick one of these styli up, I can assure you, you will not be sorry! If you have an EN, nude stylus, the improvement is still quite noticeable but less than if you are upgrading from a C or E stylus. Audio Technica has really produced a great product line with the AT-VM95 series and very smart to offer such a comprehensive line of available styli for them. Notice, I use the word STYLI, not STYLUSES. The plural of stylus is styli, folks, like stimulus and stimuli Just a pet peeve of mine. OK, lecture over. I dont have the Shibata stylus yet, maybe someday! Buy this stylus for your AT-VM95 cartridge. You wont regret it!

The VMN95E stylus that came with my turntable might be an accessible option, but the IGD problem that occurred on at least 20% of my vinyls just bugged me too much. Finally broke down and got an upgrade to VMN95ML. PROBLEM SOLVED. The IGD problems is now inaudible on nearly all of my records. If you are looking for a new stylus for the same reason, go for it!

I got this to bring old vinyl back to life which it does but I got a bonus. With a cheap AT-LP-3 turntable and a cheap Yamaha amp Decent speakers like Kirksaeter center channel and Dayton BR-1 front and and rearsrunning 5channel stereoI getting sound equal to my old Stromberg Carlson Intregated with desent table and cartridge and Bose 301s that I had in the 1970s. Im now getting sound equal to that old system that I missed for so long. And the stylus isnt even broken in yet. wow very nice. Well worth the price if you are looking for flat warm tube like sound from the 60 and 70s. I though the sylus may be bent slightly but that must be the way its made. I lined it up with a arch protractor that audio technica sent and it tracks perfectly and low surface noise also. Well done Audio Technica.

Ive had my AT-LP120 turn table that came with the 95E (Green) stylus for about 2 years & I play records daily. According to Audio Technica this stylus should be good for 300 playing hours which Ive horribly surpassed, so I started my search for a new needle. I listen to mainly heavy metal so I wanted a needle that would offer good sound quality for that type of music. Reseaching various discussion boards and product reviews helped a little bit, but no one really provided a clear answer. I looked at many stylus options & decided to stay within the Audio Technica family. COMPARISON: I played 3 records (original first pressing albums) with both the 95E and 95ML cartridges at the same volume. Both needles produced clean audio. The fact that I couldnt hear any major difference between a needle that has a few hundred hours of playtime over a brand new 95ML was a surprise. Im not sure how drastic an improvement or change I was expecting, but there certainly was no AH-HA moment or WOW factor. Its not like I went from hearing mud to crystal clear audio. It was very... similar. The 95E is a work horse needle for sure. If it can take hundreds of records and daily abuse and STILL sound as good as a brand new 95ML - I guess theres your answer. Well see if this 95ML Red holds up nearly as well. Dont get me wrong, the 95ML sounds fine BUT for the money - I do NOT hear a $100 price difference between the 95E and 95ML. If I knew then what I know now I honestly would have saved the cash and just purchased another 95E Green. I dont know what Amazons policy is for linking YouTube reviews, but if you want to actually HEAR the comparison Ive got it out there for you to check out. The title is: REVIEW: AUDIO TECHNICA STYLUS COMPARISON (95E VS 95ML) Good luck with your search and I hope this helps with trying to find yourself a replacement stylus.

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.