Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

Was a little hesitant given the high price tag, but after a bit of listening, I can confidently say it is well worth it. Sound quality is vastly improved, even on my budget setup. Way better than the stock VM95e on the LP120x. No adjustment needed to alignment, balance, or tracking force, even though I did it anyway just to be sure. Inner groove distortion is greatly reduced if existent at all as well as sibilance. However, I havent noticed much difference in terms of surface noise, though perhaps some might find the improved sound quality helps them ignore whatever ticks/pops are in their records easier. Rated for 1000 hours, so I will definitely buy another one of these when the time is up.

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.

Bought this to replace the stock VMN95E on my TT. I dont hear any discernible improvement.

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.

I replaced the VMN95E stylus on my AT LP120X with this stylus. Previously I was getting significant inner groove distortion in the last 1/3-1/4 of a lot of albums (mostly brand new albums that had barely been played). With some albums, distortion would show up even earlier with especially heavier recordings. After switching to this microline stylus, the inner groove distortion is essentially gone (or at least it is so low that it is covered up by other noise). Records that had tracks that were basically unlistenable because of distortion sound completely fine with this stylus. I primarily bought this stylus to try and fix my IGD issues, and it definitely succeeds at that. There may be an additional fidelity improvement from going to this stylus over the elliptical stylus, but that isnt as big a difference as the reduction in IGD. Basically, if you have a cartridge that currently has the elliptical version of this stylus and you are experiencing inner groove distortion, buy this stylus. It isnt cheap, but it will fix your issue and theoretically has triple the lifespan of the bonded elliptical stylus. It is a straight swap, so you dont need to realign or readjust anything.

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 this, like many others, to replace a VMN95E. This product sounded great from the first time I dropped the needle. So much less surface noise than the elliptical and a much more expansive and full sound. It already blew me away and I havent even gotten through the break in period. I purchased this line of AT products to help tune up an old 1200 mk2 that had been sitting for over 20+ years. I love how easy it is to start with the base cartridge and upgrade the stylus down the line. Ill get around to double checking alignment, but I was too excited to hear it to go through that before my first listen. I doubt itll need adjustment though. The price might seem a bit crazy, especially if youre new to TTs or getting back into it after a long hiatus, but its worth every penny. Plus, I believe it has the longest recommended play time out of the entire line. Awesome, awesome purchase.

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.

Barely any different than the $30 at vmn 95. May last longer but definitely doesnt quiet down records, I would say however, that older vinyl do sound better, however unless you just have cash to spend or people to impress, Im not convinced its 5x the price upgrade from the green 95 series. If you are putting it on a sub $500 turntable, you are better off just saving up for a better table like a Rega 3 or something.

This stylus is audiophile life changing - the accolades written convinced me to upgrade and the end results are as written - the multichannel capabilities of this stylus give new listening depth and nuances that were originally intended. The listening sounds like you are in studio listening to everything intended by the producers - like listening to studio tracks, individual tracks, harmonies meant to sweeten the tracks, instrumental touches - they were there all along and you can finally enjoy your collection fully. Really amazing!