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!

I have an Audio Technica LP120X turntable with a VM95E cartridge. When my stylus was accidentally broken, I opted for this stylus. I didn’t think it would make much of a difference. WOW! Was I wrong. The notes are crisper, the overtones much more defined, and the overall sound much richer. Even though $150 seemed expensive, I am enjoying the results.

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.

Drastically improved the sound quality

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.

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....

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.

Finally upgraded to this from the stylus that came with my turntable. What a difference! Highly recommended to upgrade!

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.

I upgraded the stylus from the AT-VMN95E (Green Cart) on my Fluance RT81. The upgrade is as easy as switching the stylus - no rebalancing the tone arm needed. While the Green Cart is pretty good, the AT-VMN95ML (Red Cart) provides more detail and crispiness. Depending on the recording, you can hear more detail in the guitar strings and differentiation between the instruments with the Red Cart. If my budget was tight, I would stick with the Green Cart but I dont regret spending $149 for the incremental improvement of the Red Cart.