Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Replacement Turntable Stylus Red

Wow!!! What an improvement!! Not to mention easy to install, that is for the LP120. I was skeptical at first because of the cost but finally decided to take the chance. The sound is so much warmer and more crisp! So happy with my decision!

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.

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.

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

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.

I had the green cartridge that came with my turn table. I listened and thought that sound could not get better but I was wrong. I upgraded to this red cartridge and I can honestly say, the music never felt so defined and clear. I can close my eyes and feel where the sound is played. Immersive!! I plan on upgrading again someday to discover more layers to the music I enjoy.

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 upgraded from a stylus lower in the AT-VMN line and couldn’t be happier. Very easy replacement, with clear instructions. It’s a great stylus.

Best needle ive ever had. But its way too much money. Wont buy again. Maybe worth $25. Someone is making a massive amount of profit off these....

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.