Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML 2.2 x 0.12mil Microlinear Replacement Stylus for AT-VM95ML Cartridge

The questions people ask me most frequently about stylus upgrades are, "Is it worth the increased price?" & "Will there be a significant difference in sonic quality?". The answers are nuanced and rather complex. From the acoustic characteristics of the listening space, the quality of the components you've assembled, the way you listen (loud/soft), your level of critical discernment to name a few. For me, it was worth it, but it did not involve the simple purchase of a new stylus. I also introduced a phono preamp to augment the superior specs of this stylus. I moved to this stylus after a few really great years with the very adequate AT VM95e. When I plop down to listen and take in the incredible Bonham drum solo in Moby Dick, I'm picking things out and enjoying passages the way a snobby sommelier might enjoy and critique a glass of wine. I know what to listen for. This stylus renders what I'm after better than the 95e, my Ortofon OM10 (almost got the OM20, but that's another story), or my Shure M97Xe with the nude JICO stylus. If you are not that picky....stick with a mid-level mm cart and stylus like the 95e. For me, any way I could improve my vinyl experience was worth some additional investment. Vinyl will never match the SNR of a CD or even high resolution streaming, but making what I have better in what is a hobby was certainly a no-brainer for me.

Good

I recently bought the Audio-Technica LPW40WN turntable which comes with the VMN95E cartridge/stylus. The sound was pretty good through my setup (Schiit Mani 2 preamp > NAD C316BEE amp > Klipsch R-620F speakers), but I was curious how this ML stylus would sound.The most undeniable improvement is this ML stylus picks up way less surface noise (crackle). Night and day difference, easy for anyone to notice. Another important improvement is the lifespan of the stylus (1,000 hours vs only 300 hours for the VMN95E). As far as the sound difference on my particular rig, I noted the following improvements: the ML reveals more detail, and has more clarity. The VMN95E often exhibited muddy bass frequencies and sounded very "thuddy", whereas this ML stylus has tighter bass freqs which sound under-control and pleasing/smooth. The very highest frequencies also seem to sound smoother and more pleasing to the ear. Listening to Sam Cooke's Night Beat album I felt I could not only hear the WORDS he was singing, but I could also hear what his face/mouth were doing while he sang those words into the microphone(s).In short, if you just want to casually play records and/or don't have a decent audio system the VMN95E is a fine option. But if you have picky ears and a decent system, it's definitely worth the money to upgrade to the ML. Sounds better, lasts longer, and picks up far less surface noise.I checked my tracking force after swapping the stylus, and no adjustment was needed. Alignment also appears/sounds intact, no adjustment needed.

If you have the AT LPW40WN [or a turntable with a stock at-vmn95e cartridge (the green one)] you NEED to pull the trigger on this one. It takes the listening experience from a realistic 7 to a solid 9.5.About where I came from (atvmn95e) cartridge:When I originally purchased my turntable and spun some of my records I found that the mid-range of the vmn95e cartridge had more to desire from. It felt hidden in a way. The lows were just a bit boomy and the highs were too much in my face, which made me fatigued after a couple of LPS. All this being said I still found myself "satisfied" with the performance of the atvmn95e (as so many other vinyl listeners do).After replacing the cartridge with this new one I found an immediate tangible difference between the two's reproduction. The at - vmn95ML immediately fixed the sonic discrepancies I found above. The bass tightened up and leveled out, the mids became fuller and more present, and the highs' sound became much more precise but all much less fatiguing (this for me was the big seller of satisfaction). Additionally, the new needle significantly decreased the pops, crackles, and excess noise that I experienced with my previous cartridge—what a sweet bonus.Keep in mind that this is the immediate difference. (AMAZING!)As other reviewers mention after 20-30 hours of break-in period the sound signature of the cartridge will come into its own. I will update my experience after 40 ish hours (to be safe) and place it below.Why should you get this cartridge?THE PRICE:At roughly $160 after tax and whatnot, it's a steal for 1000 hours of great playback. Comparing it to the atvmn95e which comes in stock on many at turntables, it's both cheaper in the long haul and a quality of sound upgrade. The "e" is typically about $50-60 and is rated for 300 hours which works out to be around 20 cents an hour give or take a couple pennies. Or about $200 for 1000 hours. The "ML" is around $160, after tax and is rated at 1000. So a saving of 40 bucks :)!EASY SWITCH OUT:If you have a cartridge that is already from the 95 series it's an easy unplug and replug of the new stylus! (no need to waste money on a new headshell and cartridge!SOUND QUALITY:The micro liner design helps the stylus reach deeper into the grooves of your records ensuring accurate tracking and reducing distortion as a result. It really is a difference you will notice on the first spin.If you are contemplating pulling the trigger on this stylus, do It. You will NOT regret it.