If this AT body can take a higher-end AT stylus like a Shibata it's a good buy. Eventually you will need a new stylus (~500hrs).
Audio Technica VM-95E Cartridge - do you need better Quality
The VM-95E is a very good sounding cartridge and are as low as $60 new on eBay. It is a step up from the VM-95C. If you have an expensive system even the higher quality VM540ML is likely not enough cartridge. However, for the up to $1500 audio system you likely will not hear the difference from better cartridges. The VM-95E is that good and by far the best cartridge vs cost.
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I disagree, it has poor specifications to recreate IMAGING, If you are playing Vinyl, and you have better Imaging out of your cartridge, even an inexpensive system can create better imaging of the intended results, which are ALL Phantom, placed as intended by the artists and engineers. AT 95 series, Elliptical you get only 20db channel separation, and too wide 2db channel balance.
............................................... upgrade to ML stylus, separation is better, but still only 23db, balance narrows only to 1.5db
I’m not saying it won’t sound pleasing, just that a lot of the intended Imaging will be less impactful and locations anywhere of individual musicians will lack precision. Once you have great Imaging, you won’t want to live without it. They just upgraded their cartridges, they did not upgrade their AT540ML which is one I have always mentioned. The new ones have threaded inserts in the bodies, the old ones still have notches and need damnable bolts onto threaded shafts VM540ML
$279.00 Overview VM540ML (note: the text is from when it was new, a long time ago)The VM540ML MicroLine® stylus cartridge is the premier 500 Series model in Audio-Technica’s new VM cartridge line – a line that harks back to A-T’s early days as a manufacturer primarily of high-end phono cartridges, while also incorporating today’s advanced technology. Like all VM cartridges, the VM540ML is equipped with dual magnets that are positioned to match the left and right channels in the stereo record groove for outstanding channel separation and extended frequency response. The cartridge’s MicroLine® stylus allows it to trace the record groove with incredible accuracy, resulting in nuanced audio reproduction that elliptical and conical styli simply can’t match. The stylus’s multilevel shape also wears better than other styli, while reducing the wear on your records. Includes mounting hardware.
FeaturesSpecifications
when it's stylus wears out, you can put one of the 3 new VMNx versions with boron cantilever It's not expensive compared to many others, but from the 95 series, it is a big jump up in price, from $80. to $280, but this +$200 is what truly makes a difference in ALL your LPs, so sell something else, skip spending some other money, you will be quite glad you did! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I avoided buying used, until I decided to take a chance, so far, half a dozen, I have gotten lucky. If just starting out, and you want new stylus with new suspension?, better imaging specs, lighter tracking? you can put a new stylus on Many Old discontinued cartridge bodies https://www.audio-technica.com/en-eu/support/which-stylus-can-i-use-to-replace-my-discontinued-model scan the list, right side: Any VMN model can be selected check the left side, research the original specs, wide channel separation some up to 30db and nice tight channel balance, many 1.0, some 0.5db, they work together from a seller I recommend and bought both an AT150E and an AT160ML from, both with good used Microline on Beryllium for under $300. And both came with the Magnesium Headshell with both azimuth adjustment and overhang adjustment. $60, no stylus AT150E body now buy a new VMNx Microline Stylus on Boron Rod for it for $260. https://www.audio-technica.com/en-eu/cartridges/styli-accessories/a-t-moving-magnet-styli/at-vmn45xml?_gl=1*1pfvgnd*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTYxMDAzNjA1MC4xNzYyMjc0NDA4*_ga_9B1Z5FDEW6*czE3NjIyNzQ0MDgkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjIyNzUzMDIkajYwJGwwJGg5ODEyMjY3NQ.. Now, $320. you have NEW SUSPENSION, NEW ML on BORON ROD in a body with excellent Imaging and sound quality. Even better Imaging specs than an all new 540 for $280. which is tapered aluminum. Of course, they have to sound good too, they do!
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