Audio Technica VM-95E Cartridge - do you need better Quality

Staying within the Audio Technica VM-95E line of carts I chose the VM-95SH. I buy used vinyl and I read that the Shibata shape would ride deeper in the grooves and bring new life somewhat worn out records. I never done an A B comparison, but I am very happy with my choice.

start with an AT160ML body, no stylus, $110. (I don't know about the seller)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/406295056468?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=1dda3b62-b9af-11f0-9fbc-366165326233

add the new VMNx boron/ml stylus for $260.

you also need wires and headshell

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With patience, one with an OEM adjustable headshell will pop up, 

That's why I bought this one this am, I wanted a Victor Branded one for my Victor Arm, I hope I like it's sound, because unlike the AT adjustable headshells, it is made to fit ONLY a specific cartridge shape.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650246951-victor-u-2e-lightly-used-cartridge-with-brand-new-dt-u2-stylus-beryllium-cantilever-shibata-diamond/

risk taker? asking $325, listed for 96 days, so might take an offer

Used Body/ NOS Suspension/Cantilever/Stylus  (not freshly made stock like the ideas above)

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650236828-audio-technica-at20ss-cartridge-and-stylus-plus-3-nos-unused-atn2015ss-styli/

found this from our member rauliruegas

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-audio-technica-usa-audio-technica-at-20ss-cartridge

Many complain the 20dB stereo separation is not enough compared to VM540ML, but 7dB is not much difference to one's ears. The ML stylus at 23dB is about no difference,

@jimbennet 

I did buy a VM540ML to replace my inherited Shure V15 Type III with unknown stylus history.

I have since bought a Jico stylus for the Shure, but it was more than the complete Audio Technica cartridge.

The AT VM540ML is a best buy recommendation from TAS  A really unexpected bonus for me is that many old and secondhand classical records sound like new, I guess because the microline stylus bridges the wear created by elliptical and shibata stylii.

Worth mentioning that the microline stylus has about twice the life expectancy of other shapes, too