Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge with Microlinear Nude Stylus,red

Product Information

Might upgrade to VM750SH one day but considering how cost effective the stylus replacements are for the VM95 series I'd say that's unlikely! My preferred sound is on the warm side of neutral. I’ve read on various forums that the VM95L fits that profile. Strength- Wholesome delivery, tons of heart, presents mid-bass (toms, bass guitar, male vocals) with authoritative swagger and punch, excellent harmonics, lush emotion, rich tonal beauty. If your system already tends to sound a bit bright then using the SH would be better than the ML, to even things out a bit.

VM95ML upgrade woes | Steve Hoffman Music Forums VM95ML upgrade woes | Steve Hoffman Music Forums

The EMI regulationss is one point that most modern amps / receivers have such high capacity in the phono section. I'll try to describe my takeaway w/o waxing poetic or getting too long-winded for anyone to care to read. Instead of me giving you my opinion, why not listen for yourself? I digitized at 96/24 a selection (Gigout's "Grand Chorus in Dialogue") from Music For Organ, Brass and Percussion (Columbia M 31193) featuring E. Power Biggs and The Columbia Brass and Percussion Ensemble recorded at St. George's Church, in NYC. Edward T. Grham and Larry Keyes engineered the 1972 release, which, with its generous bottom end extension, wide dynamics and spacious ambiance seemed like a good choice to help you decide which you prefer. Of course you will have to listen "blind" and please state your preferences in the comments section. I'll reveal which is which within the week.Is this overt crispness an anti-skate issue? I have my anti-skate set to match VTF as per AT's rec.

AT VM95ML - Impressions | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo AT VM95ML - Impressions | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo

Of course I like to have a good balance which I have more or less managed to achieve but with just a slight tip away from bright. From what I've seen from people's comparisons between the ML and the SH its pretty much down to personal preference and system sound.Weaknesses- Less high frequency sustain (noted in cymbal decay), less focused detail than ML, not as precise of staging as ML. I measured each stylus in turn using the same body. I first wanted to identify the cause of the slightly higher output voltage of the conical and elliptical verses the other three profiles. AT quote a difference of 0.5MV. My tests showed The VM95C and VM95E output around 3.8MV, while the other still in the range were indeed on or slightly lower than the 3.5MV mark. It is my theory that the small variances in compliance and tip mass are responsible for this, and in reality such a minor difference isn’t going to be of any consequence as the difference is minor, and the output voltage is well within the margin for most if not all moving magnet preamplifiers. I am also loving the SH and my experience with it ( had it about 4 months now ) pretty much matches yours. The stereo- Technics SL1500C turntable w/ KAB damper, Graham Slee Era Gold V preamp, Yamaha A-S801 amp, JBL L82 speakers, Rythmik L12 sub.