Set the arm parallel or very slightly tail-down and stop worrying. I've heard an old anecdote on a few forums now stating that the lower end of a cartridges tracking force range is set by their marketing team, while the upper end is set by their engineers. The VM95 styli are also compatible with the AT-XP series DJ cartridges and vice versa. Given that they are the makers of the AT91 and its OEM version, the AT3600, both among the best selling cartridges of all time, Audio-Technica are no stranger to fitting a cartridge with a conical stylus and having it sound very respectable indeed. Nevertheless it is possible to fit VM95 styli to an XP series body if you need higher output voltage than the VM95 generator can provide. The improvement in the bass and treble makes me think it was more likely the stylus not riding in the groove well enough. Stylus life across the range of stylus cuts of course dependant too on tracking force but an approximate life would be elliptical 2-300 hours conical 4-500 hours probably 400 is safer Shibata 600 hours top and Micro Ridge maybe 1000 but only for light tracking. My name is Tom, I am the founder and publisher of Vinyl Restart. Discussion in 'Turntables' started by Yamahaha, Apr 5, 2014. If you are just looking for a cheaper cart that sounds really good you won't go wrong with this one. May the green king rest in peace, the successor has arrived to steal the throne. If AT recommends 2 grams, set it at 2 grams, and be done with it. The stock VM95E is really a very decent cartridge.even on the impressive side for an entry level cart. The search function is not working. Klipsch The Fives So I'd rather suggest to run your AT95E with some 2.25 g than 1.75 g, especially as that will also compensate for a slight "tail up" position. There are companies selling the AT95 stylus with a fine line or Shibata tip but again the are around the $130-170 mark. It actually sounds fine, even pleasant on decent-quality recordings/pressings, but can show some rough edges on trickier pressings, notably in the upper-midrange bordering on the lower-treble. Firstly, its quite the oldie. The VM95 cartridge was were aligned to Technics specifications and set with a digital scale to track at 2 grams with the appropriate bias force applied. Tracking force: 1.5 to 2.5 g (2.0 g standard) Coil impedance: 2.8 k ohms (1 kHz) DC resistance: 410 ohms Recommended load impedance: 47 k ohms Recommended load capacitance: 100 to 200 pF Coil inductance: 400 mH (1 kHz) Static compliance: 20 10 Technical characteristics remain similar across the range, though naturally frequency response, channel separation and channel balance differ between styli. I discovered, like you, that I could decrease the problem with a heavier tracking weight, but I could never eliminate it completely. Post Price: US $249.99. The design replicates the structure of the cutter head, precisely matching the positions of the left and right channels in the stereo groove resulting in extended frequency response, better stereo separation and exceptional tracking. I found the AT100E to be a very entertaining cartridge, having the wow-factor that the AT95E lacks. Rega Fono Mini A2D I have also compared the Ortofon 2M Red and the AT95E against the Ortofon 2M Blue and the VM540ML. The AT95E, which retails for $49 when bought separately, is a favorite just-above-entry-level audiophile cartridge, but a bit less than might be expected to accompany a turntable in this price range. Obviously wear will vary greatly depending on the condition and cleanliness of records, care taken in handling the cartridge, your accuracy in setup and the quality of the turntable and tonearm. However, if you have sensitive ears, you might want to look somewhere else. And lastly, the fact that those two things are combined makes it really pretty exciting. Thanks for this detailed review ! Packaging is far more lavish than before, with the cartridge visible through a display window and plenty of documentation beneath. Headshell Detachable headshell allows interchanging of compatible half-inch mount cartridge combinations. What is surprising however is how well this particular conical stylus tracks. Is this a good setting, or should I go higher or lower? However, in all fairness, some high-end models dont do it so much better. I dont personally feel that this detracts from the listening experience. Channel separation figures were right around ATs quoted specs as were frequency response. The Audio Technica AT95E works well even when the capacitive load is much higher than the recommended range of 100 pF to 200 pF. Well consider the pros and cons in our next segments. However I have to say that the VM95 is probably the better value of the two and is the one Id choose, the next real step up is the 740ML. Example - LP Gear ATN95SLC stylus - the VL and SA are either side of this one. Greetings from Munich! I admit to having been incredulous why A T insist that only their own supplied two fixed points overhang template works optimally to set up a cart for the LP5/x. Number of Views 655. Put the anti-skate to zero and see if your arm is truly feel floating above the platter surface, straight up and down with no side movement. Reviewers have rated . Using the brush w/ 0.2-0.25 grams extra VTF to accommodate and for SL-1200 MK2 users looking to do the same, I am using the Technics counterweight attached at the back of the tonearm. Is this an issue I should worry about, or just move on and forget? For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The two-point protractor will produce the same result assuming that the geometry of the protractor is the same, though the arc is easier to align. You will Im sure have noticed that when a cart is setup to ATs specified alignment, the cartridge is parallel with the straight sides of the headshell and the headshell follows the line extending from the front of the arm. The Microline produces a sound that is rich in detail and has rhythmic drive in spades. Hello All: I like to compare cartridges. Switching to the Elliptical stylus brings back the magic of the old AT95, though its much closer to the 95XE than the 95E. But AT just decommissioned the old At95e line. A complaint I have had about the AT95E since the very first time I heard it. It has to be said however that a lot has changed in the last 40 years, not least the advancements in production and manufacturing, and the technical developments made in equipment for vinyl replay. I have used the AT95E on various turntables but have conducted this review on a Technics SL1200 Mk5. From the first view, it gives no reason for one to think otherwise. Stereo imaging is greatly improved as is the texture of instruments and their placement within the stereo field. If arm height is not adjustable, don't worry about it. I just heard some on my copy of Sgt. The elliptical diamond stylus is designed to track record grooves with high accuracy for outstanding audio reproduction. Audio Technica AT95E Cartridge comes with an elliptical diamond stylus Mounting hardware and stylus guard included Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz Tracking force range 1.5-2.5 grams Output: 3.5 mV We aim to show you accurate product information. Is it engaging? As good as it sounds the AT95 is not without a couple of shortcomings. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. by Melos Antropon 12 Jan 2017 01:15, Post No Interest if paid in full in 6 mo on $99+* . I bumped the tracking force up to 2.4, adjusted anti-skate to match, and moved the speakers a bit further away from the . Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT I checked it on the scale and I'm up to 2.3g now. The good thing, however, was that while it was obviously not expensive, it didnt look tacky and cheap. . I wish the AT95E had a bit more life and transparency. Considering the blend came in next. 3000 Series Wireless In-Ear Monitor System. The only difference between an AT95E stylus and AT95EX stylus, besides colour, is in the damper. If you are that concerned, buy a digital stylus tracking weight gauge. It definitely can do the job in the right conditions. Enter your eMail address and we'll notify you when new content is posted. cartridges with nude elliptical styli, I didnt really expect to appreciate a He recommended setting it so it just barely moved inward toward the label. VM95 Series dual Magnet cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil Elliptical stylus, Specially wound coils increase output voltage, Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to headshell with just two screws - no nuts required, The Audio Technica AT95E is easy to fit if you follow the easy steps. AIR FORCE 1; AIR MAX; JORDAN; BASKETBALL; Its place as the go to cartridge for budget turntables with medium-mass or high-mass arms is well-deserved. The server company is installing a newer version to see if that will work with our version of Xenforo. It is also great to add life to a system that is on the darker side. However you can change your cookie settings at any time. These two cartridges have very different personalities, and I do not think either one is a natural upgrade or replacement for the other. Thanks for your review. A musician, occasional producer and sound engineer, other hobbies include software programming, web development, long walks and occasional DIY. Class A discrete SMD transistor phono amplifier covered with shungite 2 x stereo Cambridge Audio 640Av2 Usher 604 floor standers Depending on personal taste, if you are content with the AT95E, finding a suitable upgrade may be a tricky decision. Thanks for your time ! At 2.23 grams, it sounded much more natural. It's made of high-quality material (dual magnets) and not cheaply made it all, even the smaller parts that make up the whole. To best enjoy it, the overall picture should be considered. Obviously, I'll have to go back and check side A again, but I'm even more pleased with just a slight weight adjustment. I have a AT95E and have heard a lot of very good things about it. The Audio Technica AT95E is no different. However, with recordings that arent are so good, the tracking isnt nice. I've always been fine with it for my already modest setup, but it always had a bit of distortion on vocals at times. Im astounded at the performance this cart provides considering its relatively low price (by audiophile standards). Here, a certain wispiness can sometimes reveal itself. If you decide to make use of the Audio Technica AT95E during a sound test for a record, you would have to take into deep consideration the quality of the cartridge that you are using. Excellent John. Hence, the capacitive load is a big issue on paper. First I should say that an arc isnt necessarily best, its just another way of achieving an alignment. This means yet more top end detail retrieval, but with improvements throughout the frequency spectrum. Theres a lot of drive here, though the VM95 is not voiced such that standout bumps in frequency make it an unpleasant listen. Location: Kalamazoo, MI. Thanks for the kind words on the review, glad youre enjoying your VM95SH. I used my Audio-Technica AT-LP120USB turntable that has a tonearm with a quick-release that makes it easy to quickly swap between cartridges. Description Sony Model PS-LX2 Current Replacement MM Cartridge. The treble is, however, delivered in good measure not too much and not too little. Re: AUDIO TECHNICA AT95E VS GRADO BLACK I would try and balance the arm to zero (free float) with no tracking force. Our version of search is not compatible with the new server. And introduced the new VM95xx line where you can choose from a cheap carbon/conical to mono, EB, NE, to ML all the way to Shibata. Denafrips Pontus II However, features like the adaptive dynamic compliance gave me higher hopes than I would have had originally. This means you can keep a 95C conical stylus for playing styrene 45s, a 95E or En for worn records and a 95ML or SH for critical listening and playing the best discs in your collection, and switching between them is a simple push down, pull slightly back movement and a matter of a few seconds. Usually, most of Audio Technicas cartridges in the MM series or line have capacitive loads that range from 100-200. Happily, replacement styli for the AT95E do not seem to have been discontinued by Audio Technica. Tracking Force: 1.5 - 2.5 g (2 g recommended) Stylus: 0.4 x 0.7 mm elliptical diamond ; Cantilever: Alloy tube ; Mount: Half-inch ; Replacement Stylus: ATN95E ; Audio-Technica AT95E 1/2 inch Standard Mount Dual Magnet Cartridge . This body was used to compare all styli, which were given 20 hours of run in time prior to any critical listening. It performed beautifully there. Audio Technica AT95E Type: Moving Magnet (MM) Stylus: Bonded Elliptical Compliance: Medium Price: 35 Background I have been aware of the Audio Technica AT95E since it was introduced in the early 1980s, when I knew it as a popular entry-level cartridge with a reputation for being bright. I recently spent a few weeks reviewing and comparing the Ortofon 2M Red and the Audio-Technica AT95E turntable phono cartridges. The midrange wasnt good enough in my opinion. I first wanted to identify the cause of the slightly higher output voltage of the conical and elliptical verses the other three profiles. Ive now received my VM95SH courtesy of Simon, and am eagerly enjoying the bedding-in period. Midrange: The mid-band is not particularly remarkable and is, in my opinion, the cartridges weakest band. Bass delivery is actually fairly tight but perhaps a little lacking in sheer punch. Although after I unboxed it, I realized that the tough little guy looked the part for a budget cartridge. Last Edit Date. Sure, it has problems with the sound quality and although it tracks better than its mates, one could want more. The lower treble is perhaps not as focused, but this seems dependent on the quality of the pressing and the cartridges ability to track it. NEW A T AT95E C + L: E saigonauth.com. I used audiophile-graded headphones instead of speakers to make for a more isolated listening experience without background noise and negative effects arising from less than ideal listening room acoustics. Dont hesitate to contact me if you want to share your experience with these cartridges. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In the enjoyment department, I found it hard to pick one over the other in this particular comparison. Well get into more details later, but first a few words on how I did my testing. Does anyone know if there is a significant difference between an ATP-2 Cartridge (white stylus color) and a AT95E (Green Stylus Color)? Its a classic go-to budget cartridge with outstanding performance that belies its modest price and has found its way onto some costly decks during its 39-year tenure. by lini 27 Nov 2015 03:56, Post Arm height adjustment is uncommon (except on a few Technics models and luxury component arms) the aim is to have the arm tube level with the disc surface (the two should be parallel viewed from the side) as macnoob says there are ways to do this with spacers and mats if and when you feel the need to experiment. The presentation creates pride of ownership from the get-go, yet is not so superfluous as to unnecessarily add to the cost of the cartridge. This was a specification error printed on an AT website which quickly spread as things so often do on the internet. Last week I got Audio Technica LP120 and I'm really happy with it. I briefly compared the two. Though it has to be said that the VM95 body is a step up, so to use the new styli on an older body may not realise the full performance. . Ive been seriously considering the VM95ML to replace my worn out AT95 (equipped with LP Gears own microline upgraded styluswhich is excellent), and had considered the AT 440MLanow Im having second thoughts, given the VM95ML is a bit cheaper. by mark79 12 Jan 2017 00:04, Post So, if you've been sticking to the recommended 2 grams on the AT95E, maybe try just a slight bit more weight and you might be really surprised. In standard form it carries a .3 x .7 mil elliptical stylus. The half-inch standard mount AT95E phonograph cartridge offers outstanding clarity and detail. Nice upgrade. Really, it's not the rocket science some want to make it into. Set up with the AT-LP5 overhang template, it provides lots of little details my other carts do not, and has already become one of my go-to carts, even prior to final assessment. Please see This Post for a detailed rundown of our reference system. Time Is On My Side, Jun 17, 2016 #23. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. And AT95E is something like a $50 cart so not expensive if you have to replace it. Among other applications, our MM Cartridge AT95E has been specifically matched to your Model Number PS-LX2 (secured to headshell with two screws). cartridge from this end of the market, especially when deployed in my main It has a narrow horizontal contact surface and larger vertical contact surface which is not only best suited to tracking high frequencies way beyond audibility but also causes less record wear. After my first view of the Audio Technica AT95E, I had more hope than ever than it could actually be a good buy. I was wondering if a stylus upgrade would be worth its price while keeping the same body, and your review answers the question. SKU:SA8317695. Last up, the VM95SH Shibata. AT95E Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge, Phonograph Cartridge, Record Player Stylus, . by Dolphin17 26 Nov 2015 04:18, Post by macnoob 26 Nov 2015 16:37, Post This is a budget cartridge that simply gets on with the job at hand and does so exceptionally well, suiting just about anything you should care to play. Well, I've still ran into a bit of distortion on vocals here and there. It feels a bit like playing music behind thick curtains. AT95E A B 4 6 5 Rear 2 3 1 7 Lead tip Screw b Make this distance as exact as possible. D17: Generally you can expect pretty much any cartridge/needle to achieve its best tracking ability in the upper half of the suggested tracking force range. Is it worth your buy? Itd be a stretch to say its flawless, but it does come to mind on occasion. Logged in to this thread on the last post wondering why a discussion on Shure cartridges in going on in a thread on the AT95 haha. Compliance At that time I had no idea what a great decision that would turn out to be.lucky me! by cats squirrel 12 Jan 2017 01:06, Post If a phono cartridge doesnt look like much, chances are it isnt really much. . Hence, I expected no punch from the bass but I expected its presence at the very least. Its especially good for playing worn styrene 45s and ancient pressings where a more advanced profile is likely to dig up more noise than music. The geometry AT use sets slightly different null points (the points where the tracking error is zero) than a standard Baerwald arc protractor would, hence the difference in sound. [quote=As for tracking weight (1.75 is a weight, not a force!)quote]. Tracking distortion is all but inaudible at this point. It is affordable and doesnt shout that it was bought on a budget. Thanks for the excellent review. It lacked the smoothness that I demand from phono cartridges. Secondly, if I were to list my top 5 most affordable phono cartridges that you wouldnt chuck in the bin right after opening it, the Audio Technica AT95E would sit pretty high on the table. A distinction of the AT95E is that it is just about the cheapest cartridge on the market that has an elliptical stylus, with its main competitors (on price) having only conical/spherical styli. Ive just had a long flirtation with carefully manufactured Vinyl Engine arc templates using LP5s own tonearm measurements (and a VM95SH) which proved to my ears, and a YouTube video bloggers ears, that A T were absolutely right. Output channel balance (at 1kHz) is 2.5dB for the VM95C, 2.0dB for the VM95E and VM95EN and 1.5dB for the VM95ML and VM95SH. Id say that if you are considering going for a budget buy, the Audio Technica AT95E is probably one of the best you can get. I went to 2.16 grams and also started to notice that it was improving the bass as well. The Ortofon 2M Red is one of the cartridges I bought solely for the purpose of these cartridge comparisons. I founded Audio Appraisal a few years ago and continue to regularly update it with fresh content. Thanks for your feedback! Works for me . : 3.5mV - Channel balance: 2dB - Channel separation @ 1kHz: 20dB - Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz - Dynamic compliance (x10-6 cm/dyne): 6.5 - Static compliance (x10-6 cm/dyne): 20 - Load resistance: 47k ohms - Load capacitance: 100 - 200 pF If you have a. V15 Type IV tracking force. by mark79 12 Jan 2017 00:41, Post Related to this, the tracking of sibilant vocals is at best mediocre. facebook; twitter; linkedin; pinterest; NEW Audio Technica AT95E Cartridge + Lightweight Headshell Hifi DJ Turntable 87.9. Not only that, but they have produced a budget model that is quite astounding for the outlay. I will of course compare it to all seven carts (soon to become eight with the addition of a 2M Blue) but unless the Blue has other ideas the Shibata should retain pole position on the grid. The only trouble is, I've noticed a couple of skips on albums that didn't usually . in that 2.5 gr is the max recommended by AT, there is no danger in running it that high. CAPACITIVE LOAD Recommended Range: 100 pF-200 pF Usually, most of Audio Technica's cartridges in the MM series or line have capacitive loads that range from 100-200. The benefits of nude mounting, which brings with it lower tip mass and better vibration transfer between stylus and cantilever, is an increase in the cartridges ability to track high frequencies and thus added top end detail. The vertical tracking angle for all styli is 23 degrees. Tracking Force: 1.8 g (18 mN) Brand Ortofon REASONS TO BUY Features an improved engine Great Nude Elliptical diamond stylus Features split pole pins (Copper wire +) Provides great sound accuracy REASONS TO AVOID Not better than small brother Ortofon 2M Red Cartrdge View on Amazon Read Customer Reviews I was really eager to get my hands on it and if it was discontinued on the manufacturers website, I worried that it would be hard to get. Note that the above assumes a phono-cable capacitance of 125pF for the Technics SL1200 Mk5. I've tried multiple carts including the AT95E but maybe I'll try again. ound Test: Ortofon 2M Blue vs. VM540ML Comparison Review. by Vanni 26 Nov 2015 19:10, Post One would expect a Microline to lift the performance of the cartridge significantly, but when I first installed the Microline into the VM95 body, I couldnt quite believe the transformation. Rega Exact If you enjoy the content on this site and want to help us stay online, please consider making a donation. It does, however, provide decent body to the sound and bass notes have a nice tone to them. Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Cartridge Specifications - Type: VM Stereo Dual Magnet - Playback frequency range: 20 ~ 22,000 Hz - Channel separation: 20 dB (1kHz) - Output channel balance: 2.0 dB (1kHz) - Output voltage: 4.0 mV (1kHz, 5 cm/sec.) The VM95 has all of the best traits of the 440MLA, but is a smoother sounding cart whereas the MLA could be somewhat bright, sometimes uncomfortably so with a phono stage mismatch. Here are the key components of my test setup: Turntable:2018 Audio-Technica AT-LP120USB (with preamp removed). I can certainly appreciate why this cartridge has been a survivor and earned such an enviable reputation. I got this VM95 with its E stylus some months ago, and found it very pleasant and vivid. 0.75 to 1.25 grams is the tracking force range without using the brush. I did not manage to provoke sibilance or inner groove distortion worth mentioning from either the AT95E or the Ortofon 2M Red. How does the Audio Technica AT95E mix it all? The arm should be ok for it, but I think 1.5g is really too low for AT95E, even though their range for it is 1.5-2.5g. I wonder if youve had any experience with the 440MLa, and if so how it might stack up against the VM95ML ? The Audio Technica AT95E caught my attention for several reasons. In fact, it is quite the contender amongst affordable phono cartridges. Given records in decent condition and a setup that is at least reasonable, these figures are conservative and likely based more on tests showing degradation in frequency response than reaching a point where the stylus will cause undue damage to vinyl. Does it give out a nice balance? It should be compatible with any table out there. Yes, this is true too for a Technics in my opinion. Always use the recommended force and above -- heavy tracking won't hurt your records it's time to dispel this misconception. This is perfectly logical as it would significantly increase manufacturing time, labour and cost. From the start, that looks like a problem. benstonebruce said: . How does it stack up against the Shure M447 with a N44GQ and what you recommend the tracking force be on the N44GQ. Related Articles. Reviewers have rated this affordable, high-performance cartridge as a best buy value. In addition, it is a budget player that could compete with even more expensive versions. I have not tested how this combination sounds, but I would imagine that if it works the opposite way (I.E a modified AT95 stylus on a VM95 body) there would be no issues with a VM95 stylus on an AT95 body. copper Coil impedance is 3.3K at 1kHz, coil inductance is 550 mH also at 1kHz, and DC resistance is 485. If you are after it, be ready to classify it as a classic built mainly to perform and not sit pretty. The top end is crystal clear with no audible tracking distortion to speak of and a complete lack of sibilance even when pushed to the limits with a badly mastered LP pressed with limited dynamic range. Re: AT95E Tracking Force by cats squirrel 12 Jan 2017 02:06 tracking force 16.5 mN tracking weight 1.65g at sea level. 1/29/2019. Bowers & Wilkins705 S2 And how does it stack up against the AT95E? by FileFixer 12 Jan 2017 01:40, Design and Content Vinyl Engine 2002-2023, Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited, HiFi Engine | FAQ | Site Policy | Cookie Options | Contact. And the reason I quickly replaced it with a VM540ML on my AT-LP120 turntable. A buddy of mine just got an AT LP120 and I was giving him some tips for setup, when I decided to fiddle with my setup as a refresher, so I knew I was giving him accurate advice. BoyuuRange Reisong A12 Is it fun? If you arent really picky, go for this. I can confirm that the VM95 series styli will fit an AT95 cartridge body without modification, with the only aesthetic drawback being that the front of the cartridge body will overhang the stylus assembly. Thanks JoeE SP9 for your reply. I had the performance of that reference setup in the back of my head when I did the reviews and comparisons. I set the tracking force at the recommended minimum of 1.5g at first but I found out the vocal sound improved when I increased to the maximum of 2.5g. In reality the cartridge is simply getting you closer to the content of the recording, and thus the tonal character starts to become dependent on the quality of the disc. While it is always interesting to look at measured figures, it is important to remember that the sonics should ultimately dictate how any two cartridges, or indeed any two components, compare to one another. It was shrill. The AT95E has all the warmth and smoothness you can ask for, but it unfortunately sounds too boxed-in to get a perfect score from me. As the seemingly default option for budget systems, I have seen the AT95E saddled to low-mass arms I cant comment on the results but I would personally resist such a combination. There was a particular texture to it that I really liked. What you should take from this is that these cartridges have quite different personalities. Before I flipped it to side B, I decided to add a bit more weight. Rega Planar 3 Its level of detail and subtlety however are unquestionable, and I am in no doubt that listeners will forget that the generator in use is the same as that supplied with a 30 budget conical stylus. You can check the current price on Amazon by clicking here (affiliate link). However, listening to the VM95 has gone some way to challenging that point of view. There are a lot of factors at play when measuring a turntable cartridge, not least the quality of the turntable, tonearm, phono stage and of course the accuracy in turntable setup, the match between cartridge and arm and of course the test record itself. But this is where taste comes in, as I can imagine some people preferring the AT95E for its more gentle, easy-going character. Thank You very much. Audio-Technica VM540ML I ended up tracking it around 2.35grms for the best sound. Little Red Corvette was recorded in Prince's basement (he played all the instruments himself and overdubbed multiple tracks) and he has some kind of electronic fuzz/flange on his voice that makes it sound especially distorted.
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