Audio Technica ATN95EX

ATN95EX Audio-Technica: elliptical replacement stylus

Beneath its distinctive red hue, this stylus carries on the legacy of the AT95 line, one of the most common cartridges in the vinyl world since the 1980s. The ATN95EX stands out thanks to a refined elliptical profile that makes full use of the dual-magnet generator of the AT95EX cartridge. Audio-Technica designed it as original equipment for its AT-LP5 turntable, but it also works as a direct upgrade on any existing AT95E cartridge.

A narrower elliptical profile for more refined playback

The fundamental difference between the ATN95EX and its predecessor, the ATN95E, lies in the tip geometry. Where the E model features a 0.4 × 0.7 mil radius, the EX version adopts a 0.3 × 0.7 mil profile (8 × 18 µm). This 25% reduction in lateral radius allows the tip to follow fine groove modulations with greater precision, especially high frequencies and passages with strong dynamics.

This tighter geometry directly results in an extended frequency response up to 22 kHz, compared with 20 kHz for the standard model. The improvement is mainly audible on the inner grooves of records, where linear speed decreases and wider elliptical tips sometimes struggle to reproduce treble without distortion. The aluminum-alloy cantilever ensures faithful transmission of vibrations to the generator while keeping the moving mass at a reasonable level.

Construction and installation

The ATN95EX uses what is known as a “bonded round shank” construction: the cut diamond is fixed to a cylindrical metal shank, which is itself inserted into the cantilever. This proven technique offers a good compromise between manufacturing cost and acoustic performance. While “nude” diamonds (cut from a single piece) theoretically have a lower effective mass, bonded construction remains perfectly suitable at this price point and does not impose any particular setup constraints.

Stylus replacement is carried out simply by pulling out and inserting the complete stylus assembly onto the body of the AT95EX cartridge. No tools are required, but careful handling is essential to avoid any impact on the cantilever. The cartridge itself uses a standard half‑inch mount, compatible with the vast majority of turntables fitted with a conventional headshell.

Operating parameters

Tracking force ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 grams, with a nominal value of 2.0 grams. Staying within this window ensures stable tracking without accelerating wear of either the diamond or the records. The optimal load impedance is 47 kilohms, the standard value for MM phono inputs. The recommended load capacitance is between 100 and 200 picofarads and deserves attention: excessively high total capacitance (cable + preamp) can alter the high‑frequency response curve. Most phono preamplifiers on the market, however, fall within a compatible range.

Output level reaches 3.5 mV at 1 kHz for a cutting velocity of 5 cm/s, ensuring perfect compatibility with all MM preamplifiers without requiring any gain adjustment. Channel separation, measured at 20 dB at 1 kHz, is typical for this cartridge category and more than sufficient for a well-defined stereo image.

Compatibility and upgrade options

The ATN95EX is primarily aimed at owners of AT-LP5 turntables, on which it restores original performance once the initial stylus is worn. But its usefulness goes further: any owner of an AT95E cartridge can install it to benefit from the refined elliptical profile without changing the cartridge body. Since the generator is identical, compatibility is complete.

This cross‑mounting option also opens up an attractive upgrade path for users of turntables such as the AT-LP120-USB, which comes as standard with the AT95E cartridge. Investing in an ATN95EX stylus then represents a noticeable improvement in playback quality for a moderate cost, without the need to replace the entire cartridge.

Note, however: the ATN95EX is not compatible with the more recent AT-LP5X and AT-LP120X turntables, which use the VM95 cartridge series with a different mounting system.

Technical specifications

Stylus specifications

• Type: elliptical with bonded round shank
• Dimensions: 0.3 × 0.7 mil (8 × 18 µm)
• Advantages: optimized tracking of fine modulations, enhanced definition in high frequencies

Mechanical specifications

• Aluminum alloy cantilever
  • Optimal rigidity and lightness
  • Precise groove tracking
  • Faithful transmission of vibrations

Audio performance

• Frequency response: up to 22 kHz
• Channel separation: 20 dB at 1 kHz
• Output level: 3.5 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/s

Electrical specifications

• Optimal load impedance: 47 kΩ
• Recommended load capacitance: 100 – 200 pF

Setup and installation

• Recommended tracking force: 2 g (range 1.5 – 2.5 g)
• Mounting: standard half‑inch, compatible with most moving‑magnet headshells
• Installation: quick replacement by pulling out and inserting onto the cartridge body, no tools required

Compatibility

• Compatible phono cartridges: AT95EX (original), AT95E
• Compatible turntables: AT-LP5, AT-LP120-USB (equipped with the AT95E cartridge)
• Not compatible with: AT-LP5X, AT-LP120X (VM95 series)

General information

• Estimated lifespan: approximately 300 – 500 hours depending on conditions of use and maintenance
• Significant improvement in sound reproduction thanks to an extended frequency response and precise reading of fine details