Audio Technica AT-VM95E/H

Succeeding the AT95E was no small task. This cartridge, produced for nearly four decades, equipped millions of turntables around the world. The VM95 series carries that torch forward by incorporating the developments of the 2015 AT95EX, with a redesigned housing, higher output and, above all, a modular architecture that allows for gradual upgrades. The AT-VM95E/H kit comes with this cartridge premounted on the AT-HS6BK headshell, ready for immediate use.

A dual moving magnet generator

At the heart of the VM95 series is Audio-Technica’s proprietary Dual Magnet technology. Two magnets arranged in a V shape, mirroring the geometry of cutting heads, generate the signal for each channel. A central shielding plate isolates the two channels to limit crosstalk. The para-toroidal coils, wound with high-purity OFC copper, produce an output voltage of 4.0 mV, a comfortable level that suits most MM phono preamplifiers without excessive amplification.

The bonded elliptical stylus (0.3 × 0.7 mil) follows the groove walls more precisely than a conical tip. The larger contact area reduces pinch distortion and refines high-frequency reproduction. The tubular aluminium cantilever strikes a balance between rigidity and lightness, with a dynamic compliance of 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz, a moderate value suited to medium- to high-mass tonearms.

A headshell designed for simplicity

The AT-HS6BK is more than just a mount. This die-cast aluminium headshell weighs just 9 grams and helps keep unwanted vibrations in check. Its gold-plated lead wires preserve signal integrity, while the finger lift makes it easier to position the stylus without accidentally touching the tip.

Factory assembly eliminates the alignment step: the cartridge arrives centred, with the screws tightened and the wires connected. Simply slide the assembly into the tonearm, lock the collar and set the tracking force between 1.8 and 2.2 grams (2.0 g nominal). The recommended capacitive load is between 100 and 200 pF, a parameter to consider if your preamplifier allows fine adjustment.

Sound signature and tracking performance

The VM95E delivers a particularly present midrange, with a vocal richness and naturalness that the older AT95E could not achieve. Bass gains solidity without becoming overbearing. The treble, slightly more restrained than in the previous generation, adds air without harshness, a balance suited to extended listening sessions.

On heavily modulated pressings or pronounced sibilants, the bonded elliptical tip can reveal its limitations: brief traces of distortion on “s” sounds or passages with dense high-frequency content. This is the inherent compromise of this type of stylus, found in most cartridges in this category. Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 22 kHz, with channel separation of 20 dB at 1 kHz.

An upgradeable platform

The main appeal of the VM95 series lies in its interchangeable styli. The cartridge body accepts six different styli, from conical (VMN95C) to Shibata (VMN95SH), without changing the tonearm settings. Switching from an elliptical tip to a Microlinear takes just a few seconds: remove the cantilever/stylus assembly and click the new one into place.

This modularity allows the cartridge to adapt as your system or expectations evolve. The nude elliptical tip (VMN95EN) offers finer contact with the groove; the Microlinear (VMN95ML) extends service life to around 1,000 hours and extracts more detail; the Shibata (VMN95SH) combines finesse with high-frequency tracking ability. There is even a dedicated 78 rpm stylus (VMN95SP) for shellac collectors.

Mounting and compatibility

The AT-HS6BK headshell meets the ½-inch standard and connects to any tonearm equipped with an SME or equivalent socket: Technics SL-1200, Pro-Ject turntables with removable tonearms, Denon, Reloop, and many others. The assembly’s total weight (15.5 g) remains within the range supported by most tonearms without requiring an additional counterweight.

The M2.6 threaded inserts built into the cartridge body simplify any removal or replacement: just two screws are needed, with no nuts to handle blindly beneath the headshell. Audio-Technica also supplies two screw lengths (8 mm and 11 mm), along with plastic washers to accommodate different configurations.

Technical Specifications

Electrical specifications

• Frequency response: 20 – 22,000 Hz
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Recommended load impedance: 47 kΩ
• Coil impedance: 3.3 kΩ (at 1 kHz)
• DC resistance: 485 Ω
• Coil inductance: 550 mH (at 1 kHz)
• Recommended load capacitance: 100 – 200 pF
• Channel separation: 20 dB (at 1 kHz)
• Channel balance at output: 2.0 dB (at 1 kHz)

Mechanical specifications

• Cartridge type: stereo dual moving magnet
• Cantilever: aluminum tube
• Headshell: AT-HS6BK (cast aluminum, 9 g)
• Total weight: 15.5 g
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 – 2.2 g (standard 2.0 g)
• Vertical tracking angle: 23°
• Static compliance: 17 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
• Dynamic compliance: 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (at 100 Hz)

Stylus

• Diamond type: bonded round-shank elliptical
• Stylus tip dimensions: 0.3 × 0.7 mil (approx. 8 × 18 µm)
• Replacement stylus: AT-VMN95E
• Approximate stylus life: 300 hours

Advantages of the elliptical stylus

• Optimized tracking of stereophonic groove modulations
• Reduced distortion and pinch effect
• Improved high-frequency response

Dimensions and mounting

• Dimensions (H × W × D): 21.2 × 21.4 × 62.4 mm
• Mounting: standard 12.7 mm (½-inch) spacing

VM95 stylus compatibility

All styli in the VM95 series are compatible with the common cartridge body:

• AT-VMN95C: conical stylus
• AT-VMN95E: elliptical stylus
• AT-VMN95EN: nude elliptical stylus
• AT-VMN95ML: MicroLinear stylus
• AT-VMN95SH: Shibata stylus