Audio Technica AT-VM95EN/H
Overview
Three decades after surpassing one million VM cartridges produced each month at its Fukui factory, Audio-Technica is continuing this legacy with the VM95 series. The AT-VM95EN/H offers a ready-to-use setup that combines the AT-VM95EN cartridge with a black AT-HS6 headshell, all assembled and tested in Japan. This solution lets you benefit from a carefully executed installation without handling the delicate connectors or having to adjust alignment yourself.
A nude diamond stylus
The main difference between the AT-VM95EN and the entry-level models in the series lies in its so‑called “nude” elliptical diamond stylus. Unlike bonded tips mounted on a titanium shank, this diamond is cut from a single piece and directly inserted into the aluminum cantilever. This construction reduces the moving mass at the end of the stylus arm, improving the system’s ability to track rapid groove modulations.
The 0.3 × 0.7 mil elliptical tip provides a larger contact area with the groove walls than a conical tip. It sits deeper in the engraved groove and retrieves more information, particularly in the high frequencies where the response extends up to 23 kHz. Channel separation reaches 22 dB at 1 kHz, a value consistent with this product class.
The dual V‑shaped magnet system
Across the entire VM95 series, Audio-Technica uses a dual moving‑magnet generator. Two magnets, one per channel, are arranged in a V shape and separated by a shielding plate. This geometry mirrors the configuration of the cutting heads used to create vinyl masters, where the left and right channels are cut at 45° on either side of the groove.
The para‑toroidal coils are wound with Tough Pitch (T.P.) copper and have an impedance of 3.3 kΩ at 1 kHz. The 3.5 mV output voltage is sufficient to drive any standard MM phono preamplifier directly, with a recommended load of 47 kΩ and capacitance between 100 and 200 pF.
The AT-HS6 headshell included
The cartridge comes pre‑mounted on a die‑cast aluminum AT-HS6 headshell. This model weighs 9 grams including wires, bringing the total assembly weight to 15.5 grams. The lightness of aluminum helps limit unwanted vibrations that could color the signal.
The headshell features an integrated finger lift for precise stylus placement on the record, as well as color‑coded, gold‑plated lead wires. It attaches to the tonearm via a bayonet mount on turntables equipped with a standard SME‑type connector, which is widely used on the market. For users who prefer a different headshell or want a direct mount, the AT-VM95EN cartridge is also available on its own.
A range designed to be upgraded
The VM95 series architecture is based on a common cartridge body across the six models in the range. Only the stylus changes, which allows you to replace the diamond without removing or realigning the cartridge. Replacement takes just a few seconds with a simple push‑fit mechanism.
This modularity opens up several possibilities. When the elliptical tip reaches the end of its estimated 300‑hour lifespan, you only need to order the AT-VMN95EN replacement stylus. Users who want to alter the sound signature can also choose a different stylus: the VM95ML with Microline profile offers a longer lifespan and reduced inner‑groove distortion, while the VM95SH with Shibata profile delivers extended extreme‑high frequency reproduction and moderate record wear.
Operating conditions and setup
The recommended tracking force is between 1.8 and 2.2 grams, with a standard value of 2.0 grams. The dynamic compliance of 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz corresponds to a medium‑compliance behavior, compatible with most medium‑mass tonearms found on mainstream and mid‑range turntables.
The low‑resonance polymer body incorporates threaded inserts that allow the cartridge to be mounted to the headshell with just two screws, without nuts. This design simplifies installation for those who purchase the cartridge alone or wish to transfer it to another mount.
Technical specifications
Performance characteristics
- Frequency response: 20 – 23,000 Hz
- Channel separation: 22 dB at 1 kHz
- Output voltage: 3.5 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/s
- Channel balance: 2.0 dB at 1 kHz
Electrical characteristics
- 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
Mechanical characteristics
- Recommended tracking force: 1.8 – 2.2 g, standard value 2.0 g
- Vertical tracking angle: 23°
- Static compliance: 20 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
- Dynamic compliance: 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz
Stylus
- Type: nude elliptical with bonded round shank
- Dimensions: 0.3 × 0.7 mil, approximately 8 × 18 µm
- Replacement stylus: AT-VMN95EN
- Approximate lifespan: 300 hours
Advantages of the nude stylus:
- Reduced distortion compared with conventional bonded elliptical styli
- Improved transient response
- High precision in tracking fine groove modulations
- Optimized reproduction of high frequencies
Dimensions and mounting
- Dimensions: 21.2 × 21.4 × 62.4 mm, height × width × depth
- Cartridge weight: 6.5 g
- AT-HS6BK headshell weight: 9 g, die-cast aluminum
- Total weight: 15.5 g
- Mounting: standard 12.7 mm (½”) spacing
VM95 stylus compatibility
The single cartridge body accepts all styli from the VM95 series, allowing you to extend cartridge life and experiment with different diamond profiles:
- AT-VMN95C: conical stylus
- AT-VMN95E: bonded elliptical stylus
- AT-VMN95EN: nude elliptical stylus
- AT-VMN95ML: MicroLine stylus
- AT-VMN95SH: Shibata stylus
- AT-VMN95SP: special professional stylus
General information
- Model: AT-VM95EN/H
- Cartridge type: stereo dual moving magnet
- Cantilever: aluminum tube
- Assembly: manufactured and tested in Fukui, Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the AT-VM95E and the AT-VM95EN?
Both models share the same body and the same elliptical stylus shape (0.3 × 0.7 mil). The difference lies in the diamond construction: on the VM95E, the tip is bonded to a titanium shank, whereas on the VM95EN, it is cut from a single piece of diamond. This nude construction reduces moving mass and improves high‑frequency precision as well as transient response.
Is the set compatible with all turntables?
The AT-HS6 headshell uses an SME‑type bayonet mount, compatible with the vast majority of removable tonearms. The cartridge itself can be mounted on any arm that accepts the standard half‑inch (1/2”) mount. Turntables with a fixed, non‑removable arm require purchasing the cartridge alone (AT-VM95EN) without the headshell.
Can other styli from the VM95 series be used on this cartridge body?
Yes, all six styli in the series are fully interchangeable: AT-VMN95C (conical), AT-VMN95E (bonded elliptical), AT-VMN95EN (nude elliptical), AT-VMN95ML (Microline), AT-VMN95SH (Shibata), and AT-VMN95SP (for 78 rpm records). Swapping is tool‑free and done by removing the stylus from the front.
What load capacitance should be set on the phono preamplifier?
The recommended range is 100 to 200 pF. This value includes the capacitance of the cable between the turntable and the preamplifier. A short cable (less than one meter) with low capacitance per meter makes it easy to stay within this range. Excessive capacitance can cause a bump in the treble followed by a roll‑off.
How do I know when to replace the stylus?
The estimated lifespan of an elliptical stylus is about 300 hours of playback. Signs of wear include a loss of definition in the highs, increased distortion, and less stable tracking in heavily modulated passages. A microscopic inspection will reveal flattening of the tip. Regular cleaning with a suitable brush and playing clean records will extend its life.
Can the AT-HS6 headshell be replaced with another model?
Yes, the AT-VM95EN cartridge can be removed from the supplied headshell and installed on any mount compatible with the standard half‑inch fixing. The threaded inserts in the cartridge body accept M2.6 screws in various lengths depending on the thickness of the chosen headshell.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 4961310146511
