Audio Technica AT-VM95EBK

Direct heir to the famous AT95E, produced for nearly forty years, the AT-VM95EBK carries the torch with a redesigned architecture. The body is entirely new and benefits from the technical advances of the AT95EX launched in 2015: a more rigid housing, reduced resonances, and a VM dual moving magnet system. This black version equipped with an elliptical stylus is the entry-level model in the VM95 series.

An architecture faithful to the cutting head

The VM principle is based on two magnets arranged in a V at 45° from the horizontal, using the same geometry as the cutting head used to create vinyl masters. This layout, parallel to the groove walls, promotes more faithful retrieval of stereophonic information, with channel separation measured at 20 dB at 1 kHz.

The coils are made of T.P. copper (Tough Pitch, standard electrolytic copper). The output level reaches 4.0 mV at 1 kHz for a speed of 5 cm/s, which places the AT-VM95EBK among the most generous MM cartridges in terms of output voltage. It works with any standard phono preamplifier calibrated at 47,000 ohms, without requiring additional gain.

The elliptical stylus and its trade-offs

The elliptical stylus (0.3 × 0.7 mil) is bonded here to a tubular aluminum cantilever. Compared with a conical stylus, the elliptical tip offers a larger contact area with the groove walls: it captures more harmonic information and reduces high-frequency distortion. The frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 22,000 Hz.

This choice does, however, involve some limitations. A bonded elliptical stylus (“bonded round shank” in Audio-Technica terminology) has a slightly higher effective mass than a “nude” stylus mounted directly on the cantilever, which affects transient response. Service life is estimated at 300 hours of listening under normal conditions, versus 800 to 1000 hours for Shibata or Microlinear profiles. On worn or dusty records, the elliptical tip may also bring up more debris from the bottom of the groove.

Simplified installation

The housing incorporates two threaded M2.6 inserts that accept the mounting screws directly, with no nut required. The cartridge is supplied with two 8 mm screws, two 11 mm screws, and two washers. On a standard ½-inch mount tonearm, installation only takes a few minutes.

The 6.1 g weight is suitable for most medium-mass tonearms. The vertical tracking angle is set at 23°. The dynamic compliance of 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz indicates a moderately compliant suspension, compatible with tonearms with effective mass between 10 and 25 grams. The static compliance, measured at 17 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne, remains within the usual values for this type of cartridge.

The advantage of modularity

All VM95 series bodies are strictly identical from a mechanical and electrical standpoint. The stylus can be removed by simply pulling it forward and replaced without altering the arm’s settings (tracking force, anti-skating, alignment).

Five other stylus profiles are available and compatible with the VM95 body: the conical (VMN95C), the nude elliptical (VMN95EN) with 3.5 mV output and extended response, the Microlinear (VMN95ML) which pushes the treble up to 25 kHz, the Shibata (VMN95SH) prized for its transparency, and the 78 rpm spherical (VMN95SP) for playing older records. This cross-compatibility allows you to upgrade the system without replacing the entire cartridge. The direct replacement stylus carries the reference ATVMN95EBK.

Sonic performance

The AT-VM95EBK is characterized by a rather warm tonal balance. Bass is generous and well controlled, with a solid rhythmic foundation. The midrange has a density that flatters voices and acoustic instruments. The top end remains smooth and non-aggressive, making listening comfortable over long sessions.

Compared with the older AT95E, this generation gains in refinement and fluidity. Background grain is less noticeable, and transients are less abrupt. This “smoothed” character may unsettle those used to the more energetic sound of the older cartridge, but most listeners will consider it an improvement. Channel balance, specified at 2.0 dB at 1 kHz, is perfectly acceptable for this price range.

Electrical parameters to observe

The AT-VM95EBK operates optimally with a load capacitance between 100 and 200 pF. Beyond that (300 pF and more), the treble can become brighter but also harsher. Both the tonearm cables and the phono preamplifier contribute to the total capacitance: a standard turntable cable often adds between 100 and 150 pF. To stay within the recommended range, a preamplifier with low input capacitance will be preferable.

The standard load impedance of 47,000 ohms is perfectly suitable. The coil impedance of 3.3 kΩ at 1 kHz, the inductance of 550 mH, and the DC resistance of 485 ohms are all within the classic standards for MM cartridges.

Technical specifications

Diamond and cantilever

• Diamond shape: bonded elliptical
• Diamond size: 0.3 × 0.7 mil
• Construction: round shank bonded
• Cantilever: aluminum tube
• Replacement stylus: AT-VMN95EBK

Audio performance

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm / s)
• Channel separation: 20 dB (at 1 kHz)
• Channel balance: 2.0 dB (at 1 kHz)
• Vertical tracking angle: 23°

Electrical parameters

• Recommended load impedance: 47,000 ohms
• Recommended load capacitance: 100 – 200 pF
• Internal impedance: 3.3 kOhms (1 kHz)
• DC resistance: 485 ohms
• Inductance: 550 mH (1 kHz)
• Coil wire: PCOCC copper

Mechanical parameters

• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 – 2.2 g
• Nominal tracking force: 2.0 g
• Static compliance: 17 × 10⁻⁶ cm / dyne
• Dynamic compliance: 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm / dyne (100 Hz)

Construction and dimensions

• Cartridge weight: 6.1 g
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 17.2 × 18.9 × 28.3 mm
• Mounting: standard ½ inch

Included accessories

• 2 mounting screws M2.6 × 8 mm
• 2 mounting screws M2.6 × 11 mm
• 2 fixing washers

General information

• Type: VM stereo phono cartridge with dual moving magnet
• Series: VM95
• Compatibility: body compatible with all styli of the VM95 series
• Gross weight: 37.2 g