Audio Technica AT-VM95EBK/H

When Audio-Technica announced the end of production of the AT95E — a cartridge that had equipped millions of entry-level turntables for decades — the question was: how could it be properly succeeded? The answer lies in the VM95 series, of which this black version pre-mounted on the AT-HS6BK headshell eliminates the mounting stage that is often dreaded by beginners. The set comes assembled and tested from the Fukui factory in Japan.

A cartridge body built to last

The low-resonance polymer housing contains a dual moving-magnet generator, using Audio-Technica’s proprietary VM (Vector Aligned) technology. Two V-shaped magnets feed para-toroidal copper coils, a configuration that improves channel separation compared to single-magnet generators.

What truly sets this series apart: the six interchangeable styli share the same body. The AT-VM95EBK/H comes fitted with the entry-level elliptical stylus, but you can later upgrade to a Shibata or MicroLine profile without changing the cartridge. Just swap the stylus, with no need to readjust tracking force or anti-skating.

The elliptical stylus, a solid starting compromise

The elliptical profile (0.3 × 0.7 mil) goes deeper into the groove than the conical type, capturing more of the information engraved on the groove walls. End-of-side distortion, where the grooves tighten towards the center of the record, remains under control. This bonded diamond stylus on an aluminum cantilever may not reach the finesse of a nude diamond, but it handles worn or dusty records better.

Estimated lifespan: around 300 hours. That’s less than a conical (500 hours) or a Shibata (800 hours), but replacement only requires an AT-VMN95EBK stylus, not an entire cartridge.

The included AT-HS6BK headshell

The pressure-cast aluminum headshell weighs 9 grams, bringing the total assembly to 15.5 grams. This weight is suitable for medium to high-mass tonearms, typical of Technics SL-1200 turntables or equivalent models. The finger lift makes it easier to position the stylus without risking contact with the record surface. The gold-plated lead wires are already connected to the cartridge pins, with the standard color code (red/green for channels, white/blue for returns).

The integrated M2.6 threaded inserts in the cartridge body allow it to be fixed to the headshell with just two screws, with no nuts required. The assembly mounts on any tonearm that accepts half-inch mount cartridges.

Playback characteristics

The recommended tracking force of 2 grams (acceptable range: 1.8 to 2.2 g) places this cartridge in the average of MM designs. The 4 mV output voltage is compatible with all phono preamps on the market. For load capacitance, Audio-Technica recommends 100 to 200 pF, a value that can sometimes be hard to achieve if the interconnect cables add their own capacitance. In practice, most built-in or external phono preamps work without issue.

Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 22 kHz, covering the entire audible spectrum. Channel separation of 20 dB at 1 kHz is perfectly respectable for this price range.

Technical specifications

Cartridge and stylus

• Type: VM stereo phono cartridge (dual moving magnet)
• Bonded elliptical diamond
  • Diamond dimensions: 0.3 × 0.7 mil
• Cantilever: aluminum tube
• Compatible replacement stylus: AT-VMN95EBK

Mounting and headshell

• Standard 1/2-inch mount
• AT-HS6BK die-cast aluminum headshell
• Pre-mounted cartridge for quick installation with no complex setup
• Compatible with most turntables using a standard 1/2-inch mount

Audio performance

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
• Channel separation: 20 dB (at 1 kHz)
• Channel balance: 2.0 dB (1 kHz)
• Vertical tracking angle: 23°
• Recommended load
  • Impedance: 47 kΩ
  • Capacitance: 100 – 200 pF

Mechanical characteristics

• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 to 2.2 g (2.0 g nominal)
• Compliance
  • Static: 17 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
  • Dynamic: 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)
• Coil
  • Impedance: 3.3 kΩ (1 kHz)
  • DC resistance: 485 Ω
  • Inductance: 550 mH (1 kHz)
  • Wire: T.P. copper

Dimensions and weight

• Cartridge dimensions (H × W × D): 21.2 × 21.4 × 62.4 mm
• Total weight: 15.5 g
• Package dimensions: 49 × 74 × 135 mm
• Gross weight: 74.2 g

Key points

• Pre-mounted cartridge for quick installation with no complex setup
• Elliptical stylus providing greater tracking precision and reduced distortion
• Interchangeable stylus for simple and cost-effective maintenance
• Aluminum headshell ensuring rigidity and stability
• Compatible with most turntables using a standard 1/2-inch mount