Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge with Elliptical Bonded Stylus,Green

Product Information

The following styli may also be compatible as long as the LP’s dimensional groove build can handle it:

https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?action=search2&advanced=1&search=vm95&searchtype=1&userspec=

Recent AT95 styli are more musical than those of a few years ago. They look different with minimal adhesive used and a thinner cantilever (seemed to coincide with AT opened a new manufacturing facility in Japan). Quoted from a post in Linn Forum ( https://forums.linn.co.uk/bb/showthread.php?tid=31475) which is no longer running.

Bottom line, based on the sum of my investigations, advanced diamond stylus life is estimated to be near 500 hours, and probably much lower for spherical and elliptical tip shapes as noted by JICO. Play above 800 hours risks progressive and permanent damage to vinyl records, so it is critical to get an advanced stylus tip examined at near 500 hours of use, much sooner for a spherical or elliptical tip. With proper care and careful examination, you will learn for yourself how long a stylus will last." https://thevinylpress.com/the-finish-line-for-your-phonograph-stylus/ A comparison between audio technica At-VM95E, Linn K9 with NOS stylus and later with the VM95E stylus and Goldring E3. Plus it has more info on the Linn K5 and K9.

Conclusion

AT themselves never marketed any upgraded styli for the AT95 leaving other companies to take on the task including LP Gear, Jico and The Audio Files, who’s 95P Paratrace is considered by many the best of the bunch. The VM95 Range The VM-95 body is an example of Audio-Technica’s dual-magnet design and in the 95E is partnered with a bonded elliptical stylus that is mounted on an aluminium pipe-style cantilever. This borrows from the special EX version of the AT-95 that comes fitted as standard to the company’s LP5 turntable ( HFC 405). The body has been designed to reduce resonance and feels a whole lot more substantial than the original AT-95E. Jico HE, VL and SE have a family sound. Quite musical but the audio is represented by a certain 'hardness' with a somewhat 'staccato' type nature to the sound. Another striking quality that makes it stand out is the way it delivers female vocals. It’s generally better than the Ortofon 2M Red, which has a sibilance issue. http://www.turntableneedles.com/Audio-Technica-ATN95E-ATN3400-Type-JICO-Shibata-Stylus--our-Needle-710-DSH_p_3721.html