Audio Technica At95e Phonograph Cartridge 1/2 Mount

Product Information

Note that the above assumes a phono-cable capacitance of 125pF for the Technics SL1200 Mk5. This value may be higher (likely) or lower for other turntables. Typically, a value in the range 150-200pF is assumed. Comparison

Characteristics shared between all styli are a warm, full-bodied sound that is also quite punchy. There’s a lot of drive here, though the VM95 is not voiced such that standout bumps in frequency make it an unpleasant listen. Rather it has a bit of ‘oomf’ to use a technical term that makes it, if anything, great fun above all else. It sounds much like the predecessor, though with more evenhandedness and control than the AT95, which tends to sound dry and a bit dull in comparison. VM95C

Quoted Specifications

By the time it was time to test the treble, I was a bit downtrodden and not looking forward to much. The midrange hadn’t given me what I was looking for and I was a bit disappointed Around 500 hours for a conical stylus, 300 hours for an Elliptical stylus, 1000 hours for a Microlinear stylus, and 800 hours for a Shibata stylus.

Other features include Aluminum pipe cantilever and Dual V Mount magnet configuration which delivers excellent channel separation and low distortion resulting in outstanding tonal quality. 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 dynamic compliance of the ATN91 stylus is ~11 cu (at 10Hz), which puts it at the low end of medium-compliance. Like the AT3600L, it is well matched to high-mass arms and the heavier end of medium-mass arms, although the AT91 performed well on the lighter SL1200 arm. Capacitive Load Logically, I expected the sound of the AT-VM95E to be an extension and enhancement to that of the AT95E, but I was wrong. The Audio Technica AT95E has a dynamic compliance of around 11.5 CU (at 10Hz). This leaves it at the lower side of medium mass when its compliance is considered. Due to this, you should be better off pairing it with medium mass arms or high mass arms.

Sonics

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.

I was almost right. Only that this time, it surpassed my expectations. The bass actually gave a little punch- definitely not the type that you feel in your guts but it was there and if it wasn’t, you would notice and miss it sorely. So while it was great, it did much better than the midrange.Finally, the bass was tested. Since I’d experienced two different qualities, I told myself to place my expectations in the middle. Hence, I expected no punch from the bass but I expected its presence at the very least. The Audio Technica AT95E isn’t a beauty. If you are after it, be ready to classify it as a classic built mainly to perform and not sit pretty. I was pleased, however, that holding it didn’t give an air of fragility. Stepping a little further beyond the recommended range, the balance shifts towards neutral as the treble becomes more forward and crisper, with a general sweetening of the sound that may be preferable to some listeners.

VERDICT: I actually enjoyed the treble testing. For the price, it is a good buy. I rate it a 5.5 BASSThe VM95 Series suspension design and compliances of VM95 Series have been designed for optimum audiophile reproduction. The difference in output level (3.5 mV for the AT95E and 5.5 mV for the Ortofon 2M Red) is big enough to make the Ortofon 2M Red play with significantly higher music volume. Noticeable difference there. Rather than spending money on different styli, which may provide a solution but at a price, I'd suggest going for the AT120E instead. It is much, much better than the AT95E. I have also compared the Ortofon 2M Red and the AT95E against the Ortofon 2M Blue and the VM540ML. You’ll find links to those articles towards the end.