Audio-TechnicaAT-VMN95EN Elliptical Replacement Turntable Stylus Orange

Prefer it over the ML as many independent reviewers do as well. Check out Schitt’s review. Way too much default hype for the ML as the holy grail. Cheaper, sounds amazing, AT LP8X tt. Yes, doesn’t have the lifespan of the ML, but is that really a relevant point. Quality vs quantity and less$ is more.Like the NAGAOKA MP 110 just as much, maybe a little more but was already invested in AT components

The Audio Technica VMN 95 cartridges are perfect for those who want great sound for a reasonable price. If you have the blue conical or green elliptical and are looking to upgrade your sound just a bit more but don't want to spend over $100 for a stylus, the AT VMN 95EN may be the perfect next step. I had used the green elliptical for a couple of years and found it performed very well. But I wanted to have a little bit nicer stylus to play my new and VG+ vintage records. I finally bought the orange elliptical nude. First, it takes at least 20 hours for this stylus to break in. When it does, what you get is less distortion especially inner groove, a wider soundstage, and more detail. If your collection consists of $1 crate records then the green elliptical stylus or blue conical is more than adequate. But if you also have some nice NM records in your collection that you'd like to hear more detail from, give this one try. You'll like what you hear!

The AT-VMN95E came with my Audio Tech turntable. But it seems weak and bent several times so I always replaced the same as 49.00 special. But then this last time I decided to see about a better sounding stylus but not break the bank so I purchased this one. Wow what a difference just in a $50 upgrade. It seems more solid and tough and I bet it won't bend so easily. It really does sound so much better on my vinyl. Much deeper sound and I feel I can really hear more instraments being played. Its sounds so much better. They say this one should be broken it and sound even better after 20 hours of play. Something to look forward to. I recommend this, I really like it.

I will preface this by saying that I LOVE music...I REALLY love music. But I am not technically an "audiophile". I just enjoy music that sounds good. That being said, this stylus really does make a difference in the sound of your records. I have an Audio-Technica ATLP120 hooked up to simple bookshelf speakers and just by changing to this stylus I have gained a richer, fuller sound with more bass. Very much worth the price and I highly recommend this over the stock stylus that comes with that model record player.

In early 2019 I purchased a Fluance RT81 turntable and brought my vinyl collection out of storage. The standard RT81 cartridge is the AT-VMN95E (green one), which served me very well for both my older (70s-80s) albums and the new ones that I've purchased in these last three years.Not surprisingly, the stylus was getting very worn, as I spin records just about every day. In doing some research for what would fit the RT81, I came across the AT-VMN95EN. Because it's part of the Audio Technica 95 family, it's a simple stylus change - no need to buy the full cartridge. That's a huge plus right there.The most important thing, of course, is the sound. Before removing the original stylus, I played the 2nd side of Al Stewart's classic "Year of the Cat" LP (original US 1976 pressing on Janus records). After swapping it out for the orange AT-VMN95EN, I was immediately stuck by how the sound was cleaner and richer. Also, the quiet passages on the album are, well, quieter. I then played a brand new purchase - Matthew Sweet/Susanna Hoffs "Best of Under the Covers" LP (pictured here) and it also sounds amazing. And while I don't consider myself an audiophile, I do have an extensive whole-house Sonos setup, and it sounded great in every room.All in all, I am VERY pleased with this stylus - a significant upgrade at a very good price.

I have an AT-LPW40WN turntable, for reference. Also for reference, I tried a few records on my friend's system that has the AT-VMN95ML stylus (the red one, 50 bucks more expensive than what I'm reviewing now).The audiophile obsessives (who contradict each-other constantly about everything if you go down that rabbit hole on the internet) will tell you to get the AT-VMN95ML.You don't need it. Unless maybe you have a seriously good speaker set up (mine's not, it's good enough, which is GOOD ENOUGH).Also, If you listen to a lot of music with lots of low end, or heavier stuff (the last record I listened to was Sleep's Dopesmoker, so...). I also listen to Shellac... a much different bass sound, but pounds hard, way less distortion used, and is very clear and crisp. Both SOUND BETTER on this stylus than the red.Do you listen to very intricate and delicate music in which you need to hear every piece of the orchestra playing the classical piece? Every high hat *chk* on the progressive jazz guitarist's new masterpiece? Then may want to look at the red one (again, it won't matter AT ALL if your speaker system isn't pretty great).Also, the red one is more fiddly. Meaning there's more care that goes into the proper alignment at all times, cleaning the stylus, etc. And it gets deep enough into the groove of the record that it will actually make imperfections (pops, crackle) that you can't clean away sound louder, and clearer. Great!Look, this thing is pretty damn good. And, just as an aside, the company that makes something like this will tell you it's good for a certain amount of hours. It's the same as the oil change place telling you when you need it changed next in your newer model car. Which is like at least 1/3 of the amount of time you actually have. It's justto get you to buy more. This thing will last a good long while, AT says "300 hours"... it'll be fine well past.