Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN — Dual moving magnet cartridge with nude elliptical stylus

The AT-VM95EN is the middle step in Audio-Technica's VM95 series, the dual moving magnet family built so the same body accepts styli of several profiles. Here the tip is a 0.3 × 0.7 mil nude elliptical on an aluminium tubular cantilever — a real step up from the bonded elliptical of the base model: with no mounting to thicken it, the diamond follows the groove more easily and pulls more detail from difficult passages.

The generator delivers 3.5 mV at 1 kHz and 5 cm/s, an easy output for any MM phono stage, with 485 ohms internal resistance and 550 mH inductance. Declared response covers 20 Hz to 23 kHz with 22 dB channel separation, and recommended tracking force is 1.8 to 2.2 g, 2.0 g as reference, on 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne dynamic compliance that suits light and medium-mass arms.

The 6.1 gram body mounts at half an inch with the supplied screws and has threaded holes so no nut is needed. The stylus is replaceable: when it wears, an AT-VMN95EN goes in and the rest of the cartridge stays in service, which costs less over time than renewing the whole cartridge. It is a sensible choice for mid-range turntables that want extra refinement without touching the phono stage.

Technical specifications:

• Type: stereo dual moving magnet (MM), VM95 series
• Stylus: nude elliptical · 0.3 × 0.7 mil
• Cantilever: aluminium tube
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 23,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 22 dB at 1 kHz
• Output voltage: 3.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Coil impedance: 3.3 kΩ · DC resistance: 485 ohms
• Inductance: 550 mH (1 kHz)
• Recommended load: 47,000 ohms · capacitance 100-200 pF
• Tracking force: 1.8 – 2.2 g (2.0 g standard)
• Compliance: 20 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne static · 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne dynamic (100 Hz)
• Vertical tracking angle: 23°
• Mounting: half-inch, 12.7 mm centres
• Weight: 6.1 g · dimensions: 17.2 × 18.9 × 28.3 mm
• Replacement stylus: AT-VMN95EN
• Accessories: 2 × 11 mm screws, 2 × 8 mm screws, 2 washers, non-magnetic screwdriver