Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML — Dual moving magnet cartridge with nude Microlinear stylus

The AT-VM95ML is the Microlinear step in Audio-Technica's VM95 series, a dual moving magnet family built on a common body that accepts styli of several profiles. The Microlinear profile copies the shape of the cutting stylus with a long, narrow contact, so the tip follows the groove with less pressure per unit area than an elliptical and spreads wear better: for the same use the diamond lasts longer and reading gains information in dense passages.

The stylus is a 2.2 × 0.12 mil nude square shank on an aluminium tubular cantilever, with 20 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne static and 10 × 10⁻⁶ dynamic compliance. The generator delivers 3.5 mV at 1 kHz and 5 cm/s, with 3.3 kΩ coil impedance, 485 ohms DC resistance and 550 mH inductance — comfortable figures for any MM phono stage loaded at 47 kΩ and 100-200 pF. Response reaches 25 kHz with 23 dB channel separation.

It weighs 6.1 grams, mounts at half an inch with the supplied 8 and 11 mm screws and runs at 1.8 to 2.2 grams tracking force (2.0 g reference) with a 23° vertical tracking angle. That combination makes it stable on light and medium-mass arms and suits mid-range turntables looking for extra resolution without changing the phono stage. When the stylus wears, the AT-VMN95ML replaces it and the body stays in service.

Technical specifications:

• Type: stereo dual moving magnet (MM), VM95 series
• Stylus: Microlinear, nude square shank · 2.2 × 0.12 mil
• Cantilever: aluminium tube
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 25,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 23 dB at 1 kHz · balance 1.5 dB
• Output voltage: 3.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Coil impedance: 3.3 kΩ · DC resistance: 485 ohms · inductance 550 mH
• 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 · 10 × 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-VMN95ML
• Accessories: 2 × 11 mm screws, 2 × 8 mm screws, 2 washers and a non-magnetic screwdriver