Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH — Dual moving magnet cartridge with nude Shibata stylus

The AT-VM95SH brings the Shibata profile to the VM95 series, a contact geometry originally devised to read the high frequencies cut into the groove for quadraphonic records. On a conventional record that same shape becomes a wide, very evenly spread contact that draws out the top end smoothly, without the spot brightness simpler profiles sometimes show. It shares body and generator with the rest of the series, so changing profile is as simple as changing the stylus.

The tip is a 2.7 × 0.26 mil nude square shank on an aluminium tubular cantilever, with 20 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne static and 10 × 10⁻⁶ dynamic compliance. The generator is rated at 3.5 mV, 3.3 kΩ coil impedance, 485 ohms DC resistance, 550 mH inductance and a 20 Hz to 25 kHz response with 23 dB separation. With 1.8 to 2.2 grams tracking force and a 23° vertical tracking angle it sets up on any light or medium-mass arm.

It is the series option for listeners who play plenty of strings, brass and airy voices, and also for older recordings that reward a generous tip in the upper spectrum. It weighs 6.1 grams, fastens with the supplied 8 and 11 mm screws and its stylus is replaced with the AT-VMN95SH without touching the rest of the cartridge: servicing comes down to one part and the arm setup is preserved.

Technical specifications:

• Type: stereo dual moving magnet (MM), VM95 series
• Stylus: Shibata, nude square shank · 2.7 × 0.26 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-VMN95SH
• Accessories: 2 × 11 mm screws, 2 × 8 mm screws, 2 washers and a non-magnetic screwdriver