Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP — 78 rpm cartridge with 3 mil SP conical stylus

The AT-VM95SP is the VM95 series part made for 78 rpm shellac records — those wide, shallow grooves a modern microgroove stylus cannot track without damaging them. Its 3 mil SP conical tip has the right radius for that groove and, unlike the family's hi-fi versions, is mounted on a bonded round shank: robustness comes before finesse, because in this repertoire wear and uneven media are the rule.

The generator is the series' dual moving magnet unit, with 3.3 kΩ coil impedance, 485 ohms DC resistance and 550 mH inductance, but set to deliver 2.7 mV and cover 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Tracking force rises to 4.5-5.5 grams (5.0 g reference) and compliance drops to 12 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne static and 2 × 10⁻⁶ dynamic — a combination meant to keep the stylus seated in a groove that does not forgive rocking.

It weighs 6.1 grams and mounts at half an inch with the supplied 8 and 11 mm screws, so it can be swapped with an LP stylus on the same body: change the tip and reset tracking force. It is the simple route to digitising a 78 rpm collection or playing old records without keeping a dedicated turntable; the replacement stylus is the AT-VMN95SP.

Technical specifications:

• Type: dual moving magnet (MM), VM95 series, for 78 rpm
• Stylus: 3 mil SP conical, bonded round shank
• Cantilever: aluminium tube
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
• Output voltage: 2.7 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s) · balance 1.5 dB
• Coil impedance: 3.3 kΩ · DC resistance: 485 ohms · inductance 550 mH
• Recommended load: 47,000 ohms · capacitance 100-200 pF
• Tracking force: 4.5 – 5.5 g (5.0 g standard)
• Compliance: 12 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne static · 2 × 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-VMN95SP
• Accessories: 2 × 11 mm screws, 2 × 8 mm screws and 2 washers