Audio-Technica AT-VMN95C — Conical replacement stylus for the VM95 series

The AT-VMN95C is the conical replacement stylus for Audio-Technica's VM95 series, the part that brings a cartridge back to life once its diamond has done its work. All six cartridges in the series share the same electromagnetic body, so this stylus fits any of them: no need to change the cartridge or re-align the headshell — take the old stylus off, click the new one in and reset tracking force.

The profile is 0.6 mil conical on a bonded round shank with an aluminium tubular cantilever. A conical tip has the advantage that its spherical surface meets the groove predictably even when the cartridge sits slightly tilted, so it forgives small mounting errors and is the most tolerant choice for used records or everyday listening without pretension. Audio-Technica rates its life at around 500 hours, against 300 for an elliptical, 1,000 for a Microlinear and 800 for a Shibata.

It is the family's entry stylus and the cheapest to keep: replacing it costs a fraction of a complete cartridge and preserves the rest of the assembly, arm setup included. That makes it the logical choice for entry and mid-range turntables fitted with a VM95, and a sensible spare to keep at hand when the main stylus wears out.

Technical specifications:

• Type: conical replacement stylus for VM95 series cartridges
• Profile: 0.6 mil conical, bonded round shank
• Cantilever: aluminium tube
• Compatibility: AT-VM95C, AT-VM95E, AT-VM95EN, AT-VM95ML, AT-VM95SH and AT-VM95SP
• Estimated life: around 500 hours
• Mounting: direct swap on the VM95 body, no special tools
• Note: reset tracking force after the change (1.8 – 2.2 g on the elliptical and Microlinear/Shibata models)