Audio-Technica AT-VMN95E — Elliptical replacement stylus for the VM95 series

The AT-VMN95E is the elliptical replacement stylus for the VM95 series and the one factory-fitted to the AT-VM95E cartridge, the family's best seller. Changing it is the cheapest way to recover the original sound once the diamond has worn: the electromagnetic body, the contacts and the arm setup stay as they are, and only the part that wears is replaced.

The 0.3 × 0.7 mil elliptical profile, with bonded round shank and aluminium tubular cantilever, tracks the groove modulation more precisely than a conical tip: it improves frequency response and phase linearity and separates instruments better in complex passages. In exchange, an elliptical is more setup-sensitive, so tracking force and vertical angle should be checked after the change. Audio-Technica rates its life at around 300 hours, half that of a conical.

It is the right stylus for someone who already owns a VM95 and wants to keep the house balance without moving to dearer profiles, and also for a sensible replacement on records in good condition. Like every stylus in the series it clicks on by hand and needs no tools; check it every few months if you listen daily.

Technical specifications:

• Type: elliptical replacement stylus for VM95 series cartridges
• Profile: 0.3 × 0.7 mil elliptical, bonded round shank
• Cantilever: aluminium tube
• Compatibility: AT-VM95C, AT-VM95E, AT-VM95EN, AT-VM95ML, AT-VM95SH and AT-VM95SP
• Estimated life: around 300 hours
• Mounting: direct swap on the VM95 body, no special tools
• Note: reset tracking force after the change (1.8 – 2.2 g reference on the AT-VM95E)