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Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML
AT-VM95ML
This VM95 Series cartridge with 2.2 x 0.12 mil Microlinear stylus fits half-inch mount turntables. The cartridge offers excellent channel separation and low distortion for outstanding tonal quality. The durable, low-resonance housing includes threaded inserts that enable the cartridge to be mounted to the headshell with just two screws – no nuts required. And since all VM95 Series share the same body, the stylus can be replaced with any of the six interchangeable AT-VMN95 replacement styli.
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
86/100
Features Usability
91/100
Value for Money
92/100
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML brings low-noise vinyl playback and precise MicroLine tracking to an accessible moving-magnet design. United States of Analog found its clear, detailed treble stays smooth rather than edgy, while bass remains composed and vocal sibilance is notably restrained. A compelling fit for revealing more music from demanding or well-loved records.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Clear, detailed treble that remains smooth and avoids harshness.
Excellent tracking with minimal vocal sibilance.
Low apparent groove and surface noise helps records sound cleaner.
Strong value at roughly $169 according to the reviewer.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
The available review finds the AT-VM95ML notably clean and detailed, pairing clear treble with smooth bass and very low apparent groove noise. Its strongest reported trait is its composed, low-sibilance tracking; spatial presentation is not meaningfully discussed.
Overall Sound
92/100
The reviewer hears crisp, highly detailed highs but specifically says they do not become “crispy” or harsh. Bass is described as smooth, suggesting a clean, controlled balance rather than an aggressively bright presentation.
Tracking Retrieval
94/100
Tracking is a clear strength: the reviewer reports great tracking and minimal sibilance when using 1.8g. They also call low surface noise the cartridge's best quality, consistent with the MicroLine stylus recovering information while staying quiet in the groove.
Soundstage Imaging
80/100
The available review does not offer meaningful observations about stage width, depth, image focus, or layering. Its comments instead concentrate on tonal clarity, tracking behavior, and surface-noise performance.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
This is a conventional half-inch-mount moving-magnet cartridge with a 3.5mV output, making it practical with the MM inputs found on many integrated amplifiers and phono stages. Its stated 1.8–2.2g tracking-force range and replaceable VMN95ML stylus further support straightforward ownership.
Tonearm Compatibility
91/100
Its moderate compliance, 6.1g body weight, standard half-inch mounting, and moving-magnet output make it suitable for a broad range of common tonearms and MM phono inputs. As with any MicroLine stylus, careful alignment remains important to realize its low-sibilance and low-noise performance.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
86/100
The AT-VM95ML uses a nude square-shank MicroLine stylus on an aluminum cantilever, a serious stylus assembly for this price class. The review provides no direct comments on fit, finish, durability, or long-term ownership.
Value for Money
92/100
At the reviewed price of about $169, the reviewer explicitly calls the AT-VM95ML “a real value.” No direct comparisons with rival cartridges are provided, but the praise is supported by its detailed, low-noise presentation and strong tracking behavior.
Reviews
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Authorized dealers for Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML
- The Audio Association — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accesory Jack — online and in-store — New Territories, Hong Kong (website)
- Acclaim Sound and Light — online and in-store — North Bay, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Adorama — in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
and 230 more verified dealers