Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Turntable Audio
Forum Name: MM: Moving Magnet | MC: Moving Coil
Forum Description: Learn about the differences between moving magnet and moving coil cartridges here
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4686 Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 1:05am Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Audio Technica AT VM95ML CartridgePosted By: patientot
Subject: Audio Technica AT VM95ML Cartridge
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2019 at 4:13pm
The headshell included is one of AT's budget models and is made in China. Appears to be decent quality though. The cart itself is made in Japan. Out of the box the headshell appeared to be set up for Technics 52mm overhang. Took only a minute to get aligned to JVC 48mm overhang, which necessitated moving the cart all the way back in the headshell. Very easy - even confirmed it with a custom arc protractor.
Set it up to start with at 2.0g VTF and ~2 on the AS dial. I will dial this in a little further as the cart breaks in. Phono preamp is of course the Reflex M.
Even fresh out of the box on the first record I put on it already tracks sudden sibilants and tight inner grooves better than my Goldring 1042 ever did. Pretty amazing that a cart that retails for less than 1/3 of the price can do that, but there it is.
Once the cart breaks in I will see about doing some tonearm resonance tests and frequency response tests.
Replies: Posted By: sheepskinstu
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2019 at 4:57pm
I'll be very interested in your findings. Was also looking at the Shibata version of this cartridge. On the face of it, they look excellent value for money.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2019 at 6:35pm
sheepskinstu wrote:
I'll be very interested in your findings. Was also looking at the Shibata version of this cartridge. On the face of it, they look excellent value for money.
Don't want to make too much of a judgment too early but very impressed so far. I needed a mid-compliance option for my JVC tonearm and this model fit the bill. Plus my past experience with AT ML styli has been very good.
Listening to Junior Cook right now, incredible detail without the faintest trace of harshness.
Played Talking Heads' RIL album ('80 U.S. Sire) yesterday. There is a section that the 1042 was never able to track 100% right without a faint trace of sibilance. Not so with this cart - sails through it like it was nothing.
Played Japan's Quite Life ('80 UK Ariola/Hansa) and Dusty in Memphis (2017 Rhino RE) today - absolutely flawless tracking with not a hint of IGD or sibilance whatsoever.
Posted By: Lucabeer
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 8:38am
Being the same type of stylus of my AT440MLa, I can share your enthusiasm.
As I wrote in a recent thread, of my three cartridges the Microline AT is consistently the best tracker (beating cartridges that cost 2-3 times more). Even better than the Nagaoka Shibata stylus on a boron cantilever. That's no mean feat (although the Nagaoka exhibits slightly smoother and more "organic" sound, but it's a very different cartridge being a MI and not a MM).
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 2:16pm
Lucabeer wrote:
Being the same type of stylus of my AT440MLa, I can share your enthusiasm.
As I wrote in a recent thread, of my three cartridges the Microline AT is consistently the best tracker (beating cartridges that cost 2-3 times more). Even better than the Nagaoka Shibata stylus on a boron cantilever. That's no mean feat (although the Nagaoka exhibits slightly smoother and more "organic" sound, but it's a very different cartridge being a MI and not a MM).
I'm not surprised. I have been through several of the 440 styli before, which I used on my Signet TK3Ea body. There can be some brightness with that stylus but I found a way to tame it (verified with a test LP) and that is by using a low capacitance phono preamp and using loading plugs to load down to 39K. The only reason I don't use this cartridge on my main deck right now is because of compliance matching - it's too high compliance for my JVC arm. Same reason I didn't buy a new 540ML and went for the VM95ML instead.
The 540 was supposed to get rid of the excess frequency peaking that the old 440 series had. One site did measurements and that appears to be the case though it still seems to be a very capacitance sensitive cartridge. If you have a tonearm that can take the compliance of the 540, I'd go with that over the VM95ML due to better stereo separation spec.
I can tell you that the VM95ML doesn't have excess brightness - the sound is very smooth and balanced, though accurate. I haven't measured the FR but will do so eventually. The measurements I've looked at that other people have done show a very even response.
There is something very special about these ML styli. As you may know that's just a trade name AT uses and the actual name under patent is the Namiki Microridge. It also has the smallest side radius of any stylus available at any price - smaller than Shibata, Ogura, Gyger, etc. types.
On more expensive MC cartridges and such the MR stylus is mounted on exotic cantilever material rather than aluminum. But even on an aluminum cantilever tracking is superb. At some point I'd like to get a custom retip on my Stanton 680 with an MR stylus. That should sound amazing.
Posted By: Lucabeer
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2019 at 8:43am
I know that the 440MLa has a reputation for being bright. Me, I don't tolerate brightness at all... and yet, I don't find the 440MLa to be exceedingly bright: very detailed and with an extended high frequency range, but not bright nor shrill. Actually, I find the highs (cymbals, etc) on the Ortofon 2M Black to be much more clinical, "digital" and shrill than on the 440, go figure. This probably simply means that the combination of cartridge, cables and phono pre (Reflex M) is a good match in my case.
BTW, I am running it on a standard Technics 1210 Mk2.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2019 at 10:50pm
Lucabeer wrote:
I know that the 440MLa has a reputation for being bright. Me, I don't tolerate brightness at all... and yet, I don't find the 440MLa to be exceedingly bright: very detailed and with an extended high frequency range, but not bright nor shrill. Actually, I find the highs (cymbals, etc) on the Ortofon 2M Black to be much more clinical, "digital" and shrill than on the 440, go figure. This probably simply means that the combination of cartridge, cables and phono pre (Reflex M) is a good match in my case.
BTW, I am running it on a standard Technics 1210 Mk2.
Yeah, I think you are right about it being a good match for you system. I don't think I'd get a 2M Black myself.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2019 at 10:52pm
I did some rudimentary measurements today on the VM95ML using a cheapo RCA to 1/8'' cable from the rec outs of my integrated amp. Feel free to take this with a grain of salt.
RE: tonearm compatibility, I'm getting 9hz for the resonant frequency when looking at frequency sweeps and tracking tests from the CBS STR100. That is for both vertical and lateral tracking BTW. My tonearm is 21g EM with the stock headshell and around 23g with the AT aftermarket one. So in case anyone is wondering about tonearm compatibility/compliance matching for arms in the range, I don't think there is anything to worry about.
Nice to know there is a mid-compliance option that AT has for those with heavier arms. Most of the their cartridges are higher-compliance and best suited to lighter arms.
< id="SLG_locer" ="" title="Lock-in ">
Text-to-speech function is limited to 200 characters
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2019 at 2:47am
Here are my rudimentary FR measurements for the VM95ML. These were taken off the 1A sweep track on the CBS STR100 test LP. My equipment for recording the audio is limited so please take these measurements with a grain of salt. The bump at 1K is a guide tone on the test LP, you can ignore it.
Graphed 3 ways in ARTA:
G
M
T
Y
< id="SLG_locer" ="" title="Lock-in ">
Text-to-speech function is limited to 200 characters
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2019 at 7:59am
That seems an impressive result, particularly the upper end extension to 20k+. I have long been a fan of the AT cartridges, the 440mla in particular.
Ian
------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it.
Posted By: Lucabeer
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2019 at 10:28pm
I see no trace of high frequency bump, it seems to have a very natural and gradual roll-off.
Since my 440MLa is approaching 500 hours of use, this 540ML is a serious candidate for its replacement when the time comes.
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 10:17am
Luca, I'm in a similar situation with my 440mla, but I shall probably go to the VM740ML.
Ian
------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it.
Posted By: Lucabeer
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 5:01pm
I was tempted by the 740ML as well, but I haven't been able to find ONE review stating the superiority compared to the 540.
Really, to me it seems the same cartridge except for the metal body... and I don't necessarily think it adds any real benefit. For sure, it costs more for probably the same sound quality, and it adds a couple of grams of unwanted weight which would push resonance a bit at the extreme of the acceptable range on my turntable/arm.
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 9:06pm
Luca, good point. The specifications are identical in all but body material and weight 6.4g or 8.0g. The AT440mla is also 6.5g. My arm, an Audiomods Classic was I understand, developed and tested with the Goldring 1042 (amongst others) weight of circa 6.3g. When I used it with the lighter Ortofon VMS30 MkII I had to add 1.5g shims for optimum performance. Bearing this in mind it might be that the lighter body will give better performance.
However the Audiomods is used successfully with heavier cartridges, albeit different compliance. It's all a matter of experimentation.
Ian
------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 2:42pm
Lucabeer wrote:
I see no trace of high frequency bump, it seems to have a very natural and gradual roll-off.
Since my 440MLa is approaching 500 hours of use, this 540ML is a serious candidate for its replacement when the time comes.
Just to be clear those measurements were from the VM95ML, not the VM540ML.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 2:44pm
BackinBlack wrote:
That seems an impressive result, particularly the upper end extension to 20k+. I have long been a fan of the AT cartridges, the 440mla in particular.
Ian
I've always like AT cartridges too. The ML styli are very hard to compete with in terms of inner groove tracking, which is something I place a high premium on.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 2:54pm
Here are some more measurements, these are from the VM95C ($35 conical cart) using the 1A sweep on the CBS STR100. Audio was taken from an inexpensive USB phono preamp on a different turntable system than the VM95ML measurements up thread, so they aren't really comparable. I think this cartridge is a good choice for a removeable headshell or secondary turntable where you might like to play records in less than great condition.
I have an inexpensive, though relatively flat measuring USB soundcard on order right now. When it gets here I will re-do the measurements of the VM95C and VM95ML from the REC outs of my integrated amp. They still won't be directly comparable but perhaps a little closer. If I have time I may also try the VM95C stylus on the VM95ML body so I can get them measured on the same turntable system. I have a feeling the soundcard I previously used to measure the 95ML is skewing things somewhat, perhaps showing more roll off than what is there. We'll see. Although I would love to be doing these measurements with more than one test record and a pro-grade rack mount ADC it's just not in the budget right now.
< id="SLG_locer" ="" title="Lock-in ">
Text-to-speech function is limited to 200 characters
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 3:02pm
Lucabeer wrote:
I was tempted by the 740ML as well, but I haven't been able to find ONE review stating the superiority compared to the 540.
Really, to me it seems the same cartridge except for the metal body... and I don't necessarily think it adds any real benefit. For sure, it costs more for probably the same sound quality, and it adds a couple of grams of unwanted weight which would push resonance a bit at the extreme of the acceptable range on my turntable/arm.
If I were deciding between the 540 and 740 I would probably do so based on tonearm effective mass specs. As you say the 740 could be a detriment on some tonearms, though possibly a benefit on others. I would expect overall performance (assuming no resonance issues) to be nearly the same.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2019 at 6:12pm
Here are some updated graphs of the 95ML. The high frequency roll off I was getting with the 95ML vs. the 95C (two different setups) was puzzling so I wanted to do the graphs over again for the 95ML, this time using a better, though still cheap USB soundcard. Now the FR between the two versions of the cartridges looks a lot more similar.
Chain is JVC TT>VM95ML>GS Reflex>USB soundcard>Audacity
G
M
T
Y
< id="SLG_locer" ="" title="Lock-in ">
Text-to-speech function is limited to 200 characters
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2019 at 11:45pm
A bit of an update on the AT VM95ML. I'm starting to experiment with some tests using the Ortofon Test LP. This LP has some tests that my CBS STR100 does not have.
To start with, I tested crosstalk (stereo separation) between the channels. For this I used the 1k test tones on the LP and then measured in Audacity after applying some noise filters.
The average value I'm getting is 27dB between the two channels.
So it would appear the cartridge meets or exceeds spec (23dB). Keep in mind you will probably get different results using different test LPs.
The difference in crosstalk between the two channels is around 1dB, give or take. This is with the stock AT headshell that came with the cartridge and no azimuth adjustment whatsoever.
When I have time I will run some tracking ability tests and report the results.
< id="SLG_locer" ="" title="Lock-in ">
Text-to-speech function is limited to 200 characters
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 01 May 2019 at 9:42pm
Here is a quick rundown of the tracking tests from the Ortofon Test LP on the VM95ML, not a deep analysis. These are all 315hz tones with lateral modulation.
On a basic level, the only band it could not track was the 100um band - the cart flew to the deadwax after a few seconds. That is normal for almost any cart. The 50, 60, and 70um bands played with no audible distortion, just a very pure tone. There was some buzzing at 80um, which is probably the limit for this cartridge. More buzzing at 90um but the stylus was still tracking the groove.
As points of reference, Miller Audio Research found that a "good" tracker like the old AT 440mla could hit 80um or more in both channels before tapping out. They also found that a "less good" tracker like the Grado Gold 1, tapped out around 45um in one channel and 65um in the other.
< id="SLG_locer" ="" title="Lock-in ">
Text-to-speech function is limited to 200 characters
Posted By: Lucabeer
Date Posted: 01 May 2019 at 10:26pm
This almost confirms what I found with the 440MLa (well run-in, after more than 300 hours) on my Technics 1210 Mk2: perfect tracking on all tracks, even the last one. The last one exhibits a hint of buzzing, but the stylus stays in the groove.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 02 May 2019 at 4:23pm
Lucabeer wrote:
This almost confirms what I found with the 440MLa (well run-in, after more than 300 hours) on my Technics 1210 Mk2: perfect tracking on all tracks, even the last one. The last one exhibits a hint of buzzing, but the stylus stays in the groove.
Do you use the Ortofon test LP or something else?
Posted By: Lucabeer
Date Posted: 02 May 2019 at 6:21pm
I use the Hi-Fi news test LP, so the toughest test on it is a 300 Hz tone at a crazy +18dB.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 03 May 2019 at 7:39pm
Lucabeer wrote:
I use the Hi-Fi news test LP, so the toughest test on it is a 300 Hz tone at a crazy +18dB.
That is insane. The two test records I have here are the CBS STR100 and the current version of the Ortofon Test LP.
The instructions on the Ortofon just say that the toughest track is 315hz lateral @ 100um...they don't say what is in decibels. Perhaps there is a way to convert that.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 07 May 2019 at 9:10pm
Some more subjective impressions of the 95ML.
Joe Pass/Synanon Seven - Sounds of Synanon LP - 1962 Pacific Jazz/RE Pure Pleasure 2008 - Mastered by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman
Dr. Dre - 2001 Instrumentals 2xLP - 1999 Aftermath/Interscope
Oasis - Definitely Maybe 2xLP - 1994/RE Big Brother Rec. 2014 - Mastered by Ian Cooper @ Metropolis Mastering
The Joe Pass album sounds very good here. Bass is deep and smooth, the guitar melodies sound great, and the cymbals and high hats are extremely clear. Separation between instruments is well defined. The album is recorded and mastered very well so many carts probably do a good job with it.
Next we have an instrumental version of a late 90s mainstream hip hop album. This is my preferred version of the album to listen to as the production is easier to hear unimpeded by any vocals. The bass drums hit hard, the melodies are funky, and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything whatsoever.
Now, how about a band synonymous with the loudness war? Frankly there is no audiophile approved version of this album but this one is done reasonably well and compares quite well to the original 1994 Creation CD IMHO. Guitars are loud and carts that have frequency dips in the mids and upper mids will falter and make everything sound like a muddy mess. With the VM95ML, you don't get that. You get a faithful rendering of a loud 90s rock 'n roll album with as much clarity between the instruments as can be expected on this type of recording.
------------- SL-1200 MK7 (modified) + Reflex M + PSU-1 used with AT150-40ML, AT VM610 MONO, AT VM95ML, Stanton 680mkII + Ogura, and Shure M35X cartridges.
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 10 May 2019 at 2:59pm
More subjective listening impressions of the VM95ML:
The Saints – (I’m) Stranded LP (U.S. Sire, 1977, mastered by Sterling)
Chic – C’est Chic LP (U.S. Atlantic, 1978, mastered by Dennis King)
John Foxx – The Golden Section LP (U.K. Virgin, 1983, mastered by Townhouse)
First up is one of the one the best raw punk rock ‘n roll albums ever made IMHO. Probably a nightmare for the typical audiophile but I think it’s recorded quite well for the type of music we’re talking about here. The power of the record comes through and separation between instruments is about as well as you can expect.
Next up is a disco record featuring the famous Nile Rodgers on guitar. A lot of disco music frankly sounds quite dated to me these days but this particular album has held up pretty well IMHO. On a record like this I usually pay close attention to the basslines and drums and they are well produced and full sounding here, as are the vocals. My particularly copy is not in perfect shape (closer to VG than VG+) but the ML stylus does a surprisingly good job of not being too revealing of record damage on this LP. In my past experiences with ML styli they can cut both ways though, so don’t take this as a suggestion that ML styli are a cure for damaged records.
The next album is the sophomore LP from the Psychedelic Furs, just before they went in a more polished pop direction with slicker production. There is no mastering credit on my copy or deadwax signature, so I’m not sure who cut it. It is cut quite loud though definitely not among the loudest tier of 80s LPs I have. The cartridge handles everything well here with not a hint of IGD or excess sibilance.
Next up is an album of moody 80s synth pop, cut loud with narrow inner grooves. This is the type of record where lesser carts and styli start screwing things up IME, especially with the last two tracks on each side. The VM95ML tracks everything flawlessly, period.
Post edited by Graham Slee to remove formatting code garbage that was here. Tip: compose in a dumb ASCII text editor such as MS or similar notepad; format word-wrap off; select all; copy and past into form. Works a treat!
------------- SL-1200 MK7 (modified) + Reflex M + PSU-1 used with AT150-40ML, AT VM610 MONO, AT VM95ML, Stanton 680mkII + Ogura, and Shure M35X cartridges.
Posted By: sheepskinstu
Date Posted: 25 Dec 2019 at 4:42pm
Hi David,
I bought this cartridge and I'm very pleased with it so far. Surface noise seems fairly low even on quite worn but clean records. I picked up a copy of the Abbey Road remastered version of C'est Chic and it's a fantastic sound and a nice pressing. Worth checking out.
Stuart
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 25 Dec 2019 at 4:57pm
sheepskinstu wrote:
Hi David,
I bought this cartridge and I'm very pleased with it so far. Surface noise seems fairly low even on quite worn but clean records. I picked up a copy of the Abbey Road remastered version of C'est Chic and it's a fantastic sound and a nice pressing. Worth checking out.
Stuart
I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'm still using it as my daily driver cartridge months later. When the stylus wears out I'll likely buy a replacement and keep using it, even when I eventually upgrade my turntable. I've recommended the cartridge to a number of folks and everyone that's bought one has been very pleased.
My copy of C'est Chic actually came from the $1 bin and is an old 70s Atlantic pressing mastered by Dennis King IIRC. Anything from that Abbey Road series is quite pricey over here in the U.S. most of the time, which is the main reason why I haven't tried one yet. I may try one down the line.
------------- SL-1200 MK7 (modified) + Reflex M + PSU-1 used with AT150-40ML, AT VM610 MONO, AT VM95ML, Stanton 680mkII + Ogura, and Shure M35X cartridges.
Posted By: sheepskinstu
Date Posted: 25 Dec 2019 at 5:11pm
Have a look on Discogs, there's a few people selling it new in the U.S for less than twenty dollars.
Posted By: neilb1906
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2020 at 6:13pm
I use this cart into a reflex M too.Then into a Naim Nait XS2. Brilliant combo. Great value cartridge.
I however use the ML stylus for most of my LPs, but find that the jazz stuff favours the SHibata stylus, that I also have.
sheepskinstu wrote:
