Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95C may be the entry point into the VM95 family, but the clever bit is that you are not really buying into an entry-level cartridge and getting stuck there.
Every cartridge in the VM95 range uses the same interchangeable electromagnetic body, allowing the conical stylus fitted here to be replaced later by Elliptical, Nude Elliptical, Microlinear or Shibata alternatives without removing the cartridge body from the tonearm. There is even a dedicated 3mil SP stylus for 78rpm records.
That makes the AT-VM95C an unusually sensible starting point. The supplied 0.6mil bonded conical stylus is straightforward to align, tracks at a standard 2.0g and produces a healthy 4.0mV output for conventional 47k-ohm moving-magnet phono stages.
The cartridge body also incorporates threaded M2.6 mounting inserts, so fitting requires only two screws rather than the usual combination of screws, tiny nuts and increasingly colourful language.
Audio T offers this page in three forms: the complete AT-VM95C cartridge, the AT-VMN95C replacement stylus, or the AT-VM95C/H package with the cartridge already fitted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6 headshell.
If you simply need a good-value cartridge now, the VM95C does the job. If you later decide that your turntable deserves more, the upgrade can be as simple as sliding off the conical stylus and fitting an EN, ML or SH instead.
Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Conical Cartridge, Replacement Stylus and Headshell Options
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95C is the entry model in the highly adaptable VM95 Series of dual magnet moving-magnet cartridges.
On this page you can select the version that suits what you actually need:
AT-VM95C Cartridge
The complete cartridge body supplied with the AT-VMN95C 0.6mil conical stylus.
Choose this if you are fitting a complete new cartridge to an existing headshell or integral tonearm.
AT-VMN95C Replacement Stylus
The conical replacement stylus only.
Choose this if you already have an AT-VM95 cartridge body and simply need to replace the stylus.
AT-VM95C/H Headshell Version
The AT-VM95C cartridge pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
Choose this for a compatible turntable with a suitable removable bayonet-fit headshell system.
Want to Upgrade Later?
Keep the VM95 cartridge body and fit another compatible VM95 stylus.
Elliptical, Nude Elliptical, Microlinear and Shibata upgrades are all available.
Which Option Should I Choose?
Replacing the whole cartridge? Choose AT-VM95C.
Already own a VM95 body and your stylus is worn? Choose AT-VMN95C.
Have a compatible removable headshell tonearm and want the cartridge already mounted? Choose AT-VM95C/H.
If you are unsure which version fits your turntable, contact Audio T before ordering.
Read Our Guide to the Complete AT-VM95 Family
The ability to choose between cartridges, replacement styli and pre-mounted headshell combinations can look confusing at first, so we have put together a complete Audio T guide explaining the differences.
Read: Are All Turntable Cartridges the Same? A Study of the Audio-Technica VM95
The guide explains the different VM95 stylus shapes, the interchangeable body system and whether you need a replacement stylus, complete cartridge or pre-mounted headshell package.
The VM95 Interchangeable Stylus System
One of the biggest advantages of the Audio-Technica VM95 family is that all six cartridge versions use the same basic electromagnetic cartridge body.
That means the following replacement styli are mechanically interchangeable:
- AT-VMN95C - 0.6mil Conical
- AT-VMN95E - 0.3 x 0.7mil Bonded Elliptical
- AT-VMN95EN - 0.3 x 0.7mil Nude Elliptical
- AT-VMN95ML - 2.2 x 0.12mil Nude Microlinear
- AT-VMN95SH - 2.7 x 0.26mil Nude Shibata
- AT-VMN95SP - 3mil Conical for 78rpm SP records
You therefore do not need to replace the complete cartridge simply because the stylus has worn out.
Upgrade Without Removing the Cartridge
The interchangeable design also provides one of the easiest cartridge upgrade paths available.
For example, if you begin with the AT-VM95C you can later fit an AT-VMN95E, EN, ML or SH stylus to the same cartridge body.
The cartridge remains mounted and aligned in the tonearm while the removable stylus assembly is changed.
One Body, Several Stylus Choices
You could begin with the affordable VM95C today and move to a Microlinear VMN95ML later without purchasing another cartridge body.
This also means that if you already own any standard AT-VM95 stereo cartridge, you do not need to buy an entire cartridge to try another VM95 stylus profile.
What Is a Conical Stylus?
The AT-VM95C uses a:
0.6mil bonded conical diamond stylus.
A conical or spherical stylus has a simple rounded contact profile.
Because its geometry is rotationally symmetrical, it is comparatively tolerant of small alignment variations and provides a robust, straightforward way of tracing conventional stereo LP grooves.
Why Choose Conical?
A conical stylus makes sense where priorities include:
- Affordable replacement cost
- Simple setup
- Good everyday record playback
- Compatibility with a wide range of turntables
- A convenient starting point for future VM95 upgrades
More sophisticated stylus profiles can retrieve finer groove information, but the conical VM95C remains an extremely practical entry point.
Bonded Round-Shank Diamond
The conical diamond is a bonded design.
This means the diamond tip is mounted to a supporting shank rather than using a complete single-piece diamond structure.
Bonded construction helps keep manufacturing cost down and is one of the reasons the AT-VM95C can be offered at such an accessible price.
Aluminium-Pipe Cantilever
The stylus is mounted to an aluminium-pipe cantilever.
The cantilever transfers movement from the stylus into the cartridge generator as it follows modulation within the record groove.
Audio-Technica Dual Magnet Design
The VM95 is not simply a conventional single-magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
Audio-Technica uses its VM dual magnet architecture with magnets positioned to correspond with the left and right groove walls.
This arrangement follows the V-shaped geometry of a stereo record groove and provides separate magnetic elements associated with the two channels.
Moving Magnet Phono Compatibility
The AT-VM95C produces:
4.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
This is a conventional moving-magnet output level and is designed for a standard MM phono input.
47k-Ohm Loading
Audio-Technica specifies:
47,000 ohms.
This is the standard input resistance used by the vast majority of moving-magnet phono stages.
Use an MM Phono Input
The AT-VM95C is a moving-magnet cartridge.
If your phono stage provides selectable MM and MC modes, use the MM setting rather than a low-output moving-coil input.
Recommended Capacitance
Audio-Technica specifies total load capacitance of:
100–200pF.
This total can include the tonearm wiring, phono cable and input capacitance of the phono stage.
Not every phono stage allows capacitance to be adjusted, but where selectable settings are available it is worth keeping the total system within the manufacturer's recommended range where practical.
3.3k-Ohm Coil Impedance
Audio-Technica specifies:
3.3k ohms at 1kHz.
DC resistance is:
485 ohms.
Coil inductance is:
550mH at 1kHz.
These are characteristics of the cartridge's internal electromagnetic generator and should not be confused with the 47k-ohm external load presented by the phono stage.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
The AT-VM95C is specified at:
20Hz–20kHz.
That covers the conventional audible frequency range and reflects the performance of the complete conical stylus, cantilever and cartridge generator.
18dB Channel Separation
Channel separation is specified at:
18dB at 1kHz.
As you move further up the VM95 family, finer stylus profiles and different suspension specifications are accompanied by improvements in several of these headline performance figures.
2.5dB Output Balance
Audio-Technica specifies output channel balance of:
2.5dB at 1kHz.
1.8–2.2g Tracking Force
The permitted tracking-force range is:
1.8–2.2g.
Audio-Technica specifies:
2.0g as the standard setting.
Do Not Deliberately Track Too Lightly
Reducing tracking force below the recommended range does not automatically protect your records.
Too little force can allow the stylus to mistrack and lose stable contact with the groove.
Use an Accurate Stylus-Force Gauge
Set the tonearm according to the manufacturer's instructions and verify the final tracking force with an accurate stylus-force gauge where possible.
23-Degree Vertical Tracking Angle
The AT-VM95C is specified with a:
23-degree vertical tracking angle.
Where your tonearm provides height adjustment, basic vertical geometry can be checked once the cartridge has been correctly mounted and tracking force established.
Static and Dynamic Compliance
Audio-Technica specifies:
- Static compliance: 17 x 10-6cm/dyne
- Dynamic compliance: 6.5 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz
Compliance describes the flexibility of the stylus suspension and forms part of cartridge and tonearm mechanical matching.
6.1g Cartridge Weight
The bare AT-VM95C cartridge weighs:
6.1g.
This falls within the usable cartridge-weight range of a large number of conventional tonearms.
Threaded M2.6 Mounting Inserts
One of the nicest practical details of the entire VM95 family is hidden in the top of the cartridge body.
Audio-Technica incorporates two threaded M2.6 mounting inserts.
This means the cartridge can be attached to a conventional half-inch headshell or suitable integral tonearm using two screws without separate nuts.
No Fiddly Nuts
Threaded mounting provides several benefits:
- Faster installation
- No loose cartridge nuts
- Easier cartridge alignment
- Reduced chance of dropping hardware
- Secure mechanical connection to the headshell
Audio-Technica supplies both 8mm and 11mm M2.6 screws plus two washers with the complete cartridge.
AT-VM95C/H Pre-Mounted Headshell Option
If your turntable uses a compatible removable headshell, this page also provides the:
AT-VM95C/H.
This combines the AT-VM95C cartridge with Audio-Technica's AT-HS6BK aluminium headshell and is assembled and tested at Audio-Technica's Fukui factory in Japan.
Why Choose the Headshell Version?
A pre-mounted cartridge can make sense if:
- Your turntable uses a compatible removable headshell
- You want a cartridge already attached to a headshell
- You regularly swap between cartridges
- You want different stylus types available on separate headshells
- You want a convenient cartridge upgrade for a compatible S or J-shaped tonearm
The complete AT-VM95C/H assembly weighs:
15.5g.
Pre-Mounted Does Not Mean Universal
The AT-HS6 uses a standard H-4 / SME-type bayonet connector, but physical connection alone does not guarantee correct geometry for every turntable.
The AT-HS6 is a straight headshell intended for compatible tonearms where the arm itself provides the necessary offset angle.
If you are unsure whether the AT-VM95C/H is suitable for your turntable, contact Audio T before ordering.
Do I Still Need to Set Up a Pre-Mounted Cartridge?
Yes.
Pre-mounted means Audio-Technica has attached and tested the cartridge on the headshell. It does not mean every turntable in the world uses exactly the same required overhang.
After fitting the headshell to your tonearm, you should still check:
- Overhang
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Tonearm height where applicable
AT-VMN95C Replacement Stylus Option
If your existing VM95 cartridge body is already fitted and aligned, you may only need:
AT-VMN95C.
This is the replacement 0.6mil bonded conical stylus assembly.
The stylus slides into the front of the existing VM95 cartridge body, so the complete cartridge does not need to be removed from the tonearm.
When Should I Replace the Stylus?
Stylus life varies considerably depending on record cleanliness, tracking force, handling and playback conditions.
Audio-Technica gives approximately:
500 hours
as a general guide for its conical VM95 stylus.
This should be regarded as a useful maintenance guide rather than an exact expiry timer.
Can I Upgrade Instead of Replacing Like-for-Like?
Yes, and this is one of the main reasons to choose the VM95 system.
If your AT-VMN95C becomes worn, you can replace it with another VMN95C or move to another compatible VM95 stylus.
AT-VM95C to AT-VM95E
AT-VMN95C
- 0.6mil conical
- Bonded diamond
- Round shank
- Aluminium cantilever
- Straightforward setup
- Entry point to VM95
AT-VMN95E
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical
- Bonded diamond
- Aluminium cantilever
- Finer groove tracing
- Wider 20Hz–22kHz response with VM95 body
- Simple plug-in upgrade
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E and AT-VMN95E at Audio T.
AT-VM95C to AT-VM95EN
The AT-VMN95EN retains an elliptical 0.3 x 0.7mil profile but moves from a bonded diamond to nude construction.
Reducing the mass at the end of the cantilever provides another route to improving the groove-reading performance of the same cartridge body.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN and AT-VMN95EN at Audio T.
AT-VM95C to AT-VM95ML
The AT-VMN95ML represents a much larger change in groove geometry.
Its nude Microlinear profile is designed to trace significantly finer groove modulation and provide extended contact with the groove walls.
It is a particularly popular upgrade because you can obtain the Microlinear groove-reading system simply by changing the stylus on your existing VM95 body.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML and AT-VMN95ML at Audio T.
AT-VM95C to AT-VM95SH
The AT-VMN95SH uses a nude Shibata line-contact stylus.
Shibata provides a different extended-contact groove profile designed for detailed high-frequency tracing and sits at the top of the standard stereo VM95 range.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH and AT-VMN95SH at Audio T.
What About the AT-VM95SP?
The AT-VMN95SP also fits the same VM95 cartridge body, but it serves a completely different purpose.
It uses a:
3mil conical stylus for 78rpm SP records.
The SP Stylus Is for 78rpm Records
Do not treat the AT-VMN95SP as a conventional LP stylus upgrade.
The much larger 3mil tip is designed to work with the wider grooves of 78rpm records.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP and AT-VMN95SP at Audio T.
The Complete AT-VM95 Upgrade Path
AT-VM95E
Bonded Elliptical
AT-VM95EN
Nude Elliptical
AT-VM95ML
Nude Microlinear
AT-VM95SP
3mil Conical for 78rpm
Can I Keep Several VM95 Styli?
Yes.
Because the stylus assemblies are interchangeable, one cartridge body can be used with different VM95 styli for different purposes.
For example, you might use a VMN95ML for everyday LP playback and keep a VMN95SP for occasional 78rpm records.
Remember the Tracking Requirements May Differ
Whenever you change stylus type, check the tracking-force requirements for the stylus you have fitted rather than assuming every VM95 replacement uses identical settings.
Does Changing the Stylus Affect Alignment?
The interchangeable VM95 design means you normally do not need to remount the cartridge simply because you move from one genuine VM95 stylus to another.
The cartridge body remains in its aligned position.
However, tracking force and other setup requirements should always be checked for the particular stylus fitted.
Can I Fit VM95 Styli to Audio-Technica XP Cartridges?
Audio-Technica confirms mechanical compatibility between the VM95 and XP replacement stylus systems.
However, the cartridge generator and suspension requirements differ.
XP cartridges are designed primarily for professional DJ applications and provide higher output, while XP styli typically operate at around 3g rather than the approximately 2g used by conventional VM95 stereo styli.
Compatible Does Not Mean Identical
Physical stylus compatibility does not turn a VM95 body into an XP body or vice versa.
The generators, intended application and tracking requirements remain different.
A Phono Stage Is Required
The AT-VM95C is designed for a conventional moving-magnet phono stage.
The normal signal path is:
Turntable ? MM phono stage ? amplifier line input.
If your amplifier already has a suitable MM phono input, a separate external phono stage is not necessarily required.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Professional Cartridge Fitting
Correct AT-VM95C installation can include:
- Checking turntable and tonearm compatibility
- Selecting the correct M2.6 mounting screws
- Connecting the four cartridge leads correctly
- Setting overhang
- Setting offset angle
- Setting 2.0g tracking force
- Setting bias or anti-skate
- Checking tonearm height where adjustable
- Checking MM phono-stage compatibility
If you would rather not do this yourself, speak to your local Audio T store about cartridge fitting and setup.
Who Is the Audio-Technica AT-VM95C For?
Well Suited To
- Affordable turntable cartridge replacements
- Customers upgrading older AT91 or AT91R cartridges
- Customers wanting a straightforward conical stylus
- First-time cartridge upgrades
- Systems with a standard MM phono stage
- Customers wanting a future stylus upgrade path
- Compatible removable-headshell tonearms
- Customers who want easy threaded mounting
Check Before Buying
- Choose cartridge, replacement stylus or headshell version
- 4.0mV moving-magnet output
- 47k-ohm loading
- 100–200pF recommended capacitance
- 6.1g bare cartridge weight
- 15.5g AT-VM95C/H total weight
- 2.0g standard tracking force
- Headshell version requires compatible tonearm fitting
- AT-VM95SP stylus is intended for 78rpm records
Key Features
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95C
- Audio-Technica AT-VMN95C
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95C/H
- VM95 Series
- VM dual magnet design
- 0.6mil conical stylus
- Bonded round-shank diamond
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- Interchangeable stylus assembly
- Compatible with all six VM95 styli
- 4.0mV output
- 47k-ohm load impedance
- 100–200pF recommended capacitance
- 3.3k-ohm coil impedance
- 485-ohm DC resistance
- 550mH coil inductance
- 20Hz–20kHz frequency response
- 18dB channel separation
- 2.5dB output balance
- 23-degree vertical tracking angle
- 17 x 10-6cm/dyne static compliance
- 6.5 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking-force range
- 2.0g standard tracking force
- 6.1g cartridge weight
- M2.6 threaded mounting inserts
- Half-inch mounting centres
- AT-HS6BK pre-mounted option
- 15.5g pre-mounted assembly
- Made in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
What options can I buy on this page?
You can choose the complete AT-VM95C cartridge, the AT-VMN95C replacement stylus or the AT-VM95C/H cartridge pre-mounted to an AT-HS6BK headshell.
What is the difference between AT-VM95C and AT-VMN95C?
AT-VM95C is the complete cartridge including the cartridge body and conical stylus. AT-VMN95C is the replacement stylus assembly only.
What does /H mean?
AT-VM95C/H is the complete AT-VM95C cartridge supplied pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
Do I need the whole cartridge if my stylus is worn?
No. If your existing VM95 cartridge body is working correctly, you can simply replace the removable stylus.
Can I upgrade my AT-VM95C without replacing the cartridge?
Yes. You can fit any genuine VM95 replacement stylus to the same cartridge body.
Which styli fit the AT-VM95C body?
AT-VMN95C, AT-VMN95E, AT-VMN95EN, AT-VMN95ML, AT-VMN95SH and AT-VMN95SP are all physically compatible.
Can I turn my AT-VM95C into an AT-VM95ML?
Yes. Fitting an AT-VMN95ML Microlinear stylus to the existing VM95 body gives you the ML stylus configuration without replacing the cartridge body.
Can I turn it into the Shibata version?
Yes. Fit an AT-VMN95SH replacement stylus.
Can I use the AT-VMN95SP stylus on the same body?
Yes, but the SP uses a 3mil conical stylus intended specifically for 78rpm records rather than conventional LP playback.
What stylus does the AT-VM95C use?
A bonded 0.6mil conical diamond with a round shank.
What is the cantilever made from?
An aluminium pipe.
Is the AT-VM95C moving magnet or moving coil?
It is an Audio-Technica VM dual magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
What is the output?
4.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
What phono stage does it need?
A conventional moving-magnet phono stage with 47k-ohm input resistance.
What capacitance does Audio-Technica recommend?
100–200pF total load capacitance.
What is the frequency response?
20Hz to 20kHz.
What tracking force should I use?
Audio-Technica specifies 1.8–2.2g with 2.0g as the standard setting.
What is the dynamic compliance?
6.5 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz.
What is the static compliance?
17 x 10-6cm/dyne.
How much does the cartridge weigh?
The bare AT-VM95C cartridge weighs 6.1g.
How much does the headshell version weigh?
The complete AT-VM95C/H assembly is specified at 15.5g.
Does the AT-VM95C use standard half-inch mounting?
Yes. It uses standard half-inch mounting centres.
Do I need cartridge mounting nuts?
No. The body has integrated M2.6 threaded inserts, allowing the screws to thread directly into the cartridge.
Will the AT-VM95C/H fit my turntable?
That depends on the tonearm and headshell system. The AT-HS6 uses a standard H-4 / SME-type bayonet connection and is intended for compatible tonearm geometries. Contact Audio T if you are unsure.
Does pre-mounted mean I do not need to align it?
No. The cartridge is mounted to the headshell at the factory, but turntables can require different overhang settings. Final setup should still be checked on your tonearm.
How long does the conical stylus last?
Audio-Technica gives approximately 500 hours as a general guide, although actual stylus life depends on record condition, cleanliness, tracking force and use.
Can Audio T fit the cartridge for me?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss turntable compatibility, cartridge fitting, alignment, tracking force and stylus upgrades.
Where can I learn about all the VM95 stylus options?
Read our complete Audio T guide to the AT-VM95 cartridge family, covering Conical, Elliptical, Nude Elliptical, Microlinear, Shibata and 78rpm SP options.
Related Audio-Technica VM95 Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable and cartridge matching
- VM95 stylus upgrade advice
- Replacement stylus guidance
- Headshell compatibility advice
- Moving-magnet phono-stage matching
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias and anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm compatibility checks
- Stylus-care advice
- 78rpm cartridge and stylus guidance
- Turntable setup and optimisation
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you are unsure whether you need the complete AT-VM95C cartridge, AT-VMN95C replacement stylus or AT-VM95C/H headshell version, or if you would like help choosing the best VM95 stylus upgrade for your turntable.