Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is arguably the model that best explains why the VM95 family has become so popular. It is affordable, easy to fit, works with a conventional moving-magnet phono stage and introduces a proper elliptical stylus without making turntable setup unnecessarily complicated.
Its 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical diamond makes more precise contact with the record groove than the conical stylus fitted to the AT-VM95C, helping improve high-frequency tracing and reduce distortion while retaining the same aluminium-pipe cantilever and familiar 2.0g standard tracking force.
It is also the direct successor to the hugely popular AT95E, but the VM95 platform adds one particularly important advantage: all six VM95 replacement styli fit the same cartridge body.
That means buying the AT-VM95E does not lock you into an elliptical stylus forever. When the stylus eventually wears out, you can fit another AT-VMN95E or upgrade the same cartridge body with the Nude Elliptical EN, Microlinear ML or Shibata SH stylus.
Audio T offers this page in three forms: the complete AT-VM95E cartridge, the AT-VMN95E replacement stylus, or the AT-VM95E/H with the cartridge already mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
The cartridge itself produces a healthy 4.0mV output for conventional MM phono stages, tracks at a standard 2.0g and uses threaded M2.6 inserts, so installation requires two screws and no tiny nuts.
For anyone replacing an older AT95E, upgrading from a basic conical cartridge or simply looking for a dependable everyday MM cartridge with a very good future upgrade path, the AT-VM95E remains an extremely sensible choice.
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Elliptical Cartridge, Replacement Stylus and Headshell Options
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is a VM Series dual magnet moving-magnet cartridge fitted with a 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical stylus and aluminium-pipe cantilever.
On this page you can choose exactly which version you need:
AT-VM95E Cartridge
The complete AT-VM95 cartridge body supplied with the AT-VMN95E bonded elliptical stylus.
Choose this when replacing a complete cartridge or fitting a VM95 to an existing headshell or integral tonearm.
AT-VMN95E Replacement Stylus
The 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical replacement stylus only.
Choose this if you already own a compatible VM95 cartridge body and simply need a new elliptical stylus.
AT-VM95E/H Headshell Version
The AT-VM95E cartridge pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
Choose this for a compatible turntable using a suitable removable H-4 / SME-type bayonet headshell system.
Upgrade the Stylus Later
The same cartridge body accepts every genuine VM95 replacement stylus.
You can therefore move from Elliptical to Nude Elliptical, Microlinear or Shibata without replacing the cartridge body.
Which Option Should I Choose?
Replacing the complete cartridge? Choose AT-VM95E.
Already have a VM95 body? Choose AT-VMN95E if you simply want a replacement bonded elliptical stylus.
Have a compatible removable-headshell tonearm? Choose AT-VM95E/H if you would prefer the cartridge already mounted to an AT-HS6BK headshell.
If you are unsure which option suits your turntable, contact Audio T before ordering.
Read Our Complete Audio-Technica VM95 Guide
Not sure whether you need the cartridge, replacement stylus or headshell combination? Or wondering whether Elliptical, Nude Elliptical, Microlinear or Shibata is right for you?
Read: Are All Turntable Cartridges the Same? A Study of the Audio-Technica VM95
Our Audio T guide explains the complete VM95 family, the different stylus profiles and the three different ways each model can be purchased.
The Successor to the AT95E
The AT-VM95E replaced Audio-Technica's enormously popular AT95E and builds upon the later AT95EX.
It retains the accessible elliptical-cartridge concept while introducing:
- Audio-Technica VM dual magnet generator
- 4.0mV output
- Improved rigid low-resonance housing
- Threaded M2.6 mounting inserts
- Interchangeable VM95 stylus system
- A much broader future stylus upgrade path
Bonded Elliptical Stylus
The AT-VM95E uses a:
0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical diamond.
An elliptical stylus uses different radii along its front-to-back and side-to-side surfaces.
This allows it to follow smaller groove modulations than a basic conical stylus and generally provides more precise contact with the groove walls.
Why Choose an Elliptical Stylus?
Compared with a basic conical profile, an elliptical stylus can offer:
- More precise groove tracing
- Improved high-frequency response
- Lower tracing distortion
- Improved inner-groove tracking
- Better retrieval of fine groove information
It remains comparatively straightforward to align, making the AT-VM95E a sensible step up from a conical cartridge without immediately moving to a more demanding fine-line stylus.
What Does Bonded Mean?
A bonded stylus uses a diamond tip mounted to a supporting shank rather than using a complete one-piece diamond for the tip and shank.
This helps control production cost and allows Audio-Technica to offer the VM95E at a comparatively accessible price.
The higher AT-VM95EN uses the same basic 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical profile but moves to a nude diamond construction.
AT-VM95E or AT-VM95C?
AT-VM95C
- 0.6mil conical stylus
- Bonded round shank
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- 4.0mV output
- 20Hz–20kHz response
- 18dB channel separation
- 2.5dB output balance
- 6.5 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- 2.0g standard tracking force
AT-VM95E
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- Bonded round shank
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- 4.0mV output
- 20Hz–22kHz response
- 20dB channel separation
- 2.0dB output balance
- 7 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- 2.0g standard tracking force
The biggest practical difference is stylus geometry.
The VM95E's elliptical profile makes finer contact with the groove than the C's conical stylus while retaining the same easy-to-drive 4.0mV output and familiar VM95 body.
Compare the Audio-Technica AT-VM95C at Audio T.
Aluminium-Pipe Cantilever
The bonded elliptical stylus is mounted to an aluminium-pipe cantilever.
The cantilever transfers the movement of the diamond into the cartridge's electromagnetic generator as the stylus follows modulation within the record groove.
VM Dual Magnet Generator
Audio-Technica's VM design uses two magnets positioned to correspond with the left and right sides of a stereo record groove.
The arrangement mirrors the V-shaped geometry used by a stereo cutter head and helps the cartridge recover the two stereo channels independently.
T.P. Copper Coils
The cartridge generator uses T.P. copper coil wire.
The generator produces a healthy moving-magnet signal while maintaining the same cartridge body across the standard VM95 family.
4.0mV Output
The AT-VM95E produces:
4.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
This is designed for conventional moving-magnet phono amplification and provides considerably more output than a typical low-output moving-coil cartridge.
47k-Ohm Loading
Audio-Technica specifies:
47,000 ohms.
This is the standard resistance used by the overwhelming majority of moving-magnet phono stages and amplifier MM phono inputs.
Use the Moving-Magnet Setting
If your phono stage provides selectable MM and MC modes, use its moving-magnet input for the AT-VM95E.
A conventional low-output MC setting will normally provide excessive gain and inappropriate electrical loading.
Recommended Capacitance
Audio-Technica specifies:
100–200pF total load capacitance.
The total capacitance seen by the cartridge can include:
- Tonearm wiring
- Turntable phono cable
- Interconnect capacitance where applicable
- Phono-stage input capacitance
Where your phono stage allows capacitance adjustment, keeping the complete system reasonably close to the manufacturer's recommended range is worthwhile.
3.3k-Ohm Coil Impedance
The VM95E generator is specified at:
3.3k ohms at 1kHz.
DC resistance is:
485 ohms.
Coil inductance is:
550mH at 1kHz.
These values describe the internal generator and should not be confused with the external 47k-ohm phono-stage load.
20Hz to 22kHz Frequency Response
The AT-VM95E is specified at:
20Hz–22kHz.
This extends beyond the 20kHz upper specification of the conical AT-VM95C.
20dB Channel Separation
Audio-Technica specifies:
20dB at 1kHz.
Channel separation describes how effectively information from the two sides of the stereo groove remains distinct between the left and right channels.
2.0dB Output Balance
Output channel balance is specified at:
2.0dB at 1kHz.
1.8–2.2g Tracking Force
Audio-Technica specifies a tracking-force range of:
1.8–2.2g.
The standard setting is:
2.0g.
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 move unpredictably within the groove.
Use an Accurate Stylus-Force Gauge
Set the tonearm according to its manufacturer's instructions and verify the final 2.0g force with an accurate stylus-force gauge where possible.
23-Degree Vertical Tracking Angle
The AT-VM95E is specified with a:
23-degree vertical tracking angle.
If your tonearm provides height adjustment, vertical geometry can be checked after basic cartridge alignment and tracking force are correct.
Static and Dynamic Compliance
Audio-Technica specifies:
- Static compliance: 17 x 10-6cm/dyne
- Dynamic compliance: 7 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz
Compliance describes the flexibility of the cartridge suspension and forms part of the mechanical relationship between cartridge and tonearm.
6.1g Cartridge Weight
The complete AT-VM95E cartridge weighs:
6.1g.
This falls within the cartridge-weight range of a large number of conventional tonearms.
M2.6 Threaded Mounting
Two threaded M2.6 inserts are built directly into the cartridge body.
The cartridge can therefore be attached to a standard half-inch headshell or suitable integral tonearm with two screws and no separate nuts.
No Fiddly Nuts
Threaded mounting provides several practical benefits:
- Easier installation
- No loose cartridge nuts
- Simpler alignment adjustment
- Reduced risk of dropping mounting hardware
- Secure cartridge-to-headshell connection
The complete cartridge is supplied with pairs of 8mm and 11mm M2.6 screws plus two washers.
AT-VM95E/H Pre-Mounted Headshell Option
This page also provides the:
AT-VM95E/H.
This combines the complete AT-VM95E cartridge with Audio-Technica's AT-HS6BK aluminium headshell.
The cartridge and headshell combination is assembled and tested at Audio-Technica's factory in Fukui, Japan.
15.5g Complete Headshell Assembly
The complete AT-VM95E/H combination weighs:
15.5g.
This includes both the cartridge and headshell.
Check Headshell Compatibility
The AT-HS6 uses an H-4 / SME-type bayonet connection intended for compatible removable-headshell tonearms.
The ability to physically lock the headshell into the arm does not automatically guarantee the correct geometry or counterweight range for every turntable.
If you are unsure, contact Audio T before ordering the /H version.
Why Choose the Headshell Version?
The AT-VM95E/H can be useful if:
- Your tonearm uses a compatible removable headshell
- You want the cartridge already fitted to a headshell
- You swap cartridges regularly
- You keep different cartridges for different records
- You want to minimise the amount of cartridge mounting required
Does Pre-Mounted Mean Pre-Aligned for My Turntable?
No.
Audio-Technica mounts and tests the cartridge on the headshell, but different turntables can require different overhang settings.
Once installed on your tonearm, check:
- Overhang
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Counterweight range
- Tonearm height where applicable
AT-VMN95E Replacement Stylus
If your cartridge body is already correctly mounted and aligned, you may only need the:
AT-VMN95E.
This is the replacement 0.3 x 0.7mil bonded elliptical stylus assembly.
The stylus can be removed from the existing VM95 body and replaced without removing the complete cartridge from the tonearm.
How Long Does the AT-VMN95E Stylus Last?
Audio-Technica gives approximately:
300 hours
as its general stylus-life guide for VM95 elliptical styli.
Actual lifespan varies according to record cleanliness, tracking force, stylus care and use.
Stylus Life Is a Guide, Not an Alarm Clock
A stylus does not suddenly stop working after a fixed number of hours.
The manufacturer's figure is best treated as a maintenance guide. Clean records and correct tracking force remain important throughout the life of the stylus.
The Complete VM95 Interchangeable Stylus System
Every standard VM95 cartridge uses the same electromagnetic engine body.
The compatible replacement styli are:
- AT-VMN95C - Bonded Conical
- AT-VMN95E - Bonded Elliptical
- AT-VMN95EN - Nude Elliptical
- AT-VMN95ML - Nude Microlinear
- AT-VMN95SH - Nude Shibata
- AT-VMN95SP - 3mil Conical for 78rpm records
This means you can change stylus type without replacing the cartridge body.
Can I Upgrade the AT-VM95E?
Yes.
This is one of the strongest reasons to buy into the VM95 family.
If your existing cartridge is correctly mounted and aligned, the upgrade can be as simple as removing the current stylus assembly and fitting another genuine VM95 stylus.
AT-VM95E to AT-VM95EN
AT-VMN95E
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical
- Bonded diamond
- Round shank
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- 4.0mV with VM95E configuration
- 20Hz–22kHz response
- 20dB channel separation
AT-VMN95EN
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical
- Nude diamond
- Round shank
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- Reduced stylus-tip moving mass
- 20Hz–23kHz response with EN configuration
- 22dB channel separation
The stylus geometry remains elliptical, but the EN moves from bonded to nude construction.
A nude stylus uses the diamond itself as the supporting shank, reducing the amount of additional material moving at the end of the cantilever.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN at Audio T.
AT-VM95E to AT-VM95ML
The AT-VMN95ML makes a much larger change to the groove-reading system.
Its nude Microlinear stylus is a fine-line profile designed to make extended contact with the groove wall and trace much smaller groove modulation than a conventional elliptical diamond.
Because the VM95 body remains compatible, you can make this upgrade without replacing the complete cartridge.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML at Audio T.
AT-VM95E to AT-VM95SH
The AT-VMN95SH uses a nude Shibata line-contact profile.
Shibata provides extended groove-wall contact and was originally developed to trace the high-frequency information required by discrete quadraphonic records.
It represents the highest conventional stereo stylus option within the VM95 family.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH at Audio T.
What About AT-VMN95SP?
The AT-VMN95SP also fits the VM95 body but is intended specifically for 78rpm records.
It uses a much larger:
3mil conical stylus.
The SP Is Not an LP Stylus Upgrade
The wider 3mil tip is designed for the wider grooves found on 78rpm records.
Use the regular C, E, EN, ML or SH styli for conventional LP and 45rpm stereo record playback.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP at Audio T.
The VM95 Stylus Progression
AT-VM95E
Bonded Elliptical
AT-VM95EN
Nude Elliptical
AT-VM95ML
Nude Microlinear
AT-VM95SP
3mil Conical for 78rpm
Does Changing VM95 Stylus Require Re-Alignment?
Because the genuine VM95 styli all fit the same cartridge body, changing from one VM95 stylus to another does not normally require removing and remounting the cartridge.
The cartridge body remains in the same aligned position.
However, you should still check the tracking-force specification for the stylus you have fitted.
Can I Keep More Than One Stylus?
Yes.
You could, for example, use an AT-VMN95ML for your main LP collection while keeping an AT-VMN95SP available for 78rpm records.
The removable stylus system makes this substantially easier than keeping several permanently mounted cartridge bodies.
Can I Use XP Series Styli?
Audio-Technica states that VM95 and XP replacement styli are mechanically compatible with the corresponding cartridge bodies.
However, the two ranges are designed for different applications.
XP styli are intended primarily for DJ use and typically operate at approximately 3g rather than the roughly 2g used by the standard VM95 stereo styli.
Physical Compatibility Does Not Mean Identical Performance
The VM95 and XP cartridge generators have different output characteristics and their stylus suspensions are optimised for different uses.
Always use the correct tracking-force specification for the stylus actually fitted.
A Moving-Magnet Phono Stage Is Required
The normal signal path is:
Turntable ? MM phono stage ? amplifier line input.
If your amplifier already includes a suitable moving-magnet phono input, you do not necessarily need a separate external phono stage.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Professional Cartridge Fitting
Correct AT-VM95E installation can involve:
- Checking turntable and tonearm compatibility
- Selecting suitable M2.6 mounting screws
- Connecting the four cartridge leads correctly
- Setting overhang
- Setting offset angle
- Setting the 2.0g standard tracking force
- Setting bias or anti-skate
- Checking tonearm height where adjustable
- Checking MM phono-stage compatibility
If you are not comfortable carrying out these adjustments, speak to your local Audio T store about cartridge fitting and setup.
Who Is the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E For?
Well Suited To
- Customers replacing an older AT95E
- Customers upgrading from a conical cartridge
- Affordable and mid-level turntables
- Systems with conventional MM phono stages
- Customers wanting an elliptical stylus
- Customers who want a simple future stylus upgrade path
- Turntables with fixed or removable headshells
- Customers who value easy threaded mounting
Check Before Buying
- Choose cartridge, replacement stylus or headshell version
- 4.0mV moving-magnet output
- 47k-ohm load impedance
- 100–200pF recommended capacitance
- 6.1g bare cartridge weight
- 15.5g headshell combination weight
- 2.0g standard tracking force
- Headshell version requires a compatible tonearm
- Replacement stylus life is approximately 300 hours
Key Features
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95E
- Audio-Technica AT-VMN95E
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H
- Successor to AT95E
- VM Series dual magnet design
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- Bonded round-shank diamond
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- Interchangeable VM95 stylus system
- Compatible with all six VM95 styli
- 4.0mV output
- 47k-ohm load impedance
- 100–200pF recommended load capacitance
- 3.3k-ohm coil impedance
- 485-ohm DC resistance
- 550mH coil inductance
- 20Hz–22kHz frequency response
- 20dB channel separation
- 2.0dB output balance
- 23-degree vertical tracking angle
- 17 x 10-6cm/dyne static compliance
- 7 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 weight
- Factory assembled headshell version
- Approximately 300-hour elliptical stylus-life guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What options can I buy on this page?
You can choose the complete AT-VM95E cartridge, AT-VMN95E replacement stylus or AT-VM95E/H cartridge pre-mounted to an AT-HS6BK headshell.
What is the difference between AT-VM95E and AT-VMN95E?
AT-VM95E is the complete cartridge body and stylus. AT-VMN95E is the replacement elliptical stylus assembly only.
What does AT-VM95E/H mean?
It is an AT-VM95E cartridge supplied pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK removable headshell.
Is the AT-VM95E the replacement for the AT95E?
Yes. Audio-Technica developed the AT-VM95E as the successor to the AT95E and AT95EX.
What stylus does the AT-VM95E use?
A bonded 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical diamond with a round shank.
What is an elliptical stylus?
An elliptical stylus has different front-to-back and side-to-side radii, allowing it to follow finer record-groove modulation than a conventional conical profile.
What does bonded stylus mean?
The diamond tip is attached to a supporting shank rather than the complete shank being made from diamond.
What is the cantilever made from?
An aluminium pipe.
Is the AT-VM95E moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a VM dual magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
What output does it produce?
4.0mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
What phono stage does it require?
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 22kHz.
What is the channel separation?
20dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
2.0dB at 1kHz.
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?
7 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz.
What is the static compliance?
17 x 10-6cm/dyne.
How much does the AT-VM95E weigh?
The bare cartridge weighs 6.1g.
How much does the AT-VM95E/H weigh?
The complete cartridge and AT-HS6BK headshell combination weighs 15.5g.
Does the cartridge need mounting nuts?
No. It has integrated M2.6 threaded mounting inserts.
Can I replace only the stylus when it wears out?
Yes. Fit an AT-VMN95E replacement stylus without replacing the complete cartridge body.
How long does the AT-VMN95E stylus last?
Audio-Technica gives approximately 300 hours as a general guide for its VM95 elliptical stylus.
Can I upgrade the stylus instead of buying another AT-VMN95E?
Yes. The same body accepts the AT-VMN95EN Nude Elliptical, AT-VMN95ML Microlinear and AT-VMN95SH Shibata stylus assemblies.
Will the AT-VMN95ML fit the AT-VM95E cartridge body?
Yes. All six genuine VM95 replacement styli use the same electromagnetic cartridge body.
Will the AT-VMN95SH fit?
Yes. The Shibata replacement stylus is mechanically compatible with the same VM95 cartridge body.
Can I use the VMN95SP for 78rpm records?
Yes. The 3mil SP stylus fits the same VM95 body and is specifically designed for the wider grooves of 78rpm records.
Does changing VM95 stylus require removing the cartridge?
No. The removable stylus slides into the existing cartridge body, allowing the body to remain mounted to the tonearm.
Does changing stylus mean I never need to check setup?
You should still check the required tracking force for whichever stylus is fitted. Different VM95 stylus types do not necessarily use identical suspension specifications.
Will the AT-VM95E/H fit my turntable?
That depends on the tonearm. The AT-HS6 uses an H-4 / SME-type bayonet fitting for compatible removable-headshell arms. Contact Audio T if you are unsure.
Does the AT-VM95E/H arrive aligned?
The cartridge is factory mounted and tested on the headshell, but final overhang should still be checked for your particular turntable and tonearm.
Where can I read more about the entire VM95 range?
Read our Audio T guide to the AT-VM95 cartridge family, covering cartridge, stylus and headshell options together with the different stylus profiles.
Can Audio T fit the AT-VM95E?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss compatibility, cartridge fitting, alignment, tracking force and future VM95 stylus upgrades.
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-VM95E cartridge, AT-VMN95E replacement stylus or AT-VM95E/H headshell version, or if you would like advice on upgrading your existing VM95 stylus.