Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN is the point in the VM95 range where the upgrade becomes more about reducing moving mass than simply changing the shape of the stylus.
It uses the same 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical profile as the more affordable AT-VM95E, but instead of bonding a small diamond tip to a supporting shank, the EN uses a nude one-piece diamond inserted directly into the aluminium-pipe cantilever.
That may sound like a fairly small engineering change, but it removes additional material from the moving end of the cartridge. Audio-Technica describes the result as a lighter and more rigid transmission system, helping the stylus respond more readily to changes within the record groove.
The EN also retains everything that makes the wider VM95 platform so useful. The cartridge uses standard 47k-ohm moving-magnet loading, tracks at a straightforward 2.0g, has threaded M2.6 mounting inserts and accepts every genuine VM95 replacement stylus.
That last point is particularly important. The complete AT-VM95EN is not a dead-end purchase. When the stylus eventually wears out, you can simply fit another AT-VMN95EN or change the character of the cartridge by moving to the Microlinear ML or Shibata SH stylus.
Audio T also offers three different purchase routes on this page: the complete AT-VM95EN cartridge, the AT-VMN95EN replacement stylus, or the AT-VM95EN/H with the cartridge pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
If you already like the balance and straightforward setup of an elliptical stylus but want to move beyond the bonded construction of the VM95E, the EN is the logical next step.
Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN Nude Elliptical Cartridge, Replacement Stylus and Headshell Options
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN is a VM Series dual magnet moving-magnet cartridge fitted with a nude 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical diamond and aluminium-pipe cantilever.
On this page you can choose the version that suits what you actually need:
AT-VM95EN Cartridge
The complete VM95 cartridge body supplied with the AT-VMN95EN nude elliptical stylus.
Choose this when fitting a complete new cartridge to an existing headshell or integral tonearm.
AT-VMN95EN Replacement Stylus
The nude 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical replacement stylus only.
Choose this if you already own a compatible VM95 cartridge body and simply need the EN stylus assembly.
AT-VM95EN/H Headshell Version
The complete AT-VM95EN cartridge pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
Choose this for a compatible removable-headshell tonearm where the AT-HS6 geometry is appropriate.
Upgrade Again Later
The cartridge body accepts every genuine VM95 replacement stylus.
Move from Nude Elliptical to Microlinear or Shibata later without replacing the cartridge body.
Which Option Should I Choose?
Need a complete new cartridge? Choose AT-VM95EN.
Already have an AT-VM95 cartridge body? Choose AT-VMN95EN if you want the nude elliptical stylus only.
Have a compatible removable-headshell tonearm? Choose AT-VM95EN/H if you want the cartridge supplied already mounted to an AT-HS6BK headshell.
If you are unsure which version is right for your turntable, contact Audio T before ordering.
Read Our Complete Audio-Technica VM95 Guide
The interchangeable VM95 range gives you plenty of choice, but that can also make deciding between Conical, Elliptical, Nude Elliptical, Microlinear and Shibata slightly confusing.
Read: Are All Turntable Cartridges the Same? A Study of the Audio-Technica VM95
Our Audio T guide explains the cartridge family, different stylus profiles and whether you need a complete cartridge, replacement stylus or pre-mounted headshell version.
Nude Elliptical Stylus
The defining feature of the AT-VM95EN is its:
0.3 x 0.7mil nude elliptical diamond.
Elliptical geometry uses different front-to-back and side-to-side radii, allowing the diamond to follow smaller groove modulation than a basic conical stylus.
The EN then improves upon the standard VM95E by changing the construction of the diamond itself.
What Does Nude Mean?
A nude stylus uses a one-piece diamond where the diamond itself forms both the stylus tip and the shank inserted into the cantilever.
This differs from a bonded design, where a smaller diamond tip is attached to a separate supporting shank.
Why Does Nude Construction Matter?
Removing the additional supporting material can reduce mass at the end of the cantilever.
The stylus and cantilever must constantly accelerate, stop and change direction as they follow microscopic modulation within the record groove.
A lighter moving assembly can therefore respond more readily to those changes.
Same Elliptical Shape, Different Construction
The AT-VM95E and AT-VM95EN both use a 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical profile.
The important difference is that the E uses a bonded diamond while the EN uses a nude one-piece diamond.
AT-VM95EN or AT-VM95E?
AT-VM95E
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical
- Bonded diamond
- Round shank
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- 4.0mV output
- 20Hz–22kHz response
- 20dB channel separation
- 2.0dB output balance
- 17 x 10-6cm/dyne static compliance
- 7 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- 2.0g standard tracking force
AT-VM95EN
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical
- Nude one-piece diamond
- Round shank
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- 3.5mV output
- 20Hz–23kHz response
- 22dB channel separation
- 2.0dB output balance
- 20 x 10-6cm/dyne static compliance
- 7 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- 2.0g standard tracking force
The two cartridges share their basic stylus geometry and aluminium cantilever, so the step from E to EN is not about moving to a more complicated line-contact shape.
The EN instead reduces stylus assembly mass through the one-piece nude diamond while also providing slightly wider stated frequency response and greater channel separation.
Compare the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E at Audio T.
Why Choose Elliptical?
An elliptical stylus provides a useful balance between performance and relatively straightforward setup.
Compared with a conical stylus, elliptical geometry can provide:
- More precise groove tracing
- Improved high-frequency retrieval
- Reduced tracing distortion
- Improved inner-groove performance
- Greater retrieval of fine groove information
At the same time, elliptical remains somewhat less demanding to align than the more advanced Microlinear and Shibata profiles further up the VM95 family.
Aluminium-Pipe Cantilever
The nude elliptical diamond is mounted to an aluminium-pipe cantilever.
The cantilever transfers movement of the stylus into the electromagnetic cartridge generator as the diamond follows modulation within the record groove.
VM Dual Magnet Generator
The AT-VM95EN uses Audio-Technica's VM dual magnet architecture.
Two magnets are positioned to correspond with the left and right sides of a stereo record groove, reflecting the V-shaped arrangement used by a stereo cutter head.
This allows the cartridge to generate the two stereo channels from modulation on the corresponding groove walls.
3.5mV Output
The AT-VM95EN produces:
3.5mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
This is a conventional moving-magnet output and is suitable for standard MM phono amplification.
Note the Output Difference
The AT-VM95EN is specified at 3.5mV, rather than the 4.0mV output of the AT-VM95C and AT-VM95E.
This is completely normal and remains well within conventional moving-magnet territory.
Use a Moving-Magnet Phono Input
The AT-VM95EN is designed for a conventional MM phono stage.
Audio-Technica specifies a load impedance of:
47,000 ohms.
Do Not Use a Low-Output MC Setting
If your phono stage provides selectable MM and MC modes, choose MM.
A conventional low-output MC input will normally provide excessive gain and inappropriate loading for the AT-VM95EN.
100–200pF Recommended Capacitance
Audio-Technica specifies:
100–200pF total load capacitance.
The total seen by the cartridge can include:
- Tonearm internal wiring
- Turntable phono cable
- Additional interconnects where used
- Phono-stage input capacitance
Not every MM phono stage provides adjustable capacitance, but where it does, the manufacturer's stated range provides a useful target.
3.3k-Ohm Coil Impedance
The internal generator is specified at:
3.3k ohms at 1kHz.
DC resistance is:
485 ohms.
Coil inductance is:
550mH at 1kHz.
These are characteristics of the internal cartridge generator and should not be confused with the external 47k-ohm phono-stage load.
20Hz to 23kHz Frequency Response
Audio-Technica specifies:
20Hz–23kHz.
This extends slightly beyond the 22kHz upper figure of the bonded elliptical AT-VM95E.
22dB Channel Separation
Channel separation is specified at:
22dB at 1kHz.
This is another step up from the 20dB specification of the VM95E.
2.0dB Output Balance
Audio-Technica specifies:
2.0dB at 1kHz.
1.8–2.2g Tracking Force
The recommended operating range is:
1.8–2.2g.
Audio-Technica gives:
2.0g as the standard setting.
Do Not Deliberately Track Too Lightly
Reducing tracking force below the recommended range does not automatically reduce record wear.
Insufficient force can allow the stylus to mistrack and lose stable contact with the groove.
Use an Accurate Stylus-Force Gauge
Balance and set your tonearm according to its manufacturer's procedure, then verify the final tracking force with an accurate stylus-force gauge where possible.
23-Degree Vertical Tracking Angle
Audio-Technica specifies a:
23-degree vertical tracking angle.
Where tonearm height can be adjusted, basic vertical geometry can be checked once overhang, alignment and tracking force are correct.
Static and Dynamic Compliance
The AT-VM95EN is specified at:
- Static compliance: 20 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 bare AT-VM95EN weighs:
6.1g.
This is within the cartridge-weight range supported by a large number of conventional hi-fi tonearms.
M2.6 Threaded Mounting
The VM95 cartridge body incorporates two threaded M2.6 mounting inserts.
This allows the cartridge to screw directly to a conventional half-inch headshell or compatible integral tonearm without separate nuts.
No Tiny Cartridge Nuts
The threaded design provides several practical benefits:
- Easier physical installation
- No separate mounting nuts
- Simpler cartridge-alignment adjustments
- Secure mechanical coupling
- Reduced risk of dropping hardware near the stylus
The complete cartridge is supplied with pairs of 8mm and 11mm M2.6 screws, two washers and a non-magnetic screwdriver.
AT-VM95EN/H Pre-Mounted Headshell Option
This page also offers the:
AT-VM95EN/H.
This combines the AT-VM95EN cartridge with Audio-Technica's AT-HS6BK aluminium headshell.
The assembly is mounted and tested at Audio-Technica's Fukui factory in Japan.
15.5g Complete Headshell Assembly
The complete AT-VM95EN/H combination weighs:
15.5g.
Its overall dimensions are:
21.2mm H x 21.4mm W x 62.4mm D.
Check Headshell Compatibility
The AT-HS6 uses an H-4 / SME-type bayonet connector intended for compatible removable-headshell tonearms.
Physical connection alone does not guarantee correct cartridge geometry or counterweight adjustment for every turntable.
If you are unsure whether the AT-VM95EN/H suits your tonearm, contact Audio T before ordering.
Why Choose the Headshell Version?
The pre-mounted option can be useful if:
- Your tonearm uses a compatible removable headshell
- You want the cartridge already mounted to a headshell
- You regularly change cartridges
- You keep different cartridge or stylus setups for different records
- You want to reduce the amount of initial cartridge mounting required
Does Pre-Mounted Mean Pre-Aligned?
Not necessarily for your turntable.
Audio-Technica mounts and tests the cartridge on the AT-HS6BK headshell, but different turntable and tonearm designs can require different overhang settings.
After installation, check:
- Overhang
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Counterweight adjustment
- Tonearm height where applicable
AT-VMN95EN Replacement Stylus
If you already own an AT-VM95 cartridge body, you may only need the:
AT-VMN95EN.
This is the complete nude elliptical replacement stylus assembly.
It slides into the front of the existing VM95 cartridge body, allowing the cartridge itself to remain mounted and aligned.
Can I Fit the EN Stylus to an AT-VM95E?
Yes.
All six standard VM95 styli use the same electromagnetic engine body.
If you currently own an AT-VM95C or AT-VM95E, fitting an AT-VMN95EN is therefore a straightforward stylus upgrade rather than requiring a completely new cartridge.
An Easy Upgrade From VM95E
Leave your existing VM95 cartridge body mounted and aligned.
Remove the bonded AT-VMN95E stylus and fit the nude AT-VMN95EN assembly in its place.
How Long Does the Nude Elliptical Stylus Last?
Audio-Technica gives approximately:
300 hours
as its general guide for VM95 elliptical styli.
Actual stylus life depends on record cleanliness, correct tracking force, handling and playback conditions.
The Complete VM95 Interchangeable Stylus System
All six standard VM95 models use the same electromagnetic cartridge 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 gives the VM95 family one of the most flexible stylus upgrade paths available.
AT-VM95EN to AT-VM95ML
The Microlinear VMN95ML changes much more than simply moving from one elliptical construction to another.
Microlinear is a fine-line contact profile designed to trace very small groove modulation while maintaining extended contact with the groove wall.
For an existing EN owner, fitting the ML stylus provides a substantial groove-reading upgrade while retaining the same cartridge body.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML at Audio T.
AT-VM95EN to AT-VM95SH
The AT-VMN95SH uses a nude Shibata line-contact profile.
Shibata makes extended contact with the groove wall and provides another high-performance stylus option for the same VM95 cartridge body.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH at Audio T.
What About AT-VM95SP?
The AT-VMN95SP also fits the same body but is designed specifically for 78rpm records.
It uses a:
3mil bonded conical stylus.
The SP Stylus Is for 78rpm Records
The 3mil tip is substantially larger than a conventional LP stylus because it is designed for the wider grooves found on 78rpm records.
Use C, E, EN, ML or SH for conventional LP and 45rpm 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
Do I Need to Re-Align After Changing VM95 Stylus?
When changing between genuine VM95 replacement styli, the cartridge body remains mounted in the same position.
You therefore do not normally need to remove and remount the complete cartridge simply because the stylus assembly has changed.
You should, however, check the tracking-force requirement for whichever stylus you fit.
Can I Keep Several VM95 Styli?
Yes.
One VM95 body can be used with different replacement styli for different purposes.
You might, for example, use the EN for everyday listening, keep an ML as a higher-performance option and use an SP for a collection of 78rpm records.
VM95 and XP Stylus Compatibility
Audio-Technica also confirms physical compatibility between VM95 cartridge bodies and XP Series replacement styli.
However, the XP Series is designed primarily for professional DJ applications and uses different generator output and suspension characteristics.
Compatible Does Not Mean Identical
XP Series styli typically operate at around 3g rather than the approximately 2g used by standard VM95 stereo styli.
Always set the tracking force appropriate to 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 MM phono input, an external phono stage is not necessarily required.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Professional Cartridge Fitting
Correct AT-VM95EN installation can involve:
- Checking turntable and tonearm compatibility
- Selecting appropriate M2.6 mounting screws
- Connecting the four cartridge leads correctly
- Setting overhang
- Setting offset angle
- Setting the standard 2.0g tracking force
- Setting bias or anti-skate
- Checking tonearm height where adjustable
- Checking moving-magnet phono-stage compatibility
If you are not comfortable carrying out these adjustments yourself, speak to your local Audio T store about cartridge fitting and setup.
Who Is the Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN For?
Well Suited To
- Customers upgrading from AT-VM95E
- Customers wanting a nude stylus without moving to a fine-line profile
- Quality affordable and mid-range turntables
- Systems with conventional MM phono stages
- Customers who prefer elliptical stylus geometry
- Customers wanting a future Microlinear or Shibata upgrade path
- Turntables with fixed or removable headshells
- Customers who value easy threaded mounting
Check Before Buying
- Choose cartridge, replacement stylus or headshell version
- 3.5mV moving-magnet output
- 47k-ohm load impedance
- 100–200pF recommended capacitance
- 6.1g cartridge weight
- 15.5g headshell combination weight
- 2.0g standard tracking force
- Headshell version requires compatible tonearm geometry
- Elliptical stylus life is approximately 300 hours as a general guide
Key Features
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN
- Audio-Technica AT-VMN95EN
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN/H
- VM Series dual magnet design
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- Nude one-piece diamond
- Nude round shank
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- Interchangeable VM95 stylus system
- Compatible with all six VM95 styli
- 3.5mV output
- 47k-ohm load impedance
- 100–200pF recommended capacitance
- 3.3k-ohm coil impedance
- 485-ohm DC resistance
- 550mH coil inductance
- 20Hz–23kHz frequency response
- 22dB channel separation
- 2.0dB output balance
- 23-degree vertical tracking angle
- 20 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
- Approximately 300-hour elliptical stylus-life guide
- Factory assembled headshell version in Fukui, Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
What options can I buy on this page?
You can choose the complete AT-VM95EN cartridge, the AT-VMN95EN replacement stylus or the AT-VM95EN/H cartridge pre-mounted to an AT-HS6BK headshell.
What is the difference between AT-VM95EN and AT-VMN95EN?
AT-VM95EN is the complete cartridge body and nude elliptical stylus. AT-VMN95EN is the replacement stylus assembly only.
What does AT-VM95EN/H mean?
It is the complete AT-VM95EN cartridge pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
What stylus does the AT-VM95EN use?
A nude 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical diamond with a round shank.
What does nude elliptical mean?
The stylus uses a one-piece diamond rather than a small diamond tip bonded to a separate supporting shank.
What is the difference between VM95E and VM95EN?
Both use the same 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical geometry. The E uses a bonded diamond while the EN uses a nude one-piece diamond, reducing moving mass at the end of the cantilever.
What is the cantilever made from?
An aluminium pipe.
Is the AT-VM95EN moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a VM dual magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
What output does the AT-VM95EN produce?
3.5mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
Why is the output lower than the AT-VM95E?
Audio-Technica specifies 3.5mV for the EN configuration and 4.0mV for the E. Both remain conventional moving-magnet output levels.
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 23kHz.
What is the channel separation?
22dB 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 static compliance?
20 x 10-6cm/dyne.
What is the dynamic compliance?
7 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz.
How much does the cartridge weigh?
The bare AT-VM95EN weighs 6.1g.
How much does the AT-VM95EN/H weigh?
The complete cartridge and headshell combination weighs 15.5g.
Does the cartridge require mounting nuts?
No. The VM95 body has integrated M2.6 threaded inserts.
Can I fit AT-VMN95EN to an AT-VM95E cartridge?
Yes. All six genuine VM95 replacement styli fit the same cartridge body.
Can I fit AT-VMN95EN to an AT-VM95C?
Yes. The C, E, EN, ML, SH and SP replacement styli all share the same VM95 electromagnetic body.
Can I upgrade from EN to Microlinear?
Yes. Fit an AT-VMN95ML replacement stylus to the existing VM95 cartridge body.
Can I upgrade from EN to Shibata?
Yes. Fit an AT-VMN95SH replacement stylus.
Can I use the same cartridge body for 78rpm records?
Yes. Fit an AT-VMN95SP 3mil conical stylus specifically designed for 78rpm record grooves.
How long does the nude elliptical stylus last?
Audio-Technica gives approximately 300 hours as its general guide for VM95 elliptical styli. Actual life varies with record condition, cleanliness, setup and use.
Does changing the VM95 stylus require cartridge re-alignment?
The cartridge body normally stays mounted in the same aligned position, although tracking force should always be checked for the stylus you fit.
Will the AT-VM95EN/H fit my turntable?
That depends on the tonearm. The AT-HS6BK uses an H-4 / SME-type bayonet connection intended for compatible removable-headshell arms. Contact Audio T if you are unsure.
Does the AT-VM95EN/H arrive aligned for my turntable?
The cartridge is mounted and tested on the headshell by Audio-Technica, but final overhang and tonearm setup should still be checked for your particular turntable.
Where can I learn more about all the VM95 options?
Read our Audio T guide to the Audio-Technica VM95 family, covering cartridges, replacement styli, headshell versions and the different stylus profiles.
Can Audio T fit the AT-VM95EN?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss turntable 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-VM95EN cartridge, AT-VMN95EN replacement stylus or AT-VM95EN/H headshell version, or if you would like advice on the best VM95 stylus upgrade for your turntable.