Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH takes the brilliantly practical VM95 cartridge platform and puts one of Audio-Technica's most sophisticated stylus options at the end of it.
The key feature is a nude 2.7 x 0.26mil Shibata diamond. Shibata is an advanced line-contact stylus profile designed to make extended contact with the record-groove wall, allowing it to trace fine modulation while spreading contact across a larger vertical area than a conventional conical or elliptical stylus.
Underneath it is the same VM dual magnet cartridge body shared across the entire VM95 family. Output is 3.5mV for a conventional 47k-ohm moving-magnet phono stage, the standard tracking force is 2.0g and threaded M2.6 mounting inserts make installation much less fiddly than many traditional cartridge designs.
The clever part is that you do not necessarily need to buy the whole cartridge. If you already own an AT-VM95C, E, EN or ML, the AT-VMN95SH stylus fits directly onto the existing body. You can therefore make the jump to Shibata without removing and remounting the cartridge.
Audio T offers this page in three forms: the complete AT-VM95SH cartridge, the AT-VMN95SH replacement stylus, or the AT-VM95SH/H with the cartridge pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
Its closest relative is the AT-VM95ML. The ML and SH share virtually all their headline electrical and mechanical specifications, so the choice is largely between two different fine-line stylus geometries: Microlinear or Shibata.
The Shibata profile does deserve careful cartridge alignment, but that is hardly unreasonable when you are fitting the highest-level stereo stylus offered for the VM95 platform.
Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH Shibata Cartridge, Replacement Stylus and Headshell Options
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH is a VM Series dual magnet moving-magnet cartridge fitted with a nude Shibata stylus and aluminium-pipe cantilever.
On this page you can choose exactly which version you need:
AT-VM95SH Cartridge
The complete VM95 cartridge body supplied with the AT-VMN95SH nude Shibata stylus.
Choose this if you need a complete cartridge for an existing headshell or integral tonearm.
AT-VMN95SH Replacement Stylus
The nude Shibata replacement stylus only.
Choose this if you already own any compatible VM95 cartridge body and want to replace or upgrade the stylus.
AT-VM95SH/H Headshell Version
The complete AT-VM95SH 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.
Already Own a VM95?
You probably only need the stylus.
The AT-VMN95SH fits the same electromagnetic cartridge body used throughout the VM95 range.
Which Option Should I Choose?
Need a complete new cartridge? Choose AT-VM95SH.
Already have a VM95 cartridge body? Choose AT-VMN95SH if you want to replace or upgrade the stylus.
Have a compatible removable-headshell tonearm? Choose AT-VM95SH/H if you want the cartridge supplied already mounted to an AT-HS6BK headshell.
If you are unsure which version suits your turntable, contact Audio T before ordering.
Read Our Complete Audio-Technica VM95 Guide
The VM95 family gives you several different stylus profiles and three different ways of buying each version, so we have put together a complete guide explaining the range.
Read: Are All Turntable Cartridges the Same? A Study of the Audio-Technica VM95
Our Audio T guide covers the Conical, Elliptical, Nude Elliptical, Microlinear, Shibata and 78rpm SP models, as well as explaining whether you need a replacement stylus, complete cartridge or pre-mounted headshell combination.
Nude Shibata Stylus
The defining feature of the AT-VM95SH is its:
Nude 2.7 x 0.26mil Shibata diamond.
Shibata is an advanced line-contact stylus profile originally developed to trace the extremely high-frequency groove information required by discrete quadraphonic records.
Today, the same principle is used for high-quality stereo reproduction.
How Does a Shibata Stylus Contact the Groove?
Rather than using a comparatively simple rounded contact area, the Shibata profile creates a longer vertical area of contact against the groove walls.
This allows the stylus to follow fine groove modulation while distributing contact over a larger area.
When correctly aligned, the benefits can include:
- Detailed groove tracing
- Strong high-frequency performance
- Extended groove-wall contact
- Reduced tracing distortion
- Good inner-groove performance
- Low record wear when correctly set up
Shibata Alignment Matters
The extended contact geometry also means the orientation of the stylus within the groove deserves careful attention.
Correct cartridge setup can involve:
- Overhang
- Offset angle
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Azimuth where adjustable
- Tonearm height where adjustable
Do Not Align a Shibata Cartridge by Eye Alone
A cartridge can look straight in the headshell while still being incorrectly positioned for the tonearm's intended geometry.
Use the alignment method specified for your turntable or tonearm, or an appropriate cartridge-alignment protractor.
What Does Nude Mean?
The AT-VMN95SH uses a nude diamond.
The diamond itself forms both the stylus tip and supporting shank rather than using a smaller diamond tip bonded to a separate supporting material.
This removes unnecessary material from the moving assembly and reduces mass at the end of the cantilever.
Nude Square-Shank Construction
The Shibata diamond uses a square shank.
The defined sides provide a precise manufacturing reference when orienting the complex stylus profile in relation to the cantilever.
Aluminium-Pipe Cantilever
The nude Shibata diamond is mounted to an aluminium-pipe cantilever.
The cantilever transfers movement from the stylus into the electromagnetic generator as the diamond traces modulation within the record groove.
Approximately 800-Hour Stylus-Life Guide
Audio-Technica currently gives approximately:
800 hours
as its general stylus-life guide for the Shibata VM95 stylus.
For comparison, Audio-Technica's current general guidance is approximately:
- Conical: 500 hours
- Elliptical: 300 hours
- Microlinear: 1,000 hours
- Shibata: 800 hours
Actual life depends on record condition, cleanliness, correct tracking force, cartridge alignment and handling.
Stylus-Life Figures Are Maintenance Guides
A stylus does not suddenly stop working at a precise number of hours.
The manufacturer's figure is best regarded as a useful guide for maintenance and replacement planning.
VM Dual Magnet Generator
The AT-VM95SH uses Audio-Technica's VM dual magnet architecture.
Two magnets are positioned to correspond with the left and right walls of a stereo record groove, following the V-shaped geometry associated with the stereo cutter head.
This same electromagnetic engine body is shared by every model in the VM95 family.
3.5mV Output
Audio-Technica specifies:
3.5mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
This is a conventional moving-magnet output level and is intended for standard MM phono amplification.
47k-Ohm Loading
The recommended load impedance is:
47,000 ohms.
This is the standard input resistance found on the majority of moving-magnet phono stages.
Use the Moving-Magnet Setting
If your phono stage provides selectable MM and MC modes, use MM for the AT-VM95SH.
A conventional low-output moving-coil input will normally provide excessive gain and inappropriate electrical loading.
100–200pF Recommended Capacitance
Audio-Technica specifies total load capacitance of:
100–200pF.
The total capacitance seen by the cartridge can include:
- Tonearm wiring
- Turntable phono cable
- Interconnects where applicable
- Phono-stage input capacitance
Not every moving-magnet phono stage provides adjustable capacitance, but where adjustment is available, Audio-Technica's recommended range provides a useful target.
T.P. Copper Coils
The VM95 generator uses T.P. copper coil wire.
Audio-Technica's dual magnet generator allows the same cartridge body to support the complete VM95 replacement stylus family.
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 figures describe the internal generator and should not be confused with the external 47k-ohm load provided by the phono stage.
20Hz to 25kHz Frequency Response
Audio-Technica specifies:
20Hz–25kHz.
This is the same headline frequency-response specification as the AT-VM95ML.
23dB Channel Separation
Channel separation is specified at:
23dB at 1kHz.
This is higher than the C, E and EN versions lower down the VM95 family.
1.5dB Output Balance
Audio-Technica specifies:
1.5dB at 1kHz.
Close left-to-right output matching helps maintain stable stereo positioning.
1.8–2.2g Tracking Force
Audio-Technica specifies a tracking-force range of:
1.8–2.2g.
The standard setting is:
2.0g.
Tracking Too Lightly Is Not Safer
Reducing tracking force below the recommended range does not automatically reduce record wear.
Insufficient tracking force can cause the Shibata stylus to mistrack and lose stable contact with the groove.
Use an Accurate Stylus-Force Gauge
Set the tonearm according to its manufacturer's instructions and verify the final 2.0g tracking force with an accurate stylus-force gauge where possible.
23-Degree Vertical Tracking Angle
Audio-Technica specifies:
23 degrees.
Where your tonearm provides height adjustment, vertical setup can be considered after overhang, offset angle and tracking force are correctly established.
Static and Dynamic Compliance
The AT-VM95SH is specified at:
- Static compliance: 20 x 10-6cm/dyne
- Dynamic compliance: 10 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz
These figures are identical to the AT-VM95ML.
VM95 Styli Do Not All Have the Same Compliance
All six VM95 replacement styli fit the same body, but their suspension specifications are not identical.
Always check the tracking-force and compliance figures of the stylus actually fitted.
6.1g Cartridge Weight
The bare AT-VM95SH cartridge weighs:
6.1g.
This is the same cartridge-body weight used throughout the standard stereo VM95 family.
M2.6 Threaded Mounting
Two threaded M2.6 mounting inserts are integrated into the cartridge body.
The AT-VM95SH can therefore be mounted to a conventional half-inch headshell or compatible integral tonearm using just two screws.
No Tiny Cartridge Nuts
The threaded design provides several practical benefits:
- No separate mounting nuts
- Easier physical installation
- Simpler alignment adjustment
- Reduced risk of dropped hardware
- Secure cartridge-to-headshell coupling
The complete cartridge is supplied with pairs of 8mm and 11mm M2.6 screws, two washers and a non-magnetic screwdriver.
AT-VM95SH/H Pre-Mounted Headshell Option
This page also offers the:
AT-VM95SH/H.
This combines the complete AT-VM95SH cartridge with Audio-Technica's AT-HS6BK headshell.
The cartridge and headshell assembly is put together and tested at Audio-Technica's factory in Fukui, Japan.
15.5g Complete Headshell Assembly
The complete AT-VM95SH/H weighs:
15.5g.
Its overall dimensions are:
21.2mm H x 21.4mm W x 62.4mm D.
Check Headshell Compatibility Before Ordering
The AT-HS6 uses an H-4 / SME-type bayonet connection intended for compatible removable-headshell tonearms.
The fact that a headshell physically connects to a tonearm does not automatically mean its geometry, mass and cartridge position are correct for every turntable.
Contact Audio T if you are unsure whether the AT-VM95SH/H suits your tonearm.
Does Pre-Mounted Mean Pre-Aligned?
Not necessarily for your particular turntable.
Audio-Technica mounts and tests the cartridge on the AT-HS6BK headshell, but different tonearms can require different cartridge overhang.
After fitting the headshell, check:
- Overhang
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Counterweight adjustment
- Tonearm height where applicable
AT-VMN95SH Replacement Stylus
If you already own a VM95 cartridge body, you can choose the:
AT-VMN95SH.
This is the complete nude Shibata replacement stylus assembly.
It slides directly into the front of your existing VM95 cartridge body, allowing the cartridge itself to remain mounted on the tonearm.
Upgrade an Existing VM95 to Shibata
The AT-VMN95SH fits every standard VM95 cartridge body.
That includes:
- AT-VM95C
- AT-VM95E
- AT-VM95EN
- AT-VM95ML
- AT-VM95SH
- AT-VM95SP
You May Only Need the Stylus
If you already own a correctly mounted and working VM95 cartridge, there is no need to buy another body simply to move to Shibata.
Select the AT-VMN95SH replacement stylus and fit it to the body you already have.
The Complete VM95 Interchangeable Stylus System
All six VM95 cartridges share 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 makes it possible to change the performance and intended application of the cartridge without replacing the electromagnetic body.
AT-VM95SH or AT-VM95ML?
AT-VM95ML
- Nude Microlinear stylus
- 2.2 x 0.12mil profile
- Nude square shank
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- 3.5mV output
- 20Hz–25kHz response
- 23dB channel separation
- 1.5dB output balance
- 10 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- Approximately 1,000-hour stylus-life guide
AT-VM95SH
- Nude Shibata stylus
- 2.7 x 0.26mil profile
- Nude square shank
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- 3.5mV output
- 20Hz–25kHz response
- 23dB channel separation
- 1.5dB output balance
- 10 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- Approximately 800-hour stylus-life guide
The two cartridges are extremely closely related.
Their output, generator, cantilever, loading, frequency response, channel separation, output balance, tracking force and compliance specifications are effectively the same.
The main difference is the shape of the diamond touching the record.
Compare the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML at Audio T.
Microlinear or Shibata?
Microlinear
- 2.2 x 0.12mil profile
- Very narrow tracing radius
- Extended groove-wall contact
- Particularly strong inner-groove performance
- Approximately 1,000-hour life guide
Shibata
- 2.7 x 0.26mil profile
- Extended line-contact shape
- Originally developed for high-frequency quadraphonic information
- Excellent high-frequency tracing potential
- Approximately 800-hour life guide
Neither profile is automatically better for every listener.
The useful thing about the VM95 system is that you can try either profile using the same cartridge body.
AT-VM95SH or AT-VM95EN?
AT-VM95EN
- Nude Elliptical stylus
- 0.3 x 0.7mil profile
- 3.5mV output
- 20Hz–23kHz response
- 22dB channel separation
- 2.0dB output balance
- 7 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- Approximately 300-hour elliptical stylus-life guide
AT-VM95SH
- Nude Shibata stylus
- 2.7 x 0.26mil profile
- 3.5mV output
- 20Hz–25kHz response
- 23dB channel separation
- 1.5dB output balance
- 10 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- Approximately 800-hour Shibata stylus-life guide
The SH is a substantially more sophisticated groove-reading system than the EN.
It moves from a conventional elliptical contact profile to Shibata line-contact geometry and uses a higher-compliance suspension.
Compare the Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN at Audio T.
The Complete VM95 Stylus Progression
AT-VM95E
Bonded Elliptical
AT-VM95EN
Nude Elliptical
AT-VM95ML
Nude Microlinear
AT-VM95SP
3mil Conical for 78rpm
What About AT-VM95SP?
The AT-VMN95SP also fits the same cartridge body, but it is designed for a completely different type of record.
Its:
3mil conical stylus
is intended for the considerably wider grooves found on 78rpm records.
The SP Stylus Is Not an LP Upgrade
Use the C, E, EN, ML or SH styli for conventional LP and 45rpm record playback.
The AT-VMN95SP is specifically intended for 78rpm grooves.
Explore the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP at Audio T.
Do I Need to Re-Align After Fitting the SH Stylus?
If the VM95 cartridge body is already correctly mounted and aligned, changing to the genuine AT-VMN95SH does not normally require removing the cartridge.
The body remains in exactly the same position.
However, the finer Shibata contact profile makes it worthwhile checking that the original alignment is genuinely accurate.
Upgrading From an E or EN?
You do not deliberately change cartridge overhang simply because the Shibata stylus has been fitted.
But if the original cartridge was only roughly aligned, moving to the SH is a very good reason to correct it properly.
Can I Keep Several VM95 Styli?
Yes.
You could keep several stylus assemblies and use the same cartridge body for different records or purposes.
For example:
- AT-VMN95SH for main stereo LP playback
- AT-VMN95C as an inexpensive spare
- AT-VMN95SP for 78rpm records
VM95 and XP Series Compatibility
Audio-Technica confirms that VM95 bodies and XP Series replacement styli are mechanically interchangeable.
However, the two cartridge families are designed for different applications.
The XP Series is intended primarily for professional DJ use and provides different generator output and stylus suspension characteristics.
Check Tracking Force When Mixing VM95 and XP Parts
Standard VM95 stereo styli generally operate around 2g.
XP Series DJ styli typically operate at approximately 3g and are optimised for more intensive cueing and back-cueing use.
A Moving-Magnet Phono Stage Is Required
The normal signal path is:
Turntable ? MM phono stage ? amplifier line input.
If your amplifier already has a suitable moving-magnet phono input, an external phono stage is not necessarily required.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Professional Cartridge Fitting
Correct AT-VM95SH installation can involve:
- Checking turntable and tonearm compatibility
- Selecting appropriate M2.6 mounting screws
- Connecting cartridge leads correctly
- Setting overhang precisely
- Setting offset angle precisely
- Setting 2.0g tracking force
- Setting bias or anti-skate
- Checking azimuth where adjustable
- 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-VM95SH For?
Well Suited To
- Customers wanting the Shibata option in the VM95 family
- Customers upgrading from VM95C, E or EN
- Customers wanting an advanced line-contact stylus
- Good-quality affordable and mid-range turntables
- Systems with conventional MM phono stages
- Turntables allowing accurate cartridge alignment
- Customers wanting an interchangeable stylus system
- Customers considering Microlinear versus Shibata
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
- Shibata stylus rewards precise alignment
- Headshell version requires compatible tonearm geometry
- Approximately 800-hour stylus-life guide
Key Features
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH
- Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SH
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH/H
- VM Series dual magnet design
- Nude Shibata stylus
- 2.7 x 0.26mil stylus profile
- Nude square-shank diamond
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- Extended line-contact geometry
- 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–25kHz frequency response
- 23dB channel separation
- 1.5dB output balance
- 23-degree vertical tracking angle
- 20 x 10-6cm/dyne static compliance
- 10 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 800-hour Shibata stylus-life guide
- Headshell version assembled and tested in Fukui, Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
What options can I buy on this page?
You can choose the complete AT-VM95SH cartridge, the AT-VMN95SH replacement stylus or the AT-VM95SH/H cartridge pre-mounted to an AT-HS6BK headshell.
What is the difference between AT-VM95SH and AT-VMN95SH?
AT-VM95SH is the complete cartridge body and Shibata stylus. AT-VMN95SH is the replacement Shibata stylus assembly only.
What does AT-VM95SH/H mean?
It is the complete AT-VM95SH cartridge supplied pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
What stylus does the AT-VM95SH use?
A nude 2.7 x 0.26mil Shibata diamond with a square shank.
What is a Shibata stylus?
Shibata is an advanced line-contact stylus profile originally developed to trace the high-frequency groove information used by discrete quadraphonic records and now widely used for high-quality stereo playback.
What does nude stylus mean?
The diamond itself forms both the stylus tip and supporting shank rather than using a small diamond tip bonded to another material.
What is the cantilever made from?
An aluminium pipe.
Is the AT-VM95SH moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a VM dual magnet moving-magnet cartridge.
What output does it produce?
3.5mV 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 25kHz.
What is the channel separation?
23dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
1.5dB 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?
10 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz.
How much does the bare cartridge weigh?
The AT-VM95SH weighs 6.1g.
How much does the headshell version weigh?
The complete AT-VM95SH/H cartridge and headshell assembly weighs 15.5g.
How long does the Shibata stylus last?
Audio-Technica gives approximately 800 hours as its current general guide for a VM95 Shibata stylus. Actual life depends on record condition, cleanliness, setup and use.
Does the cartridge require mounting nuts?
No. The VM95 body has integrated M2.6 threaded inserts.
Can I fit AT-VMN95SH to an AT-VM95E?
Yes. All six standard VM95 replacement styli fit the same electromagnetic cartridge body.
Can I fit the Shibata stylus to an AT-VM95C?
Yes. The AT-VMN95SH is mechanically compatible with the same VM95 body used by the C model.
Can I upgrade directly from AT-VM95EN to Shibata?
Yes. Simply replace the existing stylus with AT-VMN95SH while retaining the cartridge body.
Do I need to re-align after changing the stylus?
You do not normally need to remove or deliberately reposition the cartridge body when changing genuine VM95 styli. However, Shibata geometry rewards accurate alignment, so it is worth verifying that the original setup is correct.
What is the difference between AT-VM95SH and AT-VM95ML?
They share virtually all their headline electrical and mechanical specifications. The main difference is stylus geometry: Shibata on the SH and Microlinear on the ML.
Which stylus lasts longer, ML or SH?
Audio-Technica currently gives approximately 1,000 hours for Microlinear and approximately 800 hours for Shibata.
Is Shibata better than Microlinear?
They are different advanced line-contact profiles rather than a simple better-or-worse hierarchy. Both can provide excellent groove tracing when correctly aligned.
Can I use the same cartridge body for 78rpm records?
Yes. Fit an AT-VMN95SP 3mil conical stylus specifically designed for 78rpm grooves.
Will the AT-VM95SH/H fit my turntable?
That depends on the tonearm. The AT-HS6BK uses an H-4 / SME-type bayonet fitting intended for compatible removable-headshell arms. Contact Audio T if you are unsure.
Does AT-VM95SH/H arrive aligned for my turntable?
The cartridge is mounted and tested on the headshell by Audio-Technica, but final overhang, tracking force and tonearm setup should still be checked for your particular turntable.
Where can I learn more about the complete VM95 range?
Read our Audio T guide to the Audio-Technica VM95 family, covering the stylus profiles, cartridge options, replacement styli and headshell combinations.
Can Audio T fit and align the AT-VM95SH?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss turntable compatibility, professional cartridge fitting, Shibata alignment, tracking force and 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
- Shibata alignment advice
- Microlinear versus Shibata 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-VM95SH cartridge, AT-VMN95SH replacement stylus or AT-VM95SH/H headshell version, or if you would like advice on upgrading an existing VM95 cartridge to Shibata.