Audio T Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP is the odd one out in the VM95 family, and deliberately so. Rather than providing another upgrade path for conventional LP playback, it turns the same wonderfully adaptable cartridge body into a dedicated solution for 78rpm records.
The important part is the stylus. Older 78rpm SP records have much wider grooves than conventional LPs, so the AT-VM95SP uses a large 3mil bonded conical diamond specifically designed to sit correctly within those grooves.
Trying to play a 78 with a normal LP stylus is not simply a slightly compromised alternative. The much smaller tip can sit too deeply in the groove, where it encounters dirt and debris rather than following the intended groove walls correctly. The result can be excessive noise, poor reproduction and unnecessary wear.
The AT-VM95SP solves that while retaining all the practical advantages of the VM95 platform. The same cartridge body accepts every VM95 stylus, so someone who already owns an AT-VM95C, E, EN, ML or SH may only need the AT-VMN95SP replacement stylus rather than another complete cartridge.
There are some important setup differences, though. The SP stylus tracks substantially heavier than the stereo VM95 range, with Audio-Technica specifying 4.5–5.5g and 5.0g as the standard setting. When you swap back to your normal LP stylus, tracking force and anti-skate need to be reset accordingly.
Output is 2.7mV for a conventional 47k-ohm moving-magnet phono input. Although the cartridge itself uses the stereo VM95 body, 78rpm SP records are normally monaural, so Audio-Technica recommends using the MONO function on your phono stage or amplifier where available to help reduce surface noise.
Audio T offers this page in three forms: the complete AT-VM95SP cartridge, the AT-VMN95SP replacement stylus, or the AT-VM95SP/H with the cartridge pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
If you already use a VM95 cartridge for LPs and your turntable can spin at 78rpm, the replacement stylus option is an especially neat way of adding proper 78rpm playback without building a completely separate analogue front end.
Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP 78rpm Cartridge, Replacement Stylus and Headshell Options
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP is a VM Series dual magnet moving-magnet cartridge specifically configured for playback of 78rpm SP records.
Its bonded 3mil conical diamond is significantly larger than a conventional LP stylus, allowing it to trace the wider grooves used by many historic 78rpm records.
On this page you can choose exactly which version you need:
AT-VM95SP Cartridge
The complete VM95 cartridge body supplied with the AT-VMN95SP 3mil conical stylus.
Choose this when fitting a complete dedicated 78rpm cartridge to an existing headshell or integral tonearm.
AT-VMN95SP Replacement Stylus
The bonded 3mil conical SP replacement stylus only.
Choose this if you already own a compatible VM95 cartridge body and want to add 78rpm playback.
AT-VM95SP/H Headshell Version
The complete AT-VM95SP cartridge pre-mounted to an Audio-Technica AT-HS6BK headshell.
Ideal for a compatible removable-headshell tonearm where you want a separate cartridge assembly ready for your 78rpm collection.
Already Own a VM95?
You may only need the stylus.
The AT-VMN95SP fits the same electromagnetic cartridge body used by the C, E, EN, ML and SH versions.
Which Option Should I Choose?
Want a complete dedicated 78rpm cartridge? Choose AT-VM95SP.
Already have a VM95 cartridge? Choose AT-VMN95SP if you only need the 3mil SP stylus.
Want a separate 78rpm cartridge and headshell assembly? Choose AT-VM95SP/H if your tonearm accepts the AT-HS6BK.
If you are unsure which option suits your turntable, contact Audio T before ordering.
Read Our Complete Audio-Technica VM95 Guide
The VM95 range includes five conventional LP stylus options plus the dedicated SP version for 78rpm records.
Read: Are All Turntable Cartridges the Same? A Study of the Audio-Technica VM95
Our Audio T guide explains the interchangeable VM95 platform, the different stylus shapes and whether you need a complete cartridge, replacement stylus or pre-mounted headshell combination.
Designed for 78rpm SP Records
The AT-VM95SP is designed specifically for the wider grooves found on 78rpm SP records.
Many historic 78rpm records are significantly different from modern microgroove LPs, both in their groove dimensions and the materials from which they were manufactured.
A purpose-designed SP stylus is therefore important for retrieving the recorded information correctly.
3mil Conical SP Stylus
The AT-VMN95SP uses a:
3mil bonded conical diamond.
This is considerably larger than the 0.6mil conical stylus fitted to the standard AT-VM95C.
The larger curvature radius allows the SP stylus to make contact with the appropriate area of the wider 78rpm groove.
Do Not Use a Normal LP Stylus for 78rpm Records
A conventional LP stylus is much smaller than a proper SP stylus.
When used in a wide 78rpm groove, it can sit too low and trace dirt and debris near the bottom of the groove rather than following the groove walls correctly.
Use a stylus specifically designed for SP records.
And Do Not Use the SP Stylus for LPs
The same warning works in reverse.
The large 3mil AT-VMN95SP stylus is not intended for conventional 33? or 45rpm microgroove records.
Change Back Before Playing LPs
When returning to conventional LP or 45rpm playback, refit an appropriate C, E, EN, ML or SH stylus.
You must also reset tracking force and anti-skate for the LP stylus before playing a record.
Your Turntable Must Actually Support 78rpm
Changing the cartridge or stylus does not change the rotational speed of the turntable.
Your turntable must be capable of operating at or around 78rpm before the AT-VM95SP can be used correctly.
A 78rpm Stylus Does Not Add 78rpm Speed
If your turntable only provides 33? and 45rpm speeds, fitting an AT-VMN95SP stylus alone will not make it suitable for 78rpm playback.
Check your turntable's available speeds before purchasing.
Not Every Historic Record Was Exactly 78rpm
The term 78rpm covers records produced over a long period of recording history.
Some historic discs were recorded at speeds slightly above or below the nominal 78rpm standard.
A turntable providing pitch adjustment can therefore be particularly useful for serious historic-record playback and archiving.
5.0g Standard Tracking Force
This is one of the most important specifications on the SP page.
Audio-Technica specifies:
4.5–5.5g tracking force.
The standard setting is:
5.0g.
This is substantially heavier than the approximately 2.0g used by the standard stereo VM95 styli.
Do Not Use the 2g VM95 Setting With the SP Stylus
The AT-VMN95SP suspension is specifically designed to operate around 5g.
Running it at the 2g setting used by the C, E, EN, ML or SH can cause poor tracking and skipping.
Reset Tracking Force When Changing Styli
If you use one VM95 body for both LP and 78rpm playback, changing the stylus is only part of the process.
For example:
- Fit AT-VMN95SP for 78rpm playback and set approximately 5.0g
- Refit your normal LP stylus before playing LPs
- Reset tracking force to the specification for that LP stylus
- Reset bias or anti-skate accordingly
Never Leave 5g Set When Returning to an LP Stylus
Standard VM95 stereo styli are not intended to operate at the SP cartridge's 5g tracking force.
Always reset the tonearm before returning to conventional records.
Bias and Anti-Skate
Audio-Technica recommends corresponding anti-skate when using the SP stylus at approximately 5g.
If the anti-skate control does not extend to 5, Audio-Technica advises using the maximum setting available.
When returning to your conventional LP stylus, reset anti-skate along with tracking force.
Use an Accurate Stylus-Force Gauge
Because the SP setting is significantly heavier than a normal hi-fi cartridge, verifying the actual force using an accurate stylus-force gauge is particularly worthwhile.
Stereo Cartridge Body for Mono Records
The AT-VM95SP uses the same VM stereo dual magnet generator body as the rest of the VM95 family.
Most traditional 78rpm SP records, however, carry monaural modulation.
Audio-Technica therefore recommends using a MONO function on your stereo phono stage or amplifier where available.
Why Use the Mono Setting?
Combining the left and right channels for a mono record can help reduce noise components that differ between the two groove walls.
This can be particularly useful with old shellac records where groove wear, scratches and surface contamination are common.
If Your Amplifier Has a Mono Button, Use It
For conventional playback of monaural 78rpm records through the AT-VM95SP, Audio-Technica recommends engaging the MONO function where your equipment provides one.
Useful for Historic Record Archiving
The stereo generator can also be useful for more sophisticated archival work.
A suitable specialist phono stage or archival equaliser may allow the operator to monitor:
- Combined left and right channels
- Left groove wall only
- Right groove wall only
- A variable combination of the two channels
This can help when one side of an old groove is substantially more damaged than the other.
2.7mV Output
Audio-Technica specifies:
2.7mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.
This is lower than the 3.5mV and 4.0mV figures used by several of the stereo VM95 configurations, but it remains a conventional moving-magnet output.
47k-Ohm Loading
The recommended load impedance is:
47,000 ohms.
The cartridge is therefore intended for a conventional moving-magnet phono stage.
Use an MM Phono Input
The AT-VM95SP is not a moving-coil cartridge.
If your phono stage provides selectable MM and MC modes, use the moving-magnet setting.
100–200pF Recommended Capacitance
Audio-Technica specifies total load capacitance of:
100–200pF.
This can include the capacitance of the tonearm wiring, phono cable and phono-stage input.
VM Dual Magnet Generator
Like every cartridge in the VM95 family, the AT-VM95SP uses Audio-Technica's VM stereo dual magnet architecture.
The advantage here is not only the generator design itself, but the interchangeable body platform it creates.
The SP stylus can be fitted directly to the same cartridge body used for conventional LP playback.
T.P. Copper Coils
The generator uses T.P. copper coil wire.
Internal electrical specifications include:
- Coil impedance: 3.3k ohms at 1kHz
- DC resistance: 485 ohms
- Coil inductance: 550mH at 1kHz
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
Audio-Technica specifies:
20Hz–20kHz.
This reflects the complete SP stylus, aluminium cantilever and VM generator configuration.
1.5dB Output Channel Balance
Audio-Technica specifies:
1.5dB at 1kHz.
The cartridge remains a stereo-output body even though its intended source material is predominantly monaural.
Aluminium-Pipe Cantilever
The bonded 3mil conical diamond is mounted to an aluminium-pipe cantilever.
This transfers the movement of the stylus into the VM95 electromagnetic generator.
SP-Specific Compliance
The SP stylus uses a much stiffer suspension than the standard stereo VM95 styli.
Audio-Technica specifies:
- Static compliance: 12 x 10-6cm/dyne
- Dynamic compliance: 2 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz
This extremely low dynamic compliance is consistent with the considerably higher tracking force required for 78rpm playback.
23-Degree Vertical Tracking Angle
Audio-Technica specifies a:
23-degree vertical tracking angle.
6.1g Cartridge Weight
The bare AT-VM95SP weighs:
6.1g.
This is the same cartridge-body weight used by the other VM95 configurations.
M2.6 Threaded Mounting
The cartridge body incorporates two threaded M2.6 mounting inserts.
This allows it to attach directly to a standard half-inch headshell or suitable integral tonearm without separate cartridge nuts.
No Fiddly Mounting Nuts
Threaded mounting provides several practical benefits:
- No separate mounting nuts
- Easier physical installation
- Simpler alignment adjustment
- Reduced chance of dropping small hardware
- Secure cartridge-to-headshell coupling
The complete cartridge is supplied with pairs of 8mm and 11mm M2.6 screws plus two washers.
AT-VM95SP/H Pre-Mounted Headshell Option
The third option on this page is:
AT-VM95SP/H.
This combines the AT-VM95SP cartridge with Audio-Technica's AT-HS6BK aluminium headshell.
The complete combination is assembled and tested at Audio-Technica's factory in Fukui, Japan.
15.5g Complete Headshell Assembly
The AT-VM95SP/H weighs:
15.5g.
Its overall dimensions are:
21.2mm H x 21.4mm W x 62.4mm D.
A Particularly Useful Option for 78rpm Collectors
The pre-mounted version makes particular sense if you regularly alternate between LP and 78rpm playback.
With a compatible removable-headshell tonearm, you can keep:
- Your normal LP cartridge or stylus setup on one headshell
- The AT-VM95SP dedicated to another headshell
- Each assembly safely stored when not in use
You will still need to reset tracking force and anti-skate when changing between the two assemblies.
Check Headshell Compatibility
The AT-HS6BK uses an H-4 / SME-type bayonet connection intended for compatible removable-headshell tonearms.
Physical connection does not automatically guarantee correct geometry or counterweight range for every turntable.
Contact Audio T if you are unsure whether the AT-VM95SP/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 headshell, but final setup should still be checked on your tonearm.
This includes:
- Overhang
- 5.0g tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Counterweight range
- Tonearm height where appropriate
AT-VMN95SP Replacement Stylus
If you already own any standard VM95 cartridge body, you can choose:
AT-VMN95SP.
This is the bonded 3mil conical replacement stylus assembly only.
It slides into the front of the existing VM95 body, allowing the cartridge itself to remain mounted to the tonearm.
Turn Your Existing VM95 Into a 78rpm Cartridge
The AT-VMN95SP is compatible with the body used by:
- AT-VM95C
- AT-VM95E
- AT-VM95EN
- AT-VM95ML
- AT-VM95SH
- AT-VM95SP
You May Only Need the Stylus
If you already have a correctly fitted VM95 cartridge and your turntable provides 78rpm speed, adding SP playback can be as simple as buying the AT-VMN95SP.
Just remember to change the tracking force and anti-skate to the SP settings before playing a 78.
Can I Swap Back to an LP Stylus Afterwards?
Yes.
That is one of the main attractions of using the interchangeable VM95 body.
For example, the same cartridge body could use:
- AT-VMN95ML for conventional LP playback
- AT-VMN95SP for 78rpm playback
Always Reset the Tonearm
AT-VMN95ML normally operates at approximately 2.0g.
AT-VMN95SP operates at approximately 5.0g.
The ability to interchange the styli does not mean their tracking-force settings are interchangeable.
AT-VM95SP Versus a Standard VM95 Stylus
Standard LP VM95 Stylus
- Designed for microgroove LP and 45rpm records
- Much smaller stylus profile
- Typical tracking force around 2g
- C, E, EN, ML or SH options
- Intended for conventional stereo vinyl playback
AT-VMN95SP
- Designed for wide-groove 78rpm SP records
- 3mil bonded conical stylus
- 4.5–5.5g tracking force
- 5.0g standard setting
- 2.7mV cartridge output
- Monaural source material
The Complete VM95 Stylus Family
AT-VM95C
Bonded Conical for LP and 45rpm
AT-VM95E
Bonded Elliptical
AT-VM95EN
Nude Elliptical
AT-VM95ML
Nude Microlinear
AT-VM95SP
3mil Conical for 78rpm
SP Is Not a Performance Upgrade Over ML or SH
The VM95SP should not be thought of as sitting above or below the stereo VM95 models in a conventional performance hierarchy.
It exists for a completely different record format.
If you play conventional stereo LPs, choose between C, E, EN, ML or SH.
If you want to play wide-groove 78rpm SP records, choose SP.
What About Stylus Life?
Audio-Technica gives around 500 hours as its general guide for conical diamond styli.
This should be treated as a maintenance guide rather than an exact expiry point, particularly with historic records where groove condition and contamination can vary dramatically.
Keeping both the record and stylus clean remains important.
Stylus Care
Historic records can carry substantial amounts of dirt and surface contamination.
Useful habits include:
- Clean records appropriately before playback
- Keep loose dust away from the stylus
- Use a suitable stylus-cleaning brush
- Brush gently in the direction of record travel
- Avoid sideways pressure on the cantilever
- Use the tonearm cueing mechanism where practical
- Keep different VM95 styli safely stored when not in use
A Moving-Magnet Phono Stage Is Required
The normal signal path is:
Turntable ? MM phono stage ? amplifier.
Where your equipment provides a mono function, this can then be engaged for conventional monaural SP playback.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Professional Setup
Correct AT-VM95SP installation can involve:
- Confirming that the turntable supports 78rpm
- Checking tonearm compatibility
- Selecting appropriate M2.6 mounting screws
- Setting cartridge alignment
- Setting 5.0g tracking force
- Setting suitable bias or anti-skate
- Checking counterweight adjustment
- Checking moving-magnet phono-stage compatibility
- Using mono playback where available
- Resetting the tonearm correctly when returning to LP playback
If you are unsure about any of these settings, speak to your local Audio T store before playing valuable historic records.
Who Is the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP For?
Well Suited To
- Collectors of 78rpm records
- Historic shellac record playback
- Existing VM95 owners wanting to add 78rpm capability
- Turntables providing 78rpm speed
- Compatible removable-headshell tonearms
- Customers wanting a dedicated SP headshell assembly
- Basic historic-record archiving
- Systems with conventional MM phono stages
Check Before Buying
- Your turntable must support 78rpm
- 3mil stylus is for SP records, not LPs
- 2.7mV moving-magnet output
- 47k-ohm loading
- 100–200pF recommended capacitance
- 4.5–5.5g tracking-force range
- 5.0g standard tracking force
- Tracking force must be reset when changing styli
- Anti-skate must also be reset
- Headshell version requires compatible tonearm geometry
Key Features
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP
- Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SP
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP/H
- Designed for 78rpm SP records
- VM stereo dual magnet body
- 3mil conical stylus
- Bonded round-shank diamond
- Aluminium-pipe cantilever
- Interchangeable VM95 stylus system
- Compatible with all six VM95 stylus assemblies
- 2.7mV 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
- 1.5dB output channel balance
- 23-degree vertical tracking angle
- 12 x 10-6cm/dyne static compliance
- 2 x 10-6cm/dyne dynamic compliance
- 4.5–5.5g tracking-force range
- 5.0g standard tracking force
- 6.1g cartridge weight
- M2.6 threaded mounting inserts
- Half-inch cartridge mounting
- AT-HS6BK pre-mounted option
- 15.5g pre-mounted assembly
- Mono playback recommended where available
- 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-VM95SP cartridge, AT-VMN95SP replacement stylus or AT-VM95SP/H cartridge pre-mounted to an AT-HS6BK headshell.
What is the AT-VM95SP designed for?
It is specifically designed for playback of wide-groove 78rpm SP records.
What stylus does it use?
A bonded 3mil conical diamond with a round shank.
Why is the stylus so much larger?
Traditional 78rpm SP records use substantially wider grooves than modern microgroove LPs, so they require a larger stylus profile.
Can I play LPs with the AT-VMN95SP?
No. The 3mil SP stylus is not intended for conventional 33? or 45rpm microgroove records.
Can I play a 78 with my normal AT-VM95E stylus?
You should use a proper SP stylus. A conventional LP stylus is too small for the wider 78rpm groove and can sit too deeply within it.
Does my turntable need a 78rpm speed?
Yes. Installing an SP stylus does not change turntable speed. The turntable itself must be capable of operating at approximately 78rpm.
Are all old 78 records exactly 78rpm?
Not necessarily. Historic recording speeds varied, so turntables with pitch adjustment can be useful when playing or archiving older records.
What tracking force does the AT-VM95SP use?
Audio-Technica specifies 4.5–5.5g with 5.0g as the standard setting.
Why is that much higher than the other VM95 styli?
The SP stylus uses a much stiffer suspension designed for the wider groove, higher rotational speed and characteristics of historic SP records.
Should I set anti-skate to 5?
Audio-Technica recommends approximately 5 where the turntable allows it. If the anti-skate control does not extend that far, its current guidance is to use the maximum available setting.
What happens when I change back to my LP stylus?
Reset both tracking force and anti-skate to the correct values for the LP stylus before playing a record.
Is the AT-VM95SP a mono cartridge?
The AT-VM95SP uses the stereo VM95 dual magnet cartridge body but is intended for monaural SP records.
Should I use the mono button on my amplifier?
Audio-Technica recommends using the MONO function where available to help reduce record surface noise when playing monaural SP records.
What output does it produce?
2.7mV 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 20kHz.
What is the output channel balance?
1.5dB at 1kHz.
What is the dynamic compliance?
2 x 10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz.
What is the static compliance?
12 x 10-6cm/dyne.
How much does the bare cartridge weigh?
The AT-VM95SP weighs 6.1g.
Does the cartridge require mounting nuts?
No. The body has integrated M2.6 threaded inserts.
Can I fit AT-VMN95SP to my AT-VM95E?
Yes. All six genuine VM95 replacement styli fit the same electromagnetic cartridge body.
Can I fit AT-VMN95SP to AT-VM95ML or AT-VM95SH?
Yes. The SP stylus is physically compatible with the same VM95 body used by the ML and SH.
Do I need to buy another cartridge body for 78rpm records?
Not if you already own a working VM95 cartridge. You can fit the AT-VMN95SP stylus to your existing body and change the tonearm settings accordingly.
Would a separate headshell make swapping easier?
For a compatible removable-headshell tonearm, keeping the SP cartridge on its own AT-HS6BK headshell can make regular switching between LP and 78rpm setups more convenient.
How much does the AT-VM95SP/H weigh?
The complete cartridge and AT-HS6BK headshell assembly weighs 15.5g.
Does AT-VM95SP/H arrive set up for my turntable?
The cartridge is mounted and tested on the headshell by Audio-Technica, but final overhang, tracking force, anti-skate and counterweight setup should still be checked on your particular tonearm.
How long does the SP stylus last?
Audio-Technica gives around 500 hours as its general guide for conical diamond styli. Actual life depends heavily on record condition, cleanliness, setup and use.
Where can I read more about the VM95 family?
Read our Audio T guide to the Audio-Technica VM95 family, covering all six stylus types plus the cartridge, stylus and headshell options.
Can Audio T help me set it up for 78rpm playback?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss turntable speed compatibility, cartridge fitting, tracking force, anti-skate, headshell options and correct switching between LP and SP playback.
Related Audio-Technica VM95 Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- 78rpm turntable compatibility advice
- SP cartridge and stylus guidance
- VM95 replacement stylus advice
- Headshell compatibility checks
- Turntable and cartridge matching
- Moving-magnet phono-stage advice
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- 5g SP tracking-force setup
- Bias and anti-skate adjustment
- LP and 78rpm stylus switching guidance
- Historic record playback advice
- Turntable setup and optimisation
- Stylus-care advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you are unsure whether you need the complete AT-VM95SP cartridge, AT-VMN95SP replacement stylus or AT-VM95SP/H headshell version, or if you would like help setting your turntable up correctly for 78rpm records.