Audio-Technica AT-VM95E MM Cartridge

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is a moving-magnet cartridge with an elliptical stylus, whose stylus assembly can be swapped for any other stylus in the VM95 series.

That makes it two things at once: the uncomplicated replacement when the factory stylus gets tired after a few thousand groove-kilometres — and the entry point into a modular system that grows with your standards. Neutral, dynamic, solidly built.

Why the AT-VM95E?

Because it gets the obvious things right. The housing has threaded inserts, so you mount it with two screws instead of fumbling with nuts under the platter. The 4.0 mV output voltage suits any ordinary MM phono input. And because every model in the VM95 series shares the same body, all you need for more sound later is a finer stylus — the cartridge, once aligned, stays right where it is.

What you hear

A balanced, alert sound with clean top-end resolution and decent drive. The elliptical grind at 0.3 × 0.7 mil sits more precisely in the groove than a spherical stylus and audibly pulls more detail with less distortion out of the inner grooves — exactly where budget cartridges usually start to struggle first.

Who is the AT-VM95E for?

For anyone with an entry-level or mid-range turntable who wants to replace a worn stylus or cleanly upgrade their factory cartridge. Plain talk: on a high-end deck with an MC-capable phono stage, the VM95E is underused — there it's worth looking at an MC cartridge instead. And if you're already eyeing a Microlinear or Shibata stylus, you might as well go straight there, since the body is the same anyway.

Our verdict

An honest workhorse without airs: lots of music, little effort, and an upgrade path that later needs no change of cartridge. If you like, we'll mount, align and weigh it for you ready to go at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil — tracking force included.

Technical data

• Type: MM (VM Stereo Dual Magnet)
• Stylus grind: elliptical (bonded), 0.3 × 0.7 mil
• Cantilever: aluminium tube
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Tracking force: 1.8–2.2 g (standard 2.0 g)
• Frequency response: 20–22,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 20 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel balance: 2.0 dB (1 kHz)
• Load resistance: 47 kOhm
• Recommended load capacitance: 100–200 pF
• Coil impedance: 3.3 kOhm (1 kHz)
• DC resistance: 485 Ohm
• Compliance: static 17 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne, dynamic 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)
• Vertical tracking angle: 23°
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 18.9 × 17.2 × 28.3 mm
• Weight: 6.1 g
• Mount: half-inch (½"), standard mounting pattern
• Matching replacement stylus: AT-VMN95E (all six styli in the VM95 series interchangeable)
• Included: cartridge, 2 mounting screws 11 mm, 2 mounting screws 8 mm, 2 washers

Frequently asked questions

Which turntables come with the AT-VM95E fitted at the factory?

Among others, the Thorens TD 402 DD and the TD 102 A ship with the AT-VM95E as standard equipment. Thanks to its half-inch mount, it also fits practically any tonearm with a standard mounting pattern or detachable headshell — a universal replacement for many entry-level and mid-range turntables.

Which replacement stylus fits the AT-VM95E?

The AT-VMN95E is the matching elliptical replacement stylus. You keep the cartridge and just pull off the stylus. Because every model in the VM95 series shares the same body, the VMN95C, VMN95EN, VMN95ML, VMN95SH and the 78 rpm stylus VMN95SP fit too — swap the stylus instead of the whole cartridge.

What phono input does the AT-VM95E need?

An MM phono input with 47 kilohm load resistance; 100 to 200 picofarad capacitance is recommended. Almost any integrated amplifier with a phono socket and any MM phono preamp will do. If your amplifier has no phono input, you'll also need a separate phono preamp — we'll tell you which one suits your turntable.

How do I set the tracking force correctly?

Audio-Technica specifies 1.8 to 2.2 grams, with 2.0 grams standard. Balance the tonearm to zero first, then turn the counterweight to the value. A tonearm scale works more precisely than the counterweight's markings — and it's noticeably kinder to your records.

Why buy the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E from HD Zürisee?

Because years of experience tell us which stylus suits which turntable, and we'll professionally mount, align and set the tracking force on request. Our team in Wädenswil gives you honest advice — by phone on 044 680 22 00, by WhatsApp to 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or by email at shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

If only the stylus is tired, you'll find the matching AT-VMN95E replacement stylus under Accessories. More cartridges are listed under Cartridges, matching turntables under Turntables, and the amplification you need under Phono Preamps. Everything about the black disc lives under All Vinyl, and the right connecting cable under Cables.