Audio-Technica AT-VMN95E Replacement Stylus (AT-VM95E)

The Audio-Technica AT-VMN95E is the original elliptical replacement stylus for the moving-magnet cartridges of the VM95 series.

Styli are wear parts – even the best one eventually sees its share of grooves. Instead of replacing the whole cartridge, you pull off the old stylus, snap on the fresh one, and your turntable plays cleanly again. One simple move, no tools, no realigning the tonearm.

Why the AT-VMN95E?

Because the elliptical diamond tip follows the groove's modulations more precisely than a conical one – according to Audio-Technica this gives better frequency and phase response with lower distortion. And because all six cartridges in the VM95 series use the same electromagnetic generator: the series' six styli are fully interchangeable with one another. That means you can upgrade later just by swapping the stylus, without realigning the cartridge.

What you get

A bonded elliptical diamond at 0.3 × 0.7 mil on an aluminium cantilever, in Audio-Technica's original green stylus assembly. After the swap, the highs open up again instead of sounding dull, sibilants stay clean, and loud passages no longer collapse prematurely – exactly the state you'd gotten used to before the stylus wore out.

Who is the AT-VMN95E for?

For anyone with a VM95-series cartridge in their tonearm – it comes fitted at the factory in, for example, Thorens turntables like the TD 102 A or the TD 402 DD. Plain talk: if you want more resolution anyway, switch straight to EN, ML or SH when you change the stylus – same body, finer grind, and upgrading via the plug-in principle is almost dangerously easy. If you're still running an older AT95E or AT95EX, though, this isn't for you: different cartridge body, the styli aren't interchangeable.

Our verdict

The least dramatic way to bring a turntable back into shape: original stylus, elliptical grind, fitted in seconds – and the series keeps the door open for a later upgrade. If you're not sure whether it's really just the stylus or the whole cartridge that needs replacing, get in touch with HD Zürisee in Wädenswil: 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: original replacement stylus (stylus assembly) for VM95-series cartridges
• Stylus grind: elliptical, bonded (bonded round shank)
• Tip radius: 0.3 × 0.7 mil
• Cantilever: aluminium tube
• Matching cartridges: all six VM95-series bodies (AT-VM95C, AT-VM95E, AT-VM95EN, AT-VM95ML, AT-VM95SH, AT-VM95SP)
• Not compatible: AT95E and AT95EX (different cartridge body)
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8–2.2 g, standard value 2.0 g (manufacturer spec for the AT-VM95E)
• Recommended service life: around 300 hours (manufacturer spec for elliptical VM95-series styli)
• Mounting: tool-free plug-in, no need to realign the cartridge
• Stylus assembly colour code: green
• Dimensions and weight: not specified by Audio-Technica for the stylus assembly

Frequently asked questions

Does the AT-VMN95E fit all VM95-series cartridges?

Yes. Audio-Technica builds all six VM95 cartridges with the same electromagnetic generator, so the series' six styli are fully interchangeable with one another. The elliptical AT-VMN95E therefore fits any VM95 body – from the AT-VM95C to the AT-VM95SP. Plug it in, check the tracking force, done. There's no need to realign the cartridge in the tonearm.

Can I fit a different VM95 stylus on the same body?

Yes. The series comprises six styli: AT-VMN95C (conical), AT-VMN95E (elliptical), AT-VMN95EN (nude elliptical), AT-VMN95ML (Microlinear), AT-VMN95SH (Shibata) and AT-VMN95SP (for 78 rpm shellac). All fit the same body. So you can upgrade just by swapping the stylus, without realigning the cartridge – a finer grind pulls more out of the groove.

What tracking force do I need?

Audio-Technica specifies 1.8 to 2.2 grams for the AT-VM95E, with 2.0 grams standard. Set the tracking force cleanly once after the stylus swap and check the anti-skating at the same time. Tracking too light damages the record more than too heavy – both should stay within the manufacturer's stated range.

How often do I need to replace the stylus?

Audio-Technica quotes around 300 operating hours as a guideline for elliptical VM95-series styli; conical ones last about 500 hours, Shibata around 800 and Microlinear around 1000. How long it takes for you depends on record condition, cleanliness and tracking force. If it sounds dull or sibilant, the stylus is due – a worn tip damages the groove.

Does the AT-VMN95E also fit an AT95E?

No. The VM95 series has a different body from the older AT95E and AT95EX, and the styli aren't interchangeable. For an AT95E you need the matching ATN95E. If you're not sure which cartridge is in your turntable: give us a quick call or send a photo, and we'll tell you what fits.

Why buy the Audio-Technica AT-VMN95E from HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you whether it's really just the stylus that needs replacing or the whole cartridge – and because we'll handle the swap, including tracking force and anti-skating, on request. Our experienced team in Wädenswil knows the VM95 series from everyday use, not just from the datasheet. Call or write to us.

Goes well with

If you'd rather replace the whole cartridge or switch to a finer grind, you'll find the range under Cartridges. The rest of the brand's range is under Audio-Technica, matching turntables under Turntables – and everything about the record, from brush to record-washing machine, under All Vinyl and All Accessories.